The Spectator., 1915-01-22

didn't like 1t. And oh! more than that, I did terrible things; that Is, they would have been terrible if Pedro had been man. l went there alone. The model told me l ought not to, and why; but was mad-1 did not really understand what she meant | And then, last night"-her voice sank to whisper and she kept looking fix edly at the floor-"last night l went to Pedros studio again alone | was desperate l didn't clearly know what l was doing. And he Chat was before l knew), Pedro, told me plainly, right out plainly | and l didn't care and at last he had to confess he was girl and oh! MT. Leigh, do you think Sam will ever forgive me for be- ing such a wicked fool? And do you think he will ever come back so that I can tell him how sorry l am that l ever picked that silly, wrong-headed quarrel with him? Oh, do you?'
 Leighs voice shook with emotion as he answered her. and he was glad that she did not look him in the face as he spoke, for he knew that at the moment it's expression had got be- yond his power of control
 Yes" he said unsteadily. it will all come right"
 He got to his feet. and took an un- certain step or two, the words she had just uttered concerning Pedro still ringing in his brain. The pace or two had, however, brought him facing the door. In it his eyes met a sight that would ordinarily have been sufficient to fill him with amazement, but Leigh was too much stunned by Iris uncon- scious confirmation of his own secret knowledge to feel any further emotion just then. But he managed to speak, and the words aroused Iris like magic
 "Yes.' he said feebly, "I think you will have the opportunity of apolo- gizing, for here comes Sam Hill now!"
 Then they both stared hard at the door, where, sure enough, Sam was standing, disguised as bear trainer. every detail of his costume complete. down to the very bear itself Iris gave d and behind him shadowed the tall figure of her father. She turned to her lover, her hands outstretched.
 Samuel" she said brokenly. and was gathered into his arms.
 Samuel beloved of the Lord!" nut tered Leigh, as he reeled out on to the balcony like drunken man. From the floor below came the rhythmic stamp of many heels, and the tinkling tune of the Spanish
 
 In the little room few explanations were taking place.
 sam. my son-to-be." said Wander neither my presence nor your docu- ment.'
 And Iris. still clinging to her lover, was sufficiently curious to ask:
 What document, father?"
 Why, this!" explained Hill. taking her pledge from his breast pocket with his free hand, and showing it to her.
 That" exclaimed Iris.
 "Of course, dearest" beamed Sam. Your father here will explain every thing and help me fulfil the con ditions-but you seem surprised, Didn't you send 1t to me?"
 With slow-dawning understanding, she looked from the document to his happy face.
 "Of course did. dear" said she. uttering her first wifely fib. And are you really safe. daddy"
 "I am in no danger of which l am aware" said Vanderpool Hill has the whole story, and l shall let him tell it."
 Then everything is all right" cried Hill. Come on, let's get out of this. Let's go to your house.
 Yes" assented Iris. wherewith the lovers went away. unheedful of the lonely man who bade them Godspeed, or of the bear. who had fallen asleep in dark corner.
 
 Meanwhile, Leigh. his heart like to burst with a hundred eliminated emo tions, sat by the balcony rail. and scanned the crowd in eager search for Pedro From this vantage point he saw Iris and Samuel take their de- parture. and then the music stopped. There was a futtering of hands. the ripple of applause died away. and the crowd broke up into groups, who laughed and ate with as little concern as though the world had not been changed forever for Leigh. Suddenly strange thing happened.
 The center of the floor was for the moment clear. and the musicians had retuned their Instruments. Then. above the gay murmur of the human voices walled the voice of the violin. the accompaniment throbbing softly below. For a moment or two no one danced. held back by that unwilling ness to be the first which always fol- lows the opening strains of a new measure. Then Leigh became con-