The Spectator., 1915-01-08

door without making any noise, and putting his ear to the panel, listened intently. No sound! Whoever they were, they were quiet enough! But who could 1t possibly be? Again he listened at the door, and at first heard nothing but the distant roar of the elevated cars, and the tense audible" silence of the sleeping tenement. Then faint stirring and-was it a sigh?- came to him from within the room. This was sound not to be withstood, and, very gently, he turned the door knob, at the same time fitting in his latch-key. Then, with a swift stealthy movement that was like panther's maneuver, he opened the door a crack, slid through, and quickly closing 1t after him, stood motionless with his back against it. A curious scene met his gaze.
 Two old Spanish lamps that hung from the ceiling had been lighted, and on the hearth glowed the embers of dying fire. By the soft red light of these the room took shape, and gigantic shadows stirred in the cor ners.
 At first the apartment seemed unoc- cupied. but a second glance showed this impression to be a mistaken one. for even as he turned toward the couch, there was a gentle stirring among the cushions and one of them, jarring a stand full of long -stemmed roses near by, sent a shower of crim- son petals fluttering over the sleeping form of Iris herself.
 "Dios!" whispered Pedro.
 For a breath or two he stood staring down at her, and then, being careful not to awaken her, he drew up large armchair to the opposite side of the hearth, and dropping into 1t, sat re- garding her intently, his hands clasped about his knees, his head bowed.
 That Iris had been at a ball or fes tivity of some sort was plain from the gown she wore.
 Her hair seemed washed with melt ed gold, after the manner of the an cients, and her carmine lips half parted
  have been stained with henna, so red they were-so very red-like wounded poppy-and her skin was so very, very white, yet creamy, too.
 Princess of the past ages" he mur- mured softly, your soul shines through the flesh of today!"
 Pedro arose, and bending over her, brushed a new-fallen petal from her lips. And Iris awoke, looking at him with love fin her eyes.
 ''I knew you would come tonight" she said smiling. Something told me SOL"
 She held out her hands. and he as sisted her to sitting posture.
 What made you think I would be here tonight?" he asked. his voice still low and level q did not know it my self"
 'I was not sure, of course!" she pro tested Tt was only that I felt you might be, and I-oh, l was mad to come, l suppose, and you will think me -. yet, l could not stay away. Something seemed calling and calling me! Are you not glad to see me? I -oh-say you are glad. for I am so ashamed!" She had arisen and stood before him with downcast head
 Why" said Pedro.
 An! If you need to ask that, then I am not ashamed," she cried. You always understand! knew you would that is, if you were here at all!"
 This time l do not quite under stand. Madonna" said Pedro, but you are very gracious. Will you not be seated?"
 'I was frightened when I came in here" she confessed. The studio is so vast at night. and so full of shad- ows, and then. coming up the stairs t. that is, the unusualness of 1t all, you know! And l have been so worried about you."
 But why?" he asked again.
 The paper that 1 signedl" she laughed nervously, her fingers stray ing to the truant locks of his hair. "The paper, and the mad way in which you seized upon it. Then this mys- terious absence without warning. And yet l knew you would return; my presence here proves my faith in your ability to win out. Have you any news?"
 Not yet" he said. thinking 1t best to let Hill tell his own story in his own time. But tell me. Madonna lady, Is it conventional in America for young ladies in society to go about alone at such an hour as this?"
 He was watching her intently as he spoke. and she, wondering how inno- cent the speech was, felt the hot blood to her forehead.
 "No-no!" she stammered, but we :. surely you understand! No one keeps account of my coming or go- ing, and as far as my household is con- cerned. might easily be at the dance until even later than this! Then we