Evening star., 1915-02-07

ations in person. wonder whether it would be pos
sible for you to obtain introduction for me?7
Levenden somewhat aattered. 81 cannot abso-
lutely promise, Sir James, he answered, "as Miss
Cluey makes it rule to receive anyone in her
room feel, however, that if ever there in
which exception possible it is yours If you will
round with behind she has wait of
reary half hour. will send message into her
This way, if you don't mind
A MESSAGE was sent in to Miss Cluey and in
moment two the reply came-Miss Cluley
would be very glad indeed to receive Sir James Bond
man for few minutes. Levenden himself accompanied
the physician and uttered word of introduction. Sybil
received them pleasantly, but with some slight sign of
surprise. AS the manager had departed Sir
James abandoned his more conventional attitude
"Miss Cluley,' he said, Il have come und to
you acting entirely upon impulse which hold
you however, responsible. 1t is your words spoken
in that wonderful which have just listened that
have inspired with this-I fear you may call it pre-
sumptuous- resolution
She smiled at him, perpexed but gracious. "Pray say
just whatever you like, Sir James, she invited. "You
really need no introduction to have heard very
dear friend of mine speak of you often"
at about that friend and his wife," Sir James
tinued gravely "that l should like to speak YOU
slight shadow crossed Sybis face. She motioned
her visitor to a chair and changed her place Il do
not quite understand, she said; "but willing-I
shall be very peased-to hear anything you think it
we'll to say to me-"
her. @When I came to the theater this evening had
idea that should find you the sort of young lady to
whom should care to say what am about to say. But
atter myself that am judge of character. believe
that am doing wise thing in yielding to impulse
and in seeking this interview"
@Of course Sybi reminded him pleasantly, Il
finding all this very mysterious
"The mysteries will disappear very soon, Sir James
went on; Sin fact, am going to speak very plainly in
deed Jeryn Annerley is the of my oldest friend.
world: |
life Lucille, his wife, have known too since she
baby. You understand therefore, that l take an
interest in them both"
u can understand that Sybn admitted. @What I
cannot understand
wait" the physician begged 4Miss Cluley, be
patient with me if clumsy l am an old man, and
such gifts have of the tongue and although
my profession it is supposed to be questionable,
have heart. These young people have been married
what is it?-less than year, at any rate few days
ago Lady Annerley came to me patient She
to ask only few weary questions. examined her.
There nothing wrong. Yet, Miss Cluley, 1
going to place my whole professional position in your
hands when tell you the truth-the truth that did
not tell her. Although my actual words true
when told her that there nothing the matter it
nevertheless also true that unless change takes
place in the manner of her life Lucille will not live
SYBIL looked the at him steadily. For
several moments she said nothing. In the distance
they could hear the orchestra tuning up; outside,
the rumbng of feet in the corridor, fragments of
versation creaking of ropes as the scene shftes
attended to their duties. But in the there
silence Syb1l was looking intently into the stern,
calm face of the man, who had seated himself on the
edge of easy chair few feet away.
you must please go now,' she said at last. "You
have told me much; more, should think than you
have any right to tell me. You must tell why you
are here"
a have to you, Miss Cluley,7 Sir James con-