The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-05-19

great surprise.
Her keen eye had not missed the
fact that several of her letters lay
scattered over the top of the desk.
What are you doing with my let
ters. Mr.. Kennedy" she asked. In an
astonished tone. evidently resenting
the unceremoniousnes with which he
had apparently been overhauling her
correspondence.
As guardedly as possible, Kennedy
met her inquiry, which could not
myself blame her for making.
Il beg your pardon. Miss Dodge"
he said, but matter has Just come
up which necessitated merely cur
sorry examination Of some purely for
nal letters which might have an i'm
portant bearing on the discovery of
the Clutching Hand. Your aunt had
no idea where you were, nor when you
might return. and the absolute neces-
sity for haste In such an important
matter is my only excuse for examin-
ing few minor letters without first
obtaining your permission"
She said nothing. At another time
such an explanation would have been
instantly accepted. Now. however. it
was different.
Kennedy read the look on her face
and an instant later turned to Aunt
Josephine and myself.
Il would very much appreciate a
chance to say a few words to Miss
Dodge alone" he intimated. Il have
had no such opportunity for some
time. II you would be so kind as to
leave us in the library-for a few min.
utes-"
He did not finish the sentence.
Aunt Josephine had already begun to
withdraw and | followed
For moment or two Craig and
Elaine looked at each other, neither
saying word. each wondering just
what was in the others mind.
Craig cleared his throat, the obvious
manner of covering up his emotion.
Elaine" he said at length, dropping
the recent return to Miss Dodge" for
the moment. Elaine, is there any
truth in this mornings newspaper re-
port of-of you9"
She had dropped her eyes. But he
persisted, taking newspaper clipping
from his pocket and handing it to her
Her hand trembled as she glanced
over the item:
SOCIETY NOTES.
Dame Rumor Is connecting the
name of Miss Elaine Dodge, the
heiress, with that OF Perry Ben
nett, the famous young lawyer.
The announcement Of an engage
ment between them at any time
would not surprise.
Elaine read no farther. She handed
back the clipping to Kennedy. AS her
eyes met his she noticed his express
sion of deep concern. and hesitated
with III. reply she had evidently been
Just about to make
Still, as she lowered her head. it
seemed TO give silsnt confirmation to
the truth OF the newspaper report.
Kennedy said nothing, but his eyes
continued to stcdy her face.
He suppressed his feelings with
great effort then. without a word.
bowed and left the room.
Walter" hA exclaimed as he re-
Joined us in the drawing room. where
/ was chatting with Aunt Josephine.
we must be of again. The trail fol-
lows still farther"
An hour or so later. Elaine, whose
mind was now in a whirl from what
had happened, decided to make call
on her lawyer aud the confidant of her
father. Perry Bennett.
As Elaine entered his private office.
Bennett rose to greet her etfusively
and they exchanged a few words.
Il mustn't forget to thank you for
those lovely roses you sent me-" she
exclaimed at length "They were
beautiful, and I appreciated them ever
so much"
A moment later Bennett led the
conversation around until he found an
opportunity TO make tactful allusion
to the report of their engagement in
the morning papers.
He had leaned over, and now at.
tempted to take her hand. She with
drew 1t, however. There was some
thing about his touch which, try as
she might. she could not like. Was II
mere prejudice or was it her keen
woman's intuition?
Bennett looked at her a moment,
suppressing momentary fash of an,
ger that had Redeemed his face, and
controlled himself as if by a super.
human effort.
Il believe you really love that man
Kennedy" he exclaimed in a tone that
was almost a hiss. But | tell you,
Elaine, he is all bluff Why, he has
been after that Clutching Hand now
for three months-and what has he
accomplished? Nothing"
He paused. Through Elaine's mind
there flashed the contrast with Ken.
nedy's even temper and deferential
manner
Bennett, by another effort, seemed
to grip his temper again. He paced
up and down the room. Then he
changed the subject abruptly, and the
conversation was resumed with some
constraint.
While Elaine and Bennett were talk
Ing Kennedy and had entered the Of
fee.