The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1915-08-14

|
ut was awfully good of you to
come" he continued How did you
manage to get away so early?"
II didn't 80 on tonight IL wanted
to see you." she replied.
! Not half 50 much as wanted to
see you. am sure. Come, sit down
and make yourself comforta ble," he
urged. reaching for cushion on the
sofa and placing it against the back of
the easy chair in which she had sat
before. II want you to feel that you
are at home whenever you do me the
honor to pay me visit. And now
that you have come once | hope you
will come often. Let me take your
cloak"
"Oh, no, thank you. Mr.. Crawford"
she refused. II can't stay, really. I've
got to get back to the theater right
away"
Never mind about that-that'll be all
right" he said reassuringly. They
won't make any trouble. | stand pref
ty we'll at the Long Acre. and III
square it for you"
1T isn't the theater. it's The fact
Is I'm in great trouble" she explained.
I'm great trouble? Dear me. What's
the matter?"
Il must have that note tonight"
What note?'
The note l-l-signed-the note for
$500. Father and mother are in front.
l dare not see them unless have it.
AS soon as learned they were there
l was so frightened. SO upset. that l
came away without stopping u minute.
just as was. to get it."
Crawford looked grave.
DO they know about it?" he asked
anxiously.
"Oh. no." she answered. She was on
the point Of telling him that she had
confessed everything to Patsy. but she
thought better Of 1t and refrained.
His geniality returned Immediately.
He asked:
"Then If nobody knows anythir.
about it what is there to be afraid of:''
I'm afraid Of everything. I'm Il
forger! Why did you make me for
ger? l didn't know. Oh. I'm horribly
afraid"
"Whew" he whistled. IA forger,
That's a hard word. wouldn't take
such a tragic view of 1t If l were you."
She sank into the chair and covered
her face with her hands. They were
pretty hands. despite her apprentice
ship at Homework at home, and her
arms We're white and we'll nodded, He
noted every detail of them with the
critical appreciation Of an expert and
marveled at their perfection Of form.
He saw. further. that tears were trick
ling between her fingers. The sight
caused him real concern. and he was
moved to pity and tenderness. He.
took one hand gently from her face,
held 1t between his own hands and
pressed his lips to the tins of the.
fingers
Don't cry" lie cntrcate,l. Don't do
that"
ITO think could do such a thine.-'
she sobbed. ITO think-oh. l have been
very wicked and very foolish"
NO, no." he assured her soothinply.
ut is nothing. You take the matter
far too seriously"
lie took the fingers one by one and
kissed the tip Of each. She offered no
resistance. He drew her other hand
down and kissed her eyes, wet with
tears.
"Oh. Mr.. Crawford" she painted, sud
denly struggling up and recoiing from
him. "Don't-plcase don'tw
The cloak rose and fell with the hear-
Ing of her bosom. He followed her.
his eyes glistening. but Il knock at the
door caused him to wheel about
what is IT," he demanded.
Its me. sir. May | come INF" re-
piled Rogers voice.
"Yes. come in. What is it?"
The valet entered aud closed the door
behind him.
IFS MIR. Mallory calling, SIR" he in
formed him.
Hang Mallory" growled Crawford.
Don't you know enough to send him
to Jericho WREN ! have lady here?
Tell him I'm not in. Tell him to call
tonorrOw-next week-next year"
"Yes. sir: beg pardon, sir. knew,
of course. that his visit wouldn't be
welcome just now. but he telephoned
earlier In the evening that he wanted
10 see you on very important business,
and told him you'd be here about
this time I'm sorry. sir. but | didn't
think you'd be engaged. He's in the
hall. sir. and heard you answer my
knock"
Crawford was visibly annoyed.
Nora stood absolutely paralyzed with
fear.
whats be doing In town?" he asked |
her.
HE came up with mother and ia
ther," she explained.
He thought moment.
II wonder what he wants." he NUT
tered. perhaps l had better see him.
inasmuch as he knows l am here"
But began Nora, turning even
paler.
''That's all right" he said, going to
the door beside the bookcase and open
ing it. you wait In here. I'll get rid
of him as soon us can. Rogers, show
him in"
The room was his bedroom. He al.
most pushed Nora In, closed the door.
took some writing material out Of
drawer of the table, seated himself
and made pretense Of being very
busy.
MIR. Mallory" announced Rogers.
lshorinp the visitor in