The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1916-05-12

VI sNAA N~LlPtNAC NoAANNAAEs hNltAf
OF course. was objectionable. But.
believe me. you have only TO say no.
and il shall be as you wish"
But" she persisted impatiently-
you haven't answered me: what is
this Impasse Stanislas?"
The address OF an artist know
Scion, the painter. We're going to take
possession Of his studiOresidence in
his absence. Don't worry: he won't
mind. He is under heavy obligation 10
me-I've sold several canvases for
him. and when he's away. as now. in
the States. he leaves me the keys. It's
a sober-minded, steady-paced neigh
borhood. where we can rest without
misgiyings and take our time to think
things out"
But" the girl began in an odd
tone.
Permit me-" he interposed hastily.
ito urge the facts OF the case upon
your consideration.
"Well?" she said in the same tone.
as he paused.
ITO begin With don't doubt you've
good reason for running away from
your father"
"A very real. very grave reason, I"
she affirmed quietly.
And you'd rather not go back"
THAT is out of the question:" with
restrained passion that almost won his
credulity.
"But you've no friends in Parish"
mot onei"
"And no money. So it seems, II
you're to elude your father, you must
find some place to hide pro TEN. As
for myself. I've not slept in forty-eight
hours and must rest before | can do
more. before I'll be able to think clear
~ and plan ahead. And we won't &C,
complish much riding round forever
in this miserable ark. So I offer you
the only solution I'm capable of adj
yancing under the circumstances
you are quite right" the girl agreed
after a moment. please don't think
me unappreciative. Indeed, il makes
me very unhappy to think know no
way to make amends for your trouble.
There may be a way" Lanyard in,
/ formed her quietly; "but wen not dis
cuss that until we've rested up bit.
q shall be only too glad" she be
gan, but broke off and, in silence
that seemed almost apprehensive
| eyed him speculatively throughout the
remainder of the journey.
Il wasn't long one, and in the
course Of the next ten minutes they
drew up at the end of a shallow pocket
OF street scant half-block in depth
Alighting, Lanyard helped the girl out
paid and dismissed the cocher, and
turned to an iron gate in high stone
wall crowned with spikes.
The grillework of that gate afforded
glimpses of small, dark garden and a
little house of two stories. BLANK
walls Of beetling tenements shouldered
both house and garden on either side
Unlocking the gate with ready key
Lanyard refastened it very carefully
repeated the business at the front door
of the house, and when they were Sc
! curely locked and bolted within darn
reception room, turned on the electric
light
Eut he granted the girl little NOR,
than time for a fugitive survey of thil
anteroom to an establishment O
unique artistic character.
"SoIon's living quarters are down
steirs here" he explained hurriedly
Hes unmarried, and lives quite
alone-his studio devil and the woman
who cares for things come in by the
day only-and SO he avoids that pest
of Partisan life, the concierge. With
your permission, I'll assign you to the
studio-up here"
And leading the way UP narrow
fight of steps, he had made light in
the huge room by the time the CIR
joined him.
"I believe you'll be comfortable" he
said. THAT divan yonder is as easy
a couch as one could wish-and there's
this door you can lock at the head Of
the staircase; while /, Of course, will
be on guard below. And now, Miss
Bannon-mless there's something else
l can do"
The girl answered with wan smile
and little broken sigh Almost in
voluntarily, In the heaviness Of hel
fatigue, she had surrendered to the
hospitable arms of huge lounge chair
Her weary glance ranged the luxuri
ously appointed studio and returned
to Lanyard's face, and while he waited
he fancied he caught something NOV
ing and wistful in those eyes so deeply
Swallowed with distress perplexity and
fatigue.
I'm very tired indeed" she con
fessed--"more than | knew. But I'm
sure | shall be comfortable. And
count myself very fortunate. Mr.. Ian
yard. You've been more kind that
deserve. Without you, don't like t.
think what might have become Of me.
please DON'T" he pleaded. And sud
denly discountenanced by conscious
ness Of his duplicity, he turned to the
stairs. Good night, Miss Bannon." he
mumbled. and was half way down be
fore he heard his valediction family
echoed.
| As he gained the lower floor the door
was closed at the top of the stairs and
its bolt shot home with soft thud
When he turned to lock the lower one
he stayed his hand in transient indie
cision.
Damn it," he growled uneasily--
There can't be any harm in that girl!
Impossible for eyes like hers to lie!
And vet And vet Oh, what's the