Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-08-09

fell I drew n long and deep breath; tho
moment to which I had been looking for
ward for two years was near at hand; l
confidently expected to visit that box during
the intermssion.
But, as Sevranco and rose and fought
our way out, I happened again to glance
upward. She had turned and was looking
straight toward us.
our eyes met. and stopped dead In the
aisle. Vaguely | was aware that SeNrance
was tugging at my arm and counselinE me
not to be an abandoned fool. warning me
that every was remarlting my emotion
But / had caught the flash of welcome
in her eyes-an incredulous light of sur
prise and-pleasure. She nodded. and
knew that she had not forgotten me.
At that instant-all of this happened
more swiftly than I can tell tt-a man
entered tho box The light fell upon his
dark immobile features; and / knew
Captain Won Holzborn He was, OF course
in full evening dress. and | put my teeth
together realizing the magnitude or my
undertaking. since | proposed 10 WIN w ,
womans heart from this man OF splendid
gifts. He was far too good looking for
my peace of mind.
Won Holzborn went forward. his lips
moving Julia turned, with quickly re-
pressed start of surprise Almost Inn
mediately she rose gathering up her wraps,
OF which the Prussian Mt once relieved her.
scarcely noticed. also arose; there was an
air Of unexpected departure about the party.
Sevrance hurried me up the aisle. In the
promenade he was for taking me to task
for making an exhibition of myself but l
cut him off with a hurried explanation thc
gist of which was that Lady Herbert was
leaving and that had had no word with
her.
Sevrance and I stood helpless, cut off by
n stream of people surging out into the
lobby As soon as 1t was possible We
pushed through and gained the sidtwalk,
where I had insanely hoped we would hnd
them awaiting u.s. But we We're Just IN
time to hear the slam of their carriage
door and TO see the vehicle disappear into
the fog
broke down and indulged in profanity,
seyrance stood aside and mocked me-
"There's plenty of time" he comforted
me. VERY likely they had late engage
ment-a reception or dance.
But in my heart l knew that he was
wrong-that II not my own appearance on
Tho scene then something of greater mo-
mont was To be held accountable FOR that
sudden and evidently unexpected departure
from the theater
over this thought. thoroughly convinced
of It's truth, l gloOmcd FOR the rest OF tle
evening; SevranCe eNerted nHhselt III VAIN
- rorgs me Nor did / find any relief
chen Ssyrance looking over his mail at
he breakfast table. tossed me square
',,bita envelope. addressed to me in his care,
In a hand that | knew only too Well
II was such letter as | might have
expected-a note, all too pTleI' Ch"Ih''us
and tersely pertinent:
near Mr.. Traill-I am so sorry missed
sneallfng to you last night ana am an
anxiety to have good long tax win you
Won't YOU come to tea this afternoon? Mrs
Norchester and l will be at home only 10
Won and Mr. Sevrance,
~ Faithfully,
JULIA HERBERT.
7 looked up 10 find Sevrance's eye upon
me. ,.--...,,, t,,,,,irs7
,vith deceptive uochalance
~ adv Herhcrt's companion" he re-
turned you saw them together last night
we are asked TO call this afternoon
for tea" 49,. "a.
"I'm not satisfied won't be till see
her face TO face"
cab whlrled us to that house from
which De SetZe had staggered Win the
support OF his would-be assassins - the
house OF my beloved, that l had so nearly
entered the night before the last, Seyrance
ond / tugether mounted the steps. and con-
fronted the gorgeous fiunky from whose
glare had fed so preciptately,
10 this day l believe the fellow recos-
nized me and TOOK loW-llNeu JOY III 'ls
husiness He received our cards with a
smnerellious air, which would have been
worth a fabulous salary per annum to
bead waiter back in little old New YORK
Lady 'Erbert" he said heavily, staring
sxedly and disapprovingly at me with his
Nshv eyes, lis not at ONE
Mrs. Morchester thenY' Seyranee sug-
gested IN
In my disappointment and chagrin
asked thoughtlsssly:
"she will return wheng
"Hit Is impossible to say, SIR" he said
stifdy. looking straight through me, when
Iady 'Erbert will return. She as left
town. sir"
seyrance attempted TO comfort me
throughout that gloomy homeward ride.
1T Is inexplicable," he admitted. Just
now But wait There will be an explana-
ton
shook my head. 4 shan't hear until L
Il TOO late" I prophesled. Won Holzborn
suspects. This y hia hand-.