The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1916-05-26


Those go back to Nine. Omber. Sh
has home here in Paris that kno'
we'll In fact, the sole reason why
didn't steal them here was that SD
left for England Unexpectedly, just a
i was all set to strike. Now purpos
to use my knowledge Of her house {
restore the jewels without risk OF fal
ing into the hands of the police. Tha
will be an easy matter. And tina
brings me to the one great favor
would beg OF you"
She gave him look so unexpected
ly kind taat it staggered him. But h
had himself well in hand.
You cant leave Paris now befor
morning thanks to my having over
slept. h. continued. There's no hon
est way ] know to raise money before
morning opens the pawnshops. But
I'm hoping that won't be necessary;
I'm trusting | can arrange matters for
us without going to that extreme.
Meanwhile-you agree that these jew
els must be returned"
"0f course" she affirmed gently.
Then-will you accompany me
when replace them? There won't be
the slightest danger. | promise you
that. Indeed. 1t would be more hazard.
GUS for you to wait for me elsewhere
while attended to the matter alone.
And I'd like you to be convinced of my
sincerity"
Don't you think you can trust me
for that as well?" she asked with a
flash Of humor.
Trust you'll"
ITO believe. Mr. Lanyard" she told
him earnestly. Il do believed"
You make me very happy" he said
but I'd like you to see for yourself
And I'd be glad not to have to fret
about your safety in my absence. As
bureau of espionage, Popinot's brigade
Of Apaches are without a peer in Eu-
rope. I'm positively afraid to leave
you alone"
She was silent.
win you come with me, Miss Shan.
nom"
That is your sole reason for ask
ing this Of me?" she insisted. eying
him steadily.
That wish you to believe in me-
yes"
Why" she pursued, inexorab,e.
"Because-Tve already told you"
That you want someone's good
opinion to cherish. But why, of all
people. me-whom you hardly know, of
whom what little you do know is hard
ly reassuring?"
He colored. and boggled his answer.
Il can't tell you" he admitted in the
end.
Why can't you tell me?"
He stared at her miserably. i've no
right In spite Of all I've said, in
spite of the faith you so generously
promise me, in your eyes | must still
figure as thief. liar, an impostor-
self-confessed Men aren't remade by
mere protestations, nor even by their
own efforts, in an hour, or a day, or a
week. But give me year. II can
live year In honesty, and earn my
bread, and so prove my strength
then, perhaps, might find the cour.
age, the-the effrontery to tell you
why want your good opinion. Now
I've said far more than meant or had
any right to. | hope" he ventured
pieadingly you're not offended"
Only an instant longer could she
maintain her direct and unfilnching
look. Then his meaning would no
more be ignored. Her lashes fell, a
tide Of crimson flooded her face, and
with a quick movement, pushing her
chair little from the table, she turned
away from him. But she said moth.
ing.
He remained as he had been, bend.
ing eagerly toward her.
And In the long minute that elapsed
before either spoke again, both became
oddly conscious of the silence brood
ing in that lonely little house, Of their
isolation from the world, OF their com
mon peril and mutual dependence.
I'm afraid" Lanyard said after a
time-"Tm afraid | know what you
must be thinking. One can't do your
Intelligence the injustice to imagine
you haven't understood me-read all
that was in my mind and'-hs voice
fell-"in my heart | own that was
wrong TO speak so transparency, to
suggest my regard for you at such a
time, under such conditions. am
truly sorry, and beg you to consider
unsaid all that should not have said.
After all, what earthly difference can
1t make TO you II one thief more de.
cides suddenly to REFORM
That brought her abruptly to her
feet, showing him face OF glowing
loneliness. with eyes distractingly
dimmed and softened
"Nol" she implored breathlessly.
please, you mustn't spoil It! You've
paid me the finest OF compliments. and
one I'm glad and grateful for-and
would might think | deserved You
say you need a year TO prove yourselfg
Then-I've no right TO say this-and
you must please not ask me what |
grant you that year. A
year shall wait to hear from you
from the day we part, here in Paris.
And tonight will go with you. too.
and gladly. since you wish me to-"
And then as he. having risen. stood
at less. thrilled and ineredulous with
> brave and generous gesture she Of
fered him her hand, across the table
whereon still rested the spoils OF his
final coup.
Mr.. Lanyard promise"
To every woman. even the least love
y. her hour Of beauty--it had not en-
tered Lanyard's mind to think this