The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1916-02-02

Noel Crawley. a successful painter.
In London, has painted the portrait Of
beautiful woman who'll he knows
only as Zoe. She appears after his
engagement is announced and tries to
kill herself in his studio. Finally she
leaves, swearing she will commit sui
eide the day he marries.
After she goes Crawley has, visit
from Godfrey Brooke traveller, finan-
cier and empire builder, just back
from Africa. Brooke and he had been
good friends when both were poor in
Paris. Brooke had married Diana Mel
hush. and after two-years' absence
was now on the way to his country
house to see the bride he had left.
Crawley tells Brooke all about Zoe
and of her mad infatuation, adding
that he doesn't believe she ever had a
husband. Brooke takes him along to
his country house and there to his be-
wilderment he finds that Zoe is no
other than the bride OF Brooke.
There was no time to think, to rea-
son or to determine on course Of ac-
ton. The thing was done now. He
must 60 through with it. Everything
depended on the woman. II she broke
down and gave the secret away-well,
Brooke must know, and he must do
what he liked.
He tried hard to get himself in
hand. Whatever happened, he, at any
rate. must remain cool and master OF
himself. AS for the woman, he shud-
dered when he remembered the state
of mind in which she had left him.
Such a woman in such state might
do anything. She was not responsible
for what she did or said.
He heard footsteps in the hall, and
voices. He braced himself. 1t was
the supreme moment. The handle OF
the door turned. He heard woman's
voice and recognized it. 1t was hers.
He went suddenly very cold.
ZOE ENTERS AND
CALMLY GREETS HIM.
The door opened. Brooke entered
and held the door open for his wife.
my dear" he said proudly. in his
deep-toned voice. that seemed to come
from his boots. this is my dear old
friend. Crawley--Noel Crawley!" He
laid his hand affectionately on his
wife's shoulder. and the doglike blue
eyes shone with softness and eX-
preston that Crawley had never seen
there before. "Crawley. old man." he
said this is my wife."
Crawley was vaguely conscious of
muttering some commonplace and
taking a cold hand in his
They gave each other one look, and
that look into the woman's eyes told
him that the sight of him there, as her
husbands friend and guest, was as
great shock to her as it was to him.
But if he had been afraid of her
power of self-control he was agreeably
surprised and relieved. No one look
ing on would have guessed for mo-
ment that their meeting was anything
else than the meeting of strangers.
II am glad my husband brought you
down, Mr.. Crawley," she said, in the
most natural tone of voice and the
most ordinarily conventional manner.
at is very good of you to comet
II brought him rather against his
will, I'm afraid" said Brooke. He'd
got the blues-hadn't you Crawley?-
so thought you'd be the best tonic for
him. By CAD, little girl. I'm glad to
see YOU
She smiled into her husbands eyes.
It was smile of perfect trust and I'M
derstanding.
Foolish Godfrey" she laughed.
You are really an incorrigible flat
terer! | hope you are not tired after
your journey, Mr. Crawley," she said,
and looked him full in the face.
There was something sublime in the
smile she gave him. 1t was triumph
antly defiant. The man could only
stare at her in mute amazement. The
woman was a miracle.
mo. II am not at all tired, thank
YOU" he mumbled. His manner was
hesitating and embarrassed. His voice
sounded husky and unnatural. Il am
afraid, Mrs. Brooke" he went on,
that this is shockingly late hour to
come down and disturb you"
Not at all, Mr.. Crawley. We are
very late birds. Do you know this part
of the country"