The Pulaskian., 1916-09-15
eAll rights reserved. The Bobbs-Merriii Co.l

her bright eyes rested rather earnestly on Gabrielle Smith, who, lowing for mally, went out into the courtyard With a grim amusement written on her small, sunburnt face Whereupen Mrs. Farquhar advanced and kissed Sylvia on both cheeks.
 My dear Sylvia-my dear little Syl- Y1a-now 1 am sure I am the last per son on earth you expected-an old woman travelling in a savage country full of foreigners! It's almost inde- cent, isn't it?"
 Sylvia smiled faintly, like someone awakened from a stupor.
 "Oh, l don't know. Won't you sit down? l certainly didn't expect any English person in this dreadful place If one can live in England" She broke off suddenly. What made you leaye?"
 You see, I have been rather lonely Since Richard left-'
 "Ah, yes, of course" Sylvia sat dewn with her back to the sunlight her hands clasped tightly in her lap You must miss him very much"
 'Oh, terribly. But that's our fate to have to get on without people we have suffered for. You, for instance Pm sure sometimes you feel sad-a little homesiek-"
 "Often." Sylvia looked up eagerly.
 "We are alike, rather We under stand each other." Mrs. Farquhar was silent moment, considering the white faced woman opposite her with bright, affectionate eyes. And so you are sometimes lonely? If it were not for Captain Arnaud I should pity you, Syl- via."
 ''Yes, of course, if it were not for Desire-' She stopped, as though seeking for words, and slowly, beneath the persistent gaze of the blue eyes, the last trace of color died from her cheeks. The hand that passed Mrs. Farquhar's cup across the table shook "I am sorry-but the life out here makes one so nervy and jerky."
 "Yes, I can imagine that" Mrs. Far quhar agreed seriously. T had hoped to find Captain Arnaud here. was so charmed with him, you know, and wished Richard and he had been more friendly Poor Richardw Sylvia's hand frightened on the carved arm of 1 her chair. She made a movement as though on the edge of an impulsive and silent. Mrs. Farquhar bent for ward and patted her on the knee. q didn't mean to hurt you. 1 know how delicate and sensitive you are, child. l But you must never worry about Rich ard. He writes me such wonderful talks about you, how good you are, how much nobler and better you are than other women. Really-it is quite touching" She stopped short Syl- via Arnaud had risen to her feet. She stood prfectly upright for moment, staring in front of her with blank eyes, and then suddenly she lifted her hands | to her head.
 "Its the heat-the awful sum- 1 shine"
 She collapsed, senseless, at Mrs. Far quhar's feet.
 Mrs Farquhar got up. She looked down at the motionless figure but did not touch it. She rang the little ori- ental bell lying in the midst of the English silver.
 "Your mistress has tainted" she said coolly to the panic-stricken serv- ant who answered the summons. T think a little sal volatile is all that is needed. I leave her, I am sure, in good hands," She smiled graciously and went out into the sunny court yard. Gabrielle Smith, who stood by the fountain, trimming the luxuriant 1 ferns. turned as she heard the light, quick tap of Mrs. Farquhar's French heels Mrs. Farquhar held out her hand.
 q have to thank you for your let ter" she said.
 "There isn't any need for thanks. I hesitated for twenty-four awful hours. But I felt I had to do something. Once I had seen your name and address on that envelope I dared not keep si- lence."
 q shall never be able to repay my debt. I hurried here as fast as ex- press trains and wretched French packet boats could carry me. want ed to reach Sidi-bel-Abbes before you left. You have given up your situa- tion?"
 "Yes.'
 ssWill you come to mel"
 Gabrielle Smith did not answer for moment. Her eyes rested steadfast- ly. significantly, on the faded, pow dered face.
 q think-better not, Mrs. Farquhar. You know nothing about me-not even whether I am respec' ble-"
 .You are the woman who has given me the hope that ] may see my son again before I die. That is all I care about! I am an old woman, Miss Smith. and what lies before me is al- most beyond my powers. need you