The Washington herald., 1916-04-09

once and she was already studying his safe
ana So obviously, she consented. Reynolds did
not give her chance to change her mind. He
sent for his servants at once, and introduced her
as their new mistress. Mona shivered as she
saw the way the maids looked at her. They
understood!
Mona, a matter of fact had anticipated
the possibility that Reynolds would propose some
such arrangement. With that in mind she had
warned Mary that she might not return, and had
made arrangements for keeping in touch with
her chum She was well content. She was by
no means insensible to the risk she was running
to the false position in which she had deliber-
ately placed herself. But she was confident too,
OF her ability to cope with Reynolds. She knew,
from the way he looked at her, that she had a
power over him, and she meant to use it to the
fullest possible extent
That night, indeed, after she had once gone
to her own room and assured herself that she
could lock herself in, she deliberately ventured
INTO the lions den, meta phorically speaking. She
went down to the Office, which Reynolds also used
as a library He sitting there, alone-the
servants had all retired At the sight of her he
started up, plainly pleased, but Mona drew back
in confusion. IT. took the liberty of coming
down to borrow a book" she said. 81 like to
read myself to sleep"
Help yourself, my dear" he said You"
he chuckled, meaningly, and leered at her
you're welcome to more than a book from me !"
She went to the shelves, and, after she had
selected a novel, made for the door.
sit down." he said. "Sit down and talk to
me little. You're bonny company for old
fellow like me. But-I'm not too old, am II"
oh, no." she said. 81 mustn't stay. Remem-
Der, I'm only your housekeeper, Mr.. Reynolds"
He cackled at that. and she started she
saw him go to his safe and open it, But, though
she tried, she couldn't make out the combination
he was shrewd enough to prevent that. When
he turned back he held out a necklace to her, a
string of sparkling brilliants.
look at the pretties!" he said.
Mona took the necklace and looked at it
admiringly.
Its beautiful" she said "I envy YOU that,
believe"
"Ha-ha !" he chuckled. TRY it on, my dear!
Who knows? If you and get along you might
wear it for your own"
Mona pretended not to understand and re-
turned it to him. "Now I must go to bed" she
said. Good night. Mr.. Reynolds
so soon.' he said wistfully I've got more
jewels to show you"
"More?" she said. 81 should think you'd be
afraid of thieves!"
I'm guarded against Them" he said, shrewd-
ly. "Look-r1l show you."
And in the next few moments thanks to his
vanity, Mona able to make mental chart
of the whole burglar alarm system that pro-
tected the place. She had hoped for this, rather
than exDected it. And then she went to her
room. But in few minutes there came tap
ping at her door:
Its me :" said her employers cracked voice.
"Is everything ell right?"
"Quite, thanks" said Mona, with affecta-
tion of sleepiness in her voice.
He turned away at that and went to his own
room. disappointment plainly written his face.
Mona slept little. But she up bright
and fresh. in the morning She was not afraid
of Reynolds by day. AS she suspected, he had
plenty 10 keep him occupied that while be
might think of her, he would not have the time
to pursue her with his horrible attentions. His
Clients" people of all sorts and conditions, since
all appeared to be grist that came to his evil
mill, began to arrive soon after breakfast and
came all day long, in steady stream. 1t was
easy to understand that his business was
profitable one. Mona meanwhile had affairs of
her own that demanded her attention. The first