The Glenwood post., 1916-05-20
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AS Alix and Collingeford left the
dining room she said, "They weren't
all butterflies after all. 1 saw a man
and a woman"
mot reallyv' said Coilingeford.
"Who?"
ALLAN Wayne and Dora Tennel."
At Alan's name Collingeford's face
Lit up with interest. "Ten Percent
Wayne. eh? Yes, you're right. He's
man. And Dora Tennel. e1-Lady
Braeme. Yes, she's a woman too-in
a way"
HAS she tarnished reputation?"
Collingeford stopped short in his
stride and looked keenly at Alix. "My
dear lady," he said, .that is ques-
ton one does not put to man. How
ever, it doesn't embarrass me to an
swer it in this case. She has not.
What on earth put it into your head?"
II don't know" said Ali1. "Oh, yes
do. remember. Someone told me
once that Alan surrounded himself
with tarnished regulations"
Each followed the train of his own
thoughts until they reached the pier.
Alix did not get out Of the cab. She
leaned from the window and said
good-by. Colliugstord held her hand
and her eyes long, then he turned
away and hurried into the elevator.
When Alix got home she sat down
and wrote note to Alan-just line
to tell him that she was ready and
wished to see him. He came the fol-
lowing afternoon. At first he was a
little awkward, straining just the least
too much not to betray his nervous
ness. But the sight Of Alix put him
at his ease. She had become true
woman-true in the sense of honor
and she was tempered as steel, but
soft with the softness of motherhood
About her there was the peace of an
inner shrine. She drew him into it un-
hesitatingly and he suddenly felt un-
clean just as he had felt unworthy on
that other day when he had recoiled
from Nance's loving arms around his
neck.
You're not looking very well, Alan,"
said Alix when he was seated.
mo, I'm not on the top of the wave
just now,' replied Alan. "Touch Of
river fever. It's like memory--a hard
thing to shake"
I'm not trying to shake mine," said
Alix calmly. My memories have made
me-" ..-.
mo wonder you don't quarrel with
them," said Alan in frank admira-
ton. -'HH
ALAN, when are you going to come
back? Don't you ever tire of life as
variety show? Wouldn't you rather
have one real steady star in life than
a whole lot of tarnished tinsel ones?"
Alan jumped to his feet, stuck his
hands in his coat pockets and started
walking up and down the somber
room. They were in the library. "a
steady star" he repeated. What a
find that would be! I've raised many
a star on my horizon, Alix, but the
longer l look at 'em the more they
twinkle back. It's easier to down con-
science than to down blood"
SIN the end" said Alix, "a man
must down blood or 1t downs him.
downs him irretrievably. Blood un-
checked is just common beast" 9di
"Do you think don't know itT'
flashed Alan Each day l fnd an
old haunt denied to me. am III at
ease. Ny world has left yours behind.
There Is pale. Behind 1t lies Red
Hill. Do you know I haven't been to
the Hill for three years? Behind it
lies Nance, the ,faithfullest, most trust
Ing foster-sister waster ever had.
And now you. You lie behind It and
toy with my soul through the bars"
-Aiix sprang to her feet and laid
strong, nervous hands on Alan's sh0ul.
ders. She shook him and turned him
50 that he faced the light Alan did
not laugh. There was fire in Ahx'
eyes. "You little thing" she said
tensely, mot to see that the bars are
down"
He turned under her hands and she
let him go. He stood looking out Of
the window at the hare treoa q, AhX