The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1916-08-02


demanded But what else did
Mrs Walker tell your Surely she
didn't leave off with tho mention
OF one illustrious member OF my
family ?"
she told mo about your great.
aunt-the queer old lady who left
James Christie's relies 10 YOU" no
laughed. as he handed me back the
ring
They were Just batch OF let.
ters." corrected, mot any other
relies"
"Yes--the letters written by
Lady Frances Webb" he said.
II was NV turn 10 laugh.
Il knew taat Mrs. Walker must
have been laxative" declared.
She didn't tell you the latest touch
of romance In connection with
those letters. did she7"
Late romanceG" he asked In n
puzzled fashion.
a publishing company has made
me an offer 10 publish those let.
tersl To make them into a stun.
ming 'best.selier. "
lie was silent for a little while
No. she didnt tell mo this" he
finally answered.
Then II IL because she doesn't
know IT," explained you see.
mother IL Htill too grievod TO men.
ton the matter 10 any one by tele-
phone-and Il happens that she
hasn't met Mrs. Walker face to face
since the offer was made"
"And-rejectedT he asked. with
u little smile.
Yes. but how did you know"
The smile sobercd.
There are some things one
knows" he answered. Yet. after
all. what ara you going 10 do with
the letters II you don't publish
them now. how are you going 10
be sure that some othcr--some fu-
ture possessor--wlil mott"
Il can't be sure--thAt's the rea.
son I'm not golng To run any risk."
| told him. I'm going TO burn
them"
TIC hAAANN1
"I1l take them to colmcro Alb.
hey--her old home" explained.
To me the place has always been
a house OF creams, She describes
portions OF the gardens In her let
ters-tells him of new flow~rbefs
made. OF nsw walls built-of the
sun dial. I have always wanted 10
10 there. and some day shall
bundle all these letters up and pack
them In the bottom Of n steamer
trunk-to have a biz bonfire with
them on the very same hearth
where she burned his"
II I may inquire. what do you
know about this place--this Col.
mere Abbey he finally asked. =
mean. do you know anything OF II
in this century-whether It's Htill
standing or mott"
"So-nothIngl"
Then. II you should 10 10 Eng.
land. YOU might be disappointed.
he said gently. Residents often
fight shy Of tourists"
had q feeling OF ruffled dignity.
How long have you been In
America" I asked abruptly: and
he looked relieved.
Ten years-off and on" he an
swered briskly. Most OF the time
in Pittsburg. but love England.
Some day--when thinxs-when my
affairs--are in different shape over
there shall 20 back to stay"
The tea things we're finally ar
ranged By Cicely's nervous. dusky
and mother appeared. In the
wake of the steaminE kettle.
Her expression said more plainly
than words that she would do the
decent thing or die.
You were at Mrs Walkers Flag
Day reception yesterday. Grace
tells met" she inquired as casually
as 10 blood battle OF words had
not been waging over the occur
renee all morning. And Mrs.
Kendall was talking with me this
on the telephone about her
dance Friday night"
She paused. looking at him In
because that had
been Mrs. kendall's own emotion
when mentioning the matter.
Mr.. TAFT glanced toward me.
All. yes--I had forgotten, You
will be there7"
Yes" | answered hastily. and
mother came near Ecalding the
kitten on the rug in the excess OF
her surprise. All morning, thru
the smoke OF battle, I had sent We
hement protestations against hav-
ing my white tissue redraped for
the occasion. declaring that moth.
ing could induce me to 20.
Mother left the room soon after
this-the sudden change OF decision
about the dance had been too much
for her. He looked out the win.
dow at the creeping darkness and
rose to go.
Then I'm to see you Friday
nlght7' he asked at parting.
Yea"
"Tm-rm glad"
There had been green and
gold sunset behind the trees in the
park across the way. and after a
moment more he was lost In this
weird radiance.
He's gone-gone-gone!" some
thing sad and lonesome was saying
In my heart. What II he should
be suddenly called back to Pitts.
burg and | shouldn't see him
AGAIN."
To see the very last OF him had
dropped down beside the front
door. with my face pressed against
the lace-veiled glass. and 30 intent