The Pulaskian., 1917-04-06
CHAPTER xvIII-continued.

"So now you know me-what I am. No other man has ever known or ever will. But had to tell you the truth. It seems that the only thing my career had left uncalloused was my funda- mental sense of honesty. So had to come and tell you"
 And still he held silence attentive, but with set face that betrayed noth- ing of the tenor of his thoughts.
 Almost timidly, with nervously fun, bling fingers, she extracted from her pocketbook a small ticket envelope.
 Max was afraid you might upset the performance again, as you did on my last appearance, Hugh," she said; ''but I assured him it was just the shock of recognizing you that bowled me over. So I've brought you a box for tomorrow night. I want you to use it-you and MT. Ember."
 He broke in with a curt monosyl- lable: "Why?"
 "Why-why because-because want you-I suppose it's simply my vanity to see me act. Perhaps you'll feel a little less hardly toward me if you see that I am really great actress, that I give you up for something bigger than just love"
 "What rot" he said with an odd, short laugh. Besides, I harbor no resentment"
 She stared, losing a little color, eyes darkening with apprehension.
 q did hope you'd come," she mur- mured.
 "Oh, I'll come" he said with spirit. 'Wild horses couldn't keep me away"
 Really, Hugh? And you don't mind? Oh, I'm so gladr'
 q really don't mind," he assured her with strange smile. But :. would you mind excusing me one mo- ment2 I've forgotten something very Important"
 "Why, certainly :"
 He was already at the telephone in the hallway, just beyond the living room door. It was impossible to escape Overhearing his words. The woman listened perforce with, in the begin ming, little visible wonder. then with astonishment ultimately with a con- sternation that shook her with violent tremblings.
 Hello" said Whitaker; "get me Rector two-twe-hundred.
 Hello? Rector two-two-hundred? North German Lloyd? This is Mr. H. M. Whitaker. I telephoned you fifteen minutes ago about reser- vation on the George Washington, sailing Saturday =. Yes. Yes. Yes, I promised to call for the ticket before noon, but now find I sha'n't be able to go. Will you be kind enough to cancel it, if you please. Thank you. .. Goodby."
 But when he turned back into the living room he found awaiting him a quiet and collected woman.
 "Why did you do thatY" she asked evenly.
 Because" said Whitaker, "Tve had my eyes opened. I've been watching the finest living actress play care fully rehearsed role, one that she had
  but her interpretation didn't ring true. Mary, l admit, at first you got me: l believed you meant what you said. But only my mind believed 1t; my heart knew better, just as it has al- ways known better, all through this wretched time of doubt and misery and separation you've subjected us both to. And that was why l couldn't trust myself to answer you; for if l had, should have laughed for joy. o Mary, Maryp' he cried, his volce softening, my dear, dear woman. you can't lie to love! You betray yourself in every dear word that would be heartless, in every adorable gesture that would seem final! And love knows better always. -. Of course I shall be in that box tomorrow night; of course l shall be there to witness your triumph And after you've won 1t, dear. I shall carry you off with me
 He opened his arms wide, but with a smothered cry she backed away, placing the table between them.
 "No!' she protested; and the woros were almost sobs-"Noi"
 "Yesl" he exclaimed exultantly. 'Yes! A thousand times yes It must be SO l'
 With a swift movement she seized her huff and scarf from the chair and fled to the door. There, pausing, she turned, her face white and blazing.
 "It is not true!" she cried. You are mistaken. Do you hear me? You are utterly mistaken. I do not love you. You are mad to think it. have just told you don't love you. l am afraid of you; daren't stay with you for fear of you. I-I despise you r : T don't believe it l" he cried, advanc- ing.
 But she was gone. The hafl door slammed before he could reach 1t.