Williams news., 1917-10-04

Soft was true-Craven had never mentioned his daughter to his friends Staring seaward, Lydia worked her hands together gently; and, watching her closely, the man saw her face fugi- lively convulsed. And wisely he held silence.
 "Mrs. Beggarstaff knows" the girl said presently, land Mrs. Merrilees, and I dare say by tomorrow all his acquaintances on the ship will know So, you see, I'm not violating his con- fidence. Only you spoke of him so warmly that you made me want you to understand" A quaver touched her tone; but she persisted: "Pm afraid I've made a great mistake -embar- rassed him horribly, turning up this way. But didn't know he was a pas senger. supposed, of course, he was at home-in New York"
 Much of Peters charm lay in his in- stinctive recognition of those times when it Is wisest to say nothing. No body could leave everything unsaid in a way more eloquent of sympathetic comprehension. So he stood very still, covertly watching her face and won der1ng.
 q couldn't help it They forced me to 1.-the people lived with in Lon don. knew it wasn't right, because I didn't love him. How can one marry a person one doesn't love? But when I wrote to daddy he wouldn't even an swer, and couldn't help it-I had to run away! And now, of course, he's furious with me-turning up here like l the bad penny-''
 "Why should he resent that? don't see why he couldn't have told us he had a daughter especially one like you! It seems to me, the innocent by stander, that Tad hadn't any right to pose"
 "Don'ti We mustn't misjudge him. You're his friend: surely you ought to make allowances for him, if can. I'm sure he must have had his req sons-good enough reasons, if we only knew. Why must he take the world into his confidence?"
 Dumfounded, Peter stared; then re membered himself that woman nature was singular thing, its mental proc esses defying masculine analysis. You're right" he asserted meekly, after pause. "Of course you're rightl l I've known Tad Craven a long time and pretty we'll, if he is a bit older, and know he wouldn't do anything dishonorable or calculated to hurt any, body. He's not that kind."
 Impulsively Lydia's hand went out to Peters; but in the long instant that they sat hand in hand and eye to eye, each smiling a trace consciously, sig nals of distress showed in her waver- ing glance, and within his grasp the pressure of her firm young fingers les sened until reluctantly he released them.
 "What is it?" Peter asked gently.
 "Only my presumptuousness- -inflict- ing you with my troubles, demanding your sympathy, as if I'd any right whatever"
 "rm your fathers friend, ar least, Miss Craven, and-such as I am-if you care to think of me as your friend too, I'll be very glad-not to say vain glorious"
 She wouldn't have been a human girl had she lacked coquetry. A suspicion of mischief frightened the smile with which she regarded him, head judg- matically inclined a bit to one side. Mrs. Beggarstaff seems to think well of you"
 "She's kind-hearted - and easily amused"
 "How you do continually cry your self down! What is one to think?"
 "When man has the grace to speak humbly of himself, Miss Craven, listen with gratitude and amazement: truth is rare music in this world!'
 "Yet you urge your friendship upon me-"
 "It is all have to offer," he dropped for a moment his bantering tone: "poor currency, perhaps, but not coun- terfeit; lightweight, but without alloy"
 Then suddenly she was grave again. You are kind," she averred wistfully, "and-I need friends"