The Washington times., 1918-02-12
Part one-(Continued)

"You have made up your mind;
Good! 1 hardly thought you would
have refused such an offer"
Principally to the time appointed
the automobile had reappeared IN
the street, and Mrs. Doyle's sitting
room was once more in requisition-
Esther had been waiting for some
ten minutes. She had explained to
Dora and to the landlady that she
I. was to be taken that evening to see
some people who might become her
employers, and that in all probable
ity she would be detained till late.
They were not to worry, she had a
latchkey and could look after her
self. Jane Emily would attend to
Dora's wants.
Esther had changed her dress.
She had hesitated for some little
while before her scanty wardrobe.
She had smiled at the idea that she
was collecting her wedding robe;
the selection was so very perfume
tory. After all, what did it mat
ter? She was to be enveloped in
the heavy cloak that the strange
woman had promised to bring her.
All her own warm wraps had gone
long ago for the few cents that they
would bring. Her frock was very
simple, merely a gray coat and
skirt, with a soft white silk blouse.
Why Was She Chosen as the
Bride?
She had given up worrying her
self with questions to which she
could find no answer. Who was the
strange woman? How came it that
she, Esther, had been selected to
fill the role Of a bride who was to
be no wife? What was the purpose
of such a marriage? Would she
ever know her husbands name?
Was she to wear a ring?
Such thoughts had harassed her
all the afternoon till she had final
ly put them behind her as unan-
swerable. Was she running into
danger? That was a more import
ant question, but, with a shrug of
the shoulders she dismissed it also?
There was much fatalism in her ma
ture, and it was evident that cir
cumstances were driving her to
adopt any course, however hazard
Gus, to save her sisters life and
her own. The first law of nature
bade her go on, and she had decided
to obey the law.
81 have brought you a cloak and a
VEIL" said the woman IN a min
ute or two you shall put them on.
But first let me give you these as a
guarantee that l am a woman Of my
word. Tomorrow you shall make
what use you please of them" From
her pocketbook she produced 4 fold
ed bundle of bills. will you count
them and see that they are cor-ect::"
she added.
Esther took the money with tremb-
ling fingers. In her agitation she
hardly glanced at it. She transfer
red the crisp paper to a worn purse
she had brought down with her.
Put it away somewhere before We
start" said the stranger. You will
be worried all the time II you take t
with you. Can you not lock it up in
your room?"
Esther nodded. She had hardly
uttered word Of thanks. She hur-
ried upstairs and thrust the purse
Into her own particular drawer. to-
gether with her mothers jewelry
which she had already replaced. As
Sc turned the key Dora stirred on
her sofa.
Back already, Esther"
Esther crossed 10 her sister and
kissed her lovingly. Il have not
started yet, Dora" she whispered:
then, swallowing back the words that
tried TO force themselves to her lips,
she added enthusiastically, BE Of
good cheer. little sister; I have |
promised you a happier time, and It |
Is coming-coming."
From your possible earnings as
a governess?" yawned Dora. How |
ssnguine you are, Esther" She turn
ed her face to the wall, half asleep, |
and Esther made her way back to the /
sitting room, where her companion
awaited her.
The Start of a Strange Journey. |
Have you made that secure? II
50, we can start" The stranger, still |
yelled, glanced at the girl critically.
How do you manage to dress SO