Palisadian. [volume] (Cliffside Park, N.J.) 1906-current, 1918-11-09

Know, Nan, how ii seemed as If al
ways rather frightened away men. ]
rever could fiirt and be nice like the
lest Of the girls. And up there one
day was in the library about sun
down, looking up some references.
He came up behind me, and never
even asked permission, just tipped
back my head, and kissed me good
end plenty"
! Bless his old brave heart" inter-
| rupted Nan fervently. leaning forward,
her chin on her hands. '"Then what?"
| "Then (Eleanor's eyes were
dreamy one day I went skating
| down on the lake, and the ice broke
| through. He got me out, saved my
lsfe, every one said. Mother came up
to see me then, and l wanted her to
know Billie. That's about all. You
know mother. She simply whisked
me down here in the spring, and
closed the house in June the day
otter he called here. She's trotted
me around all summer, trying to make
me forget, and I haven't any idea
where he is now"
doesn't he even write to, your"
We promised we wouldn't-not for
year. What's thatY
| Both girls rose to their feet with
startled eyes.
Somebody fell over the tabourette
III the hail." Nan whispered, her dark
eyes wide with dread. 'You turned
Off the lights
| Eleanor thought quickly. The
house had been closed since June A
| caretaker came every day to look
after 1t, and at night the Waterman
was supposed to guard it. She crossed
the room and locked both doors lead
ing into the hall, then went to the
windows.
did you hear that?" Nan whis-
pered her face pressed against the
door listening. Somebody whistled,
and 1t was answered"
I'll have to break those shutters
to call for help Eleanor looked
about for battering ram Outside
in the bare hall there came the I'M
mistakable sound of footsteps, a mo.
mcnt's pause and pounding on the
door
Nan shrank back, her face covered
with her hands, but Eleanor slipped
one arm around her, soothing her
even while her own heart throbbed
heavily. 1t was terrible to hear that
sound echoing through the great
empty house, to stand in helpless
suspense. not knowing what danger
waited on the other side of the door
"Come on, now'' called a deep
Voice. "Open up. You know you
can't get out of there"
"And you cannot get in," returned
Eleanor clearly. eff you attempt to
break in the doors l will fire."
"Sure, It's woman's voice." they
heard some one say. "Shall 1 break
! in the door, Mr.. Blair?'
mo, no, wait" The knob turned
A shoulder pressed against the door
/ PANEL 'Nell, open the door,. please
/ know your voice. It's Bill"
who's with your
"Just the Waterman. l saw the
lights and thought burglars were in
here. Open the door, please"
Eleanor turned the key. Tall and
| very lovely she looked in her long
blue crepe kimono, her face pale and
determined. her hair in two long
braids over her shoulders like some
old-time Saxon princess.
Out in the hallway stood Bill, the
original of the picture, and the old
watchman
Nell" he cried, st had no idea II
was you In here. I've had a room
across the street all summer just tc
he near the house. and when 1 saw
the light flash on, / called Sullivan
here and we hustled over to get the
burglars. I'm awfully sorry"
Sullivan moved tactfully down the
hallway, testing locks here and there
Nan had dropped Imply into a will.
low chair, with its back toward the
two at the door, Bill raised two
white slim hands to his lips and
kissed them.
It's so wonderful to see you again
girl. dear. I've watched these barred
shutters all summer, waiting for you
to come back. I won't wait year
Nell. Look at me. Aren't you glad
to see me?'
Don't you know. Billie boy?
Listen, dear. Don't let them take
you away from me again. It's Provi-
dence, this mixup here tonight. I've
been patient for months. Don't say
no, Nell. I'll be over early for you,
and We'll be married before anything
can happen"
He was gone before she could even
protest. From the willow chair came
contented chuckle. and brief re-
mark:
Devotedly, BILL"