The Press., 1919-07-31
windows and walked up and down

Nine o'clock The strain was tell l ing on the girl. It had never occurred l to her that he might not come. l At five minutes past g the girl man. aged to get to her feet-and then the sharp ring of the bell sounded l through the studio! For a moment all strength seemed to leave her. The door was miles away. It was almost an eternity be- fore she could cross the room and open it. A man. in faultless evening dress. with the pale face of Greek god, stepped into the room. The girl in the rose-colored gown could only look at him. She knew she must say something 1 At last she managed to murmur a faint greeting. Then the man seemed to realize that his eyes had never left her face. "I cannot tell you how I appreciate this privilege you have given me-" he l said.
 His voice relieved the tension. The | instincts of the hostess returned to her.
 T have many old heirlooms." said the girl, and she turned hastily and pointed out some rare porcelains, a painting or twO and several old tapes | tries
 The man came nearer. "It's nc use," he said i've can't talk, you and I've can only feel. There's just one thing for you and me, sweet heart"
 And before Aileen knew what had happened the man had seized her roughly in his arms. "Now we understand each other" whispered the man, and he leaned over and-kissed. her hotly on the lips ! Then all Aileen's terror left her. It seemed as if twenty demons gave her strength to resent that dissertation.
 "How dare you!" she gasped. "How dare you!" And the scalding tears of anger rose to her eyes. "Well," sneered the man, what do you suppose I came for, eh?' Before the lightning in the girls eyes the mans hold relaxed. She freed herself and faced him with all the fury of her fighting ancestors in her face.
 Leave this room, instantly!" she said. her voice trembling with rage.
 The man with the Greek face bowed. Quietly he took up his hat and coat and walked to the door.
 With his hand on the knob, he paused and looked back at the girl. She was standing in the middle of the room as he had left her-not a muscle had relaxed. She might have been statue of Vengeance and all the Furies.
 The man turned hastily and the door closed behind him.
 Then down went Vengeance and the Furies in little pathetic heap on the floor.
 When Aileen opened her eyes she was looking into the big strong face of Jimmie.
 Little girl, what's happened?" he was asking anxiously.
 i've been such little fool" sobbed Aileen. But don't care, I don't care ~as long as you are here," and she clung to Jimmie with all her might.
 "Tm here, dear-everything is all right" he said, and gathered her into his arms as if she'd been a baby.
 Jimmie, you'll never leave me, will yOu?" murmured the girl.
 Never" said Jimmie, with convic- tion. twill you marry me tonight|
 "Hush,'' said the girl, I've got to tell you about that-that man !-Oh. I'll never dream about another man as long as I liye!"
 You needn't tell me about him if you don't want to-"
 "Jim," said the girl. "he wasn't what thought he was. He didn't love me- Jim. He was thief-he kissed me by stealth" and her crimson face went down on Jim's shoulder.
 "I wonder what else he stole," said Jim. looking around.
 You don't think !" gasped the girl, "that he was a real thief?" And her hand went mechanically to her dress
 The great opal was gone!
 Good LOrd!" said Jim, his voice trembling with anxiety. You might have been killed! You're sure you're safe. We'll call up the police instant ly. That opal is marked-you're bound to get it back. He's been following you nround--that's where you'd seen him before you dreamed about him."
 'It scares me to death," said Aileen, rIing:ng desperately to Jimmie. Don't don't telephone yet. It's way across the room. and I'd be so lonesome till yOu-gO, back !"
 And then her arm stole up around his neck.
 "For,' she said. "why didn't you tell me before how much loved you"