Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-04-14
THEN READ THIS .

with alacrity at her approach. Taking
the envelope he buttoned it securely
In an inner pocket of his coat.
Rush work tonight" he said.
"They sent me here in taxicab so
that If I didn't find you in I could
locate you elsewhere"
"Why didn't you telephone before
hand?"
Central reported your phone out
of order" he smiled. "Aint It fierce?
Good night" and opening the door he
stepped outside and almost on top of
Dan Maynard, whose hand, outstretch-
ed to ring the bell, struck him sharply
on the chest. With muttered word
of apology the messenger FASTENED to-
ward the elevator and left Marian and
Maynard facing each other.
MAY I come in?" he asked. His
voice was very winning and there was
certain wistful appeal in his eyes as
they met hers which possibly account
ed for the sudden color in her cheeks.
She stood in doubt for a brief second,
then stepped back to admit him.
"I won't take up much of your
time" he commenced, laying his hat
down on the desk and turning to face
her as she stopped in the middle of
the parlor. Il have a message from
Rene La Montague. 1t is rather
long" He glanced about and then
back at her.
"Then. suppose we sit down.
Marian was regaining her old poise.
Moving over to the sofa she ensconc-
ed herself on one end of it as Maynard
pulled forward a chair. you look
staring at him steadily-"a trifie
weary"
II am" Maynard pushed back his
short hair from his temples. These
are strenuous days; his manner grew
more earnest as he bent forward.
"Now for my message: Rene desires to
know if you will accompany Evelyn
to Rockville Maryland, next Tuesday
She looked at him inquiringly and he
added. Rene plans to marry Evelyn
there
She did not answer Immediately.
"Can Rene secure a license?" she
asked finally.
Eyes" His penetrating gaze never
wavered as he studied her. you will
help them?"
> 'I will"
Maynard lowered his voice. "Do you
quite realize what your promise i'm.
plies?" he asked anXiously. THE
Burnhams will bitterly resent your
part in Evelyn's marriage, and they
are in a position to make things most
unpleasant for you"
"Are they" Marian's back stiffened.
Il am not afraid of the Burnhams or
ANY one"
MAYNARD sat back and glanced away
from her. Then you are fully de-
termined to assist Evelyn and Rene to
elope?" he asked.
81 am
"Why?"
"Why?" Marian eyed him in sur
prise Because of my affection for
Evelyn.
"You think, then, nasty marriage
is wise?"
Marian's fingers played with the
afghan. circumstances alter cases.
she said composedly. Evelyn and
Rene are very much in love and de-
serve their happiness"
Maynard again leaned nearer. You
have so much sympathy for another's
romance and for your own you have
none. Do you never think of your
self?"
..Too much" Marian's smile was
strained. IT would rather you left my
feelings and my affairs out Of the dis
cussion."
"Certainly; but" Maynard hesi'
tated a long moment. Your hus'
band"
"Died long ago"
Both her voice and manner pre-
cluded further questioning, and biting
his lip Maynard sat back and con.
templated her in silence. A deeper
appreciation of her beauty stirred his
pulse to a quicker beat; anxiety and
hard work, which embittcrs some
natures. had softened and rounded out
Marian's character. Maynard was un.
aware of the passing seconds as he
sat musing, and Marian, controlling
het. restless longing to be alone, sat
like an image, thankful that she had
a back to lean against and the side
of the sofa on which to rest her ell
bow. She felt inexplicably weary.
why would Maynard persist in raising
Tire specter of the past? How could
he allude to-
A loud ring OF the bell came as a
welcome relief to Marian.
Before she could start to answer 1t
old Nanny appeared in the entrance
hall from the dining room. having
gone there upon awakening TO find out
whose voice It was she heard talking
to Marian. The next instant she had
ushered James Palmer into the parlor.
"Dont get up, Mrs. Van Ness" he
entreatcd, moving forward with as
much speed as his bulk permitted. Il
only stopped in for a moment. Don't
think me unneighborly If ] confess I
came 10 see Maynard" laying his hand
ON the latters shoulder.
Marian laughed vexedly. Did every