The Washington times., 1919-10-05

and on THIS yOuu6s meANe iidAG14
girl whom Paul Delacour desired so
greatly It acted like a charm. Il
pleaded for him all the more pow
erfuIy, because it had lost some Of
its briniahce, and was pale and
troubled.
She seemed to lose herself as she
gazed into bis dark eyes. She was
seized with a passion Of love and
tenderness for this nan who had
had al that the world could give,
and lost It. should he lose her, too?
She went slowly up to him, hold
ing out her hand
II" she began.
The door opened sharply behind
her and she stopped and turned
round. Two strange men came in,
and, without a worl Of explanation
vent up to Delacour. He gave q
startled CRY as he recognized La
lande and made e rush for the door.
But he vas too late. Before he
scarcely knew what had happened
he was seized and held and his
struggles we're over He stood be-
fore the girl he loved and honored,
his face white and CHASTITY, his
breath coming in great eonvulsive
gasps-a prisoner
"O6 what Is it7 What has
happenedqn she cried. piteously.
trembling from head to- foot
eve must apologize for coming
here Ike this. one Of the men
answered. @but he's sueh.a slippery
customer We darent run any risks.
ought To have had him before,
but there was some mistake and
he cot away without my knowing
It, / am sorry you should have
been alarmed. madam Nay ] beg
you to withdraw and we win leave
the house at once?
Paull PAUL. Speak 10 me-
She entreated, careless Of Who
mieht hear her "What have you
done3 Tel me 1t is nothing shame
ful-that you win come back to
me-that we shall Be happy again
some dayie
one Of the police officers began
Is explain. but Delaeour stopped
him with an imploring gesture
For PHYS sake. don't ten her.
he muttersd, hoarsely spare me
that and you can Do as you like
with me. IN come quietly enough;
I won't give you any trouble
And the detective. Injured as he
was to painful scenes, felt a thrill
Of compassion at the agony Ia bis
prisoners face and held-his peace.
Let me send her away Dela-
cour enreated. let nc say good
bye. I can't stand
The man hesitated a moment but
the girFs presence made their task
more difficult and painful and It
would be a relief TO have her gone.
He was human enough to feel re-
volted az SO young and innocent a
creature taking part IN such
tragedy.
II give you my word Of honor I
won't try to escape, :, Delacour said.
: Then he remembered and laughed
harshly-a scaf0ld laugh. j for
got that isn't Of much value Well,
you're armed, no doubt; you can
shoot me down like a dog II make
suspicious movement.
The two men Ioosened their hold
and DelacOur approached Felicity.
Don't speak to me, dear" be
said, huskily; don't ask me any
thing, but 60! I am not worthy Of
q thought Of yours, but, IL Il wiz
comfort you TO know Il, all that Is
best in me has been yours, and al
ways win be. Goodbye
and God bless y0u!"
But you win come back" she
cried. you're not going to leave
me for ever, Paul? ] can't bear It!
On, I can'tl Say you'll come back;
ask me at least TO remember you"
He threw up his head ike man
fighting for breath.
"TYe been a scOundrel," he said.
I've never been fit % touch your
hand. But I'm going-gOing out Of
your life forever now, so you may
forgive me. Ny Felicity
my little Felicity!" His voice
melted TO infinite tenderness.
She struggled TO speak, but tears
choked her utterance.
Go, dear heart" he said, lead
ing her gently to the door; "that
is the only kindness you. can show
me now. Think Of me meFcifully,
but as you think Of the dead. ]
shall never come back"
In one swift moment he realized
the living death that awaited him,
and even his courage failed. he
could have cried aloud for mercy,
he could have clung 20 Felieity's
feeble hands and begged for help
and pity. The next instant he had
mastered his weakness. She should
g. ~ = Hon