Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1919-06-17
CHAPTER XVIII.

I
! ing, David reminded himself that
woman of Miss Bristofs type would
not give second glance to an ordln-
airy chauffeur.
1t was necessary to his peace of
mind that he belives this. For after
driving Mr.. and Miss Leighton to
White Plains and Scarsdale to make
several afternoon calls, he received
an order that took his breath away.
Smith," Mr.. Leighton said as he
and Desiree stepped from the linn
CUISINE, Il want you to be at the
Hotel Astor in time to bring lady
here to supper. Daughter" to De-
stree. what time did you tell Miss
Bristol to be ready?"
AT a quarter of seven" the girl
replied. Then to David,-"Just send
in word that the car is there for
Miss Bristol. Understand"
Yes, Miss" David touched his
cap. II understand"
LAS if he could misunderstood"
he unused as he drove away. He
was certainly facing an uncomfort-
able situation.
1t was only o'clock. yet dusk
was coming on. In three-quarters
of an hour it would be dark.
What good was the darkness in
ne" 10TH OHe Coulu pS seen dc
clearly as in daylight if one stood
at the side of ones car in front of
brilliantly lighted hotel entrance.
What should he do?
He was not drinking man. Had
he been, he might have taken a
glass of whisky in the vain hope
of steadying his nerves. But he
had a conviction that there was a
way out of every scrape, so there
must be one out of this.
The way upon which he decided
at last was to appear remiss in his
duties as the driver of a gentle
ing in by the doorman at the Astor
the announcement that Mr.. Leigh
toms car was awaiting Miss Bris-
tol-he returned to his seat and re-
mained there, his cap pulled low
over his eyes, even when Miss Bris-
tol emerged, polited by an obse-
quious flunkey.
He looked straight ahead while
the attendant assisted the elderly
| spinster to her seat and tucked the
/ robe about her knees. When David
| heard the door of the limousine
| shut he started his engine and
without a backward glance, drove
out to Fifth avenue.
So far so good! Miss Bristol had
not recognized him.
But the end was not yet. AS he
drove up to the Leightons' house
and glanced at the windows there
was nobody watching for the guest.
1t was his place to conduct her up
the steps and ring the bell for her.
1t was too great a risk. He dare
not attempt it. Acting on a swift
impulse, he sprang from his seat,
ran up the steps of the house and
rang the doorbell.
Norah answered the summons.
She smiled broadly as she saw him.
why, hello, SMITH" she greeted
him.
Her face changed as she noted
the stern expression on the coun-
tenance of the man she admired.
Good evening"" he said brusque-
ly. Please announce that Mis-,
Bristol is here"
He Tries to Smile
Norah gasped. Sure 1 will-but
it's up to you to bring her up the
steps to the door. Smith,"
David set his jaw. Il can't" he
spiration, he spoke eagerly. NO
rah, come down and help this lady
up the steps, won't you?"
But it's not my place" she be-
gan.
Just to please me-" he begged
softly.
She flushed and laughed. "Oh.
all right" she agreed. "I will. but
whatever ails you-you silly thing!"
He tried to smile. He must give
some explanation.
I'm. bit timid with old ladies',
my dear" he confided.> "You know
hnx 90
clumsy man like myself does. So
that is why l want you to come out
and help this nice elderly lady into
the house.
Suddenly, to her husprise, his
manner altered. Selling her quickly
by the arm, he ran down the front
steps with her, then, leaving her.
crossed the pavement. and sprang
back into his seat while she opened
the cardoor and helped the occu-
pant to alight.
Once seated, he looked neither to
the right nor the left. In the mo-
ment during which = he had been
chatting with Norah. he had seen
his young mistress descending the
stairs to the lower hail.
That was why he had gripped
Norah's arm and fastened her away
before Desiree could interpose.
Although he was sure that Desiree
had seen his action. that did not
worry him particularly. His only
fear had been that she would reach
the front door before the maid had
a chance to follow his suggestion.
When Miss Bristol had disap-
peared into the house. David De-
Laine sat still and waited, Had he
| taken the guest up to the front door,
Miss Leighton would doubtless have
told him when to return. AS it was.
he must now ring the bell again and
ask for orders.
He wished he dared to drive awav
without further instructions. But
that would be unwise.
/ Once more he rang, and again
Norah appeared