Evening star., 1919-03-02

Clifford and Mary both started. The
amazed voice in the next room was
not Jacks voice.
I'm here-~on little business-with
Mrs. Grayson." stammered Loveman.
SO am H. said the voice.
But she's engaged II assure
you---'
"l'll only take a minute or two
Come on; you shall introduce me-
Don't hang back"
Tho est moment Loveman was
pushed through the door, and behind
him appeared the tail figure of Mr..
Morton, evening clothes showing be-
meath his overcoat. He stopped short
a t what he saw.
why, Mr. Cliffordw he exclaimed
And then; why. ] beg your pardon,
Miss Gilmore Or should ] say Mrs
Grayson?'
Clifford saw that Mary had gone al
most white. He sensed, and he knew
that she sensed. that one of the SUI
preme crises of her new life--the
life that was to make her or break
her--was Unexpectedly before them.
Mary spoke calmly. 1T is Mrs
GraYSOn now"
How rapidly events do happen in
New York Mr. Morton remarked po-
htelY, his Keen gray eyes fun upon
her. Miss Gilmore, when | saw YOU
AT the Grant ham~-Mrs. Grayson with
IN week. He must be a young Loeb
inVar Mr. Grayson, the way he does
things"
Hilton had been standing beyond
tiiiord, blocked out Of Mr.. Morton's
first swift survey of the scene He
now shifted forward, and Mr.. Morton
saw him. the grip of Clifford fasten-
ed on his upper arm. and the elinting
handouts on his wrists
w hats this all about?" Mr. Nor
ton exclaimed
Hilton was swift to see what advan-
tage for him lay in the situation. He
stepped nearer Mr.. Morton.
1t means that | am the victim of a
most unfortunate misunderstanding,
ne spoke up quickly MIR. Clifford be-
leNed, mistakenly, that / had come
wrongfully by some five thousand
dollars in my possession, and he took
the money from me and placed me
under arrest"
IT'S none of my business. sup
correct, MIR clifford"
Cilnofd remained silent for a mo-
ment. In a flash he saw that for him
10 answer with the fun truth would
lead 10 Mary's instant ruin-this affer
he had declared that he had stepped
out OF her life, that he was going TO
ieaNe TO experience and her own de-
t'%10hs the shaping Of her fate.
me last part of his statement is
correct replied Clifford--"that fool,
me money from him and placed him
under arrest 49,
But he declares the money is his
IT not, whose is it,"
IN me passing moment Clifford had
decided TO put il suuareIv llD 10 MARY
to thrust the tangled threads Of hs,
oestihy INTO her own hands But Hill
Ton beat him to the very repIy he IN
tended making '''
NSN MIS- Grayson whose money 1t
is cried Hilton, and. wheeling he
gave Mary meaning look
but MT. MoftOu'S eVes waitad ou
Ciitford, clifford turned and gazed at
Mary.
Yes, ask Mrs. Grayson." said Cliff
ford
.. Mrs Grayson." said Mr.. Morton,
the ownership of this disputed money
seems to rest on your word"
she hesitated. Clifford read beneath
mat white. calm face. realized that
she was on the thinnest of thin ice---if
indeed she were not already through
u ana IN .the black waters. He be-
iieVed, and was certain she believed
that MIR, Morton already knew of the
marriag age-but did he know of the
other thingSP
Whose is it, Mrs. Grayson?"
prompted Mr. Morton.
She Indicated Hilton with a nod.
The money is his: give it to him MIR.
Clifford" she said.
Clifford quickly weighed his CON
hiCtine responsibilities. To give life
the CHahCe 10 test Mary out to the
end of this experience weighed more
Important than the mere capture of
Hilton.
Here it is," he said. and thrust the
bills into one of the handcuffed hands
and as he did so. out of the tail OF
his eye he caught Il look OF disnlay
on IoNemans face
since Your affairs seem TO be ad-
juated put in Mr. Morton, II dare say
you'd like tobe saying good after
noon
Clifford removed the handouts.
Lovemau gave Hilton his hat and
cane. and the professional entangler
of women, though ruflied somewhat as
TO the perfection OF his apparel, bow
ed himself out with exquisite man
ner.
There was a moment of silence---a
strain upon all except Mr.. Morton,
who had the light, easy bearing of
man of the world at an afternoon tea.
If he knew or guessed anything he
did not show it---and his pleasant sur
face made him seem all the more dan
gerous.
He gave Mary slight but gracious
bow. IL hope you'll forgive my drop
ping in so informally But l had
learn ed your address by chance, i hap
pened to be in the neighborhood, and
7 wished to advance my acquaintance.
begun when you were Miss Gilmore"
I'm sure I'm glad YOU called" re-
turned Mary.
Then, we'll have little visityesc"
biz