New Britain herald., 1919-05-22


 the woman at the next table.
 They must have been seated at the table but a short time, for I remem- bered looking around only a few moments before when their table was occupied by a young, pretty and giddy girl with a devoted, also youthful, cavalier. Because my back was toward them the woman evidently hadn't had a good look at me. 1 was startled to see a look leap into her eyes that for a moment plotted out the sneering evil of the gaze she had given my father. It was a look which held involuntary horror, and also recognition, swift and certain. And yet I was certain that never in my life had I seen her.
 Eyes That Stare.
 Her expression was so compelling that for a, long moment her eyes held mine, almost as if hers had some hypnotic power. Then the hardened self lf-control-evidently acquired from years of experience. which was al- most the first thing I noticed about her-came to her rescue, and she wined both horror and recognition from her countenance as easily as she would have rubbed chalk from a blackboard.
 But into her eyes there crept an- other expression-a shreWd, calcula- ting. sinister look-which made me shiver. Abruptly she took her eyes from mine, spoke to her companion in a low voice, evidently giving him some admonition concerning us.
 The moment which seemed so long to me was, in reality but a few seconds I turned back to my father, to find him in the same numbed at titude, although his eyes were fixed upon his plate as if he dreaded to raise them.
 Father, dear!"
 I spoke his name in low tone, almost in whisper, but the sound, faint as it was, reused him. He llfted his head, looked at me with eyes which had altered tragically rom the happy ones that had looked into mine but a few short minutes before. noticed that he carefully avoided glancing even in the general direc- ton of the people at the next table
 Only a Ghost.
 Have I frightened you, child ?'' he said mournfully. 'I am so sorry, but-'
 The man and woman at the next table were rising with a nasty ex- planation to the waiter. l didn't turn my head but I could hear the woman's voice in ghpitched excuse for their impulsive departure. My fathers face set in determined lines.
 If they come over to this table, he whispered tensely, "do you get up at once and go down to the womenS waiting room. Have the maid call 9 taxi for you, and go directly to Mrs Underwoods. I will meet you there
 My brain whirled in conjecture at the bizarre request. Who could this woman be, the very sight of whom set my father, poised man of the world as he was, in such a panic! But his fears of their disturbing us further were unfOunded. They left without a word to us, although could tell from the sudden, swift re- pulsion sweeping across my fathers face that the woman had given him another insolent, recognizing, mean ing look before she left the room.
 knew when all trace of them was gone by the way my father straight ened his figure, squared his shoul- ders and made a pitiful attempt to regain the poise which the sight of the unknown woman had swept from him.
 AS I was saying, my dear" he said, making a desperate attempt at casual conversation, 1T think their ices here are the best to be found in the city Don't you agree with me?" I took my courage in both hands, braved the displeasure l feared would be his.
 Won't you tell me what so troubled you, father, dear?" I asked. Let me share the unpleasant things, too." He looked at me mournfully. Tt was only a ghost of the past, daughter, but it can never touch you, : shall never touch you.'