The evening world., 1920-09-23
CHAPTER Nv.

| toward usl"
CHAPTER ~.
|" HE men were staring 40 Keen
~ AZ "Mr. n. Smith" that II
seemed to Annesley he must
feel the stab OF eyes, sharp
as pin-pplcks, in his back. lie had
the self control, however,. not to look
around. not even 70 change EXPIRES
sion. No man IN the restaurant ap-
peared more calmly at ease than he.
The couple had accompanied their
stare with eager whisperinBs. Then,
as II on some hasty decision. they
pushed back their chairs ana got up.
Taking a few steps they separated.
approaching Smith on right and left.
one, therefore. stood between him
and Annesley as II 10 prevent an ex-
change OF words or glanoes There
was something Eastern and oddly
alien about them In spite OF their
conventional clothes.
Mr.. Michael VRrcoel" said the
bigger and older. he who stood on
the left OF Smith. The other kept In
the background not TO crowd with
conspicuous rudeness between An
nesley and her host Tho man who
spoke had a thick voice and n curious
accent which the girl, with her smull
experience, was unable 70 place.
mo-" answered smith," In puz-
zled tone. You mistake me Tor some
one else"
Il think not" insisted the bearded
man, In n hostile drawl. II think
mott"
I'm sure not" echoed the other.
You are Michael VOrcoe. There's no
getting away from that"
The emphasis seemed to add, And
no getting away from us"
Excitement stirred AnnesleY 20
courage. why. how horridl" she
exclaimed, bending past the human
obstacle; people taking you for some
foreignerl I'm sure YOU can't be like
a man with such a maine as-Michael
Varcoel Tell them who we are"
my name Is Nelson smith, said
her official husband. MY wife Is
not
your wifel" repeated the man
standing opposite Annesley. He stared
with insolent incredulity. "'Mr. and
Mrs. Nelson Smith A good name to
TT happens to have been given
me" Slight sharpness broke the toll
eunce Of Smiths tone.
Il don't believe you'll" exclaimed the
other.
Smiths black brows drew to-
Rether. 1T doesn't matter whether
you believe or not" ne said. What
does matter Is that you should annoy
Us. tell YOU I'm not Michael Varcoe,
and never heard the name. II you're
not satisfied. and u you don't go back
70 your dinner and let us finish ours
Ia peace, I'll appeal to the manage
ment"
''Well!" grumbled the taller Of the
pair. III you're not the man I want
you're his imngc-minus mustache
and beard. You must be Varcoel"
"Of course he's Varcoe," insisted
/ the other.
'of course he's mott" said Annesley
with Just the right amount OF irrita-
ton. "Our name is Smith. Nelson
do tell this-person 10 ask the head
waiter who engaged the table, AND
not stay here making fuss"
Anybody can engage a table in the
name OF SMITH" sneered the first
speaker. That is nothing. We &c
BY something more convincing than a
name. There are countries where men
have been arrested on less resem-
blance-Or put out OF the way"
"Oh, Nelson, hos frightening me,
faltered Annesley. He must have
lost his senses"
You think that. do your" The
fierce eyes fixed her with a stare
You tell me-you, madame. that you
are this mans wifeT
II do tell you So" the girl replied
| FIRMLY, though / don't see tbat ia
I your affair! Now go away"
VERY well, we take your word" re.
| turned tho man, IN a tone which said
that he did nothing Of the sort. And
/ we gO--.back to our table, TO let you
finish your meal, MIR. and Mrs
smith"
Anncsley tried 70 Ignore the fact
that they stared without ceasing, but
she could not help being aware Of
their eyes She felt faint, and every
thing In the room whirled giddily
Drink some champagne" said
Smiths quiet voice.
The girl Oboyod. and the ce-cold
wine cooled the fire In blood and
nerves,
you have been splendid" Smith
encouraged her. 81 know you wont
fan me now"
81 promise you l will mott" returned
Annesley. The worst rs over. fee
ready for anything"
How can / thank your" he muir.
INJURED. II | had all the rest OF my
life 20 do Il In. instead OF few min
utes, Il wouldn't he too much. Yot
we're perfect in your manner. mo-
anxious, only annoyed; just the righi
air for a self-respecting Mrs. Smith
They both laughed. and Anneslel
was surprised that she could laugh
naturally and gayly, Presently shl
laughed again, when Mr.. Smith re,
marked that she had missed her vo.
. cation In not being an actress-she
the country mouse, who had hardly
been inside a theatre.
When al last Mr.. and Mrs Smith
had finished their bonnie surpris,
land trified with some fruit, Anneslcl
! said: Evidently they don't car,
!. how long they have 20 waltz | sup
pose there's nothing for us TO do bu
20 gO7-