The Ordway new era., 1920-12-10

noted the closed door de was now
pacing uneasily TO and fro across the
room.
As he made the turn near the door
it swung open. He stopped short. The
athletic attendant glanced In and
promptly drew back. Amy darted past
him into the room and clasped Clin-
tons hand.
Dear brother. what is 2" she asked.
I'VE were waiting. Mrs. Kirkland rs
with friend. Why didn't you come
down? Why did you send for us?"
over her shoulder he shot an angry
glance at the attendant. II sent only
for YOU" he replied.
"Amyr murmured Ellen. stopping
short just within the door. THAT look
in his eyes Be-be careful dear else
he may again"
She faltered at sight of his frown
He replied Ironically: Yes, be care
full. The maniac has been trapped. He
is in a cage; therefore he must be
dangerous"
"Will :" she protested.
He ignored her 10 gaze down into
Amy's distressed face. II asked the
privilege OF speaking with you-alone."
He started across the room with
Amy. Ellen hesitated, glanced about
Mt the alert attendant. and slowly fol-
lowed. Clinton met her glance of timid
appeal with cold antagonism
'If you will pardon me. Miss Kirk
land" he remarked, this Is getting TO
be rather too much of farce. Every
thing that | say or do Is distorted by
your deluded fancy into all sorts Of
strange meanings. Is it not enough
that your father has very adroitly
trapped me"
flush, dear" reproved Amy. Cant
you see how you are hurting her?"
81 wish could be brutal" he irri-
tably rejolned. at might force her to
realize that cannot be her fiance."
Nothing can do that. dearest" mur-
INJURED Ellen.
Besides. there's the telegram" add
ed Amy.
"What telegram?" he queried.
Mamma told u.s." replied Ellen. at
came to papa when we were all at
luncheon"
And it proved that you are youl"
exclaimed Amy. You needn't scowl.
old bearkins. because 1t does. 1t tells
how you escaped to Chicago, and there
the superintendent lost all trace of
you. That was when this change of
personality came on you. So when
you found yourself-not your real. but
your new self-with nil the bonds, you
thought they were yours. and put them
in n bank and started for California.
Isn't that plain?'
VERY. Only. as it happens. opened
my Chicago bank account several
months ago"
Ellen looked at Amy and nodded.
''He forgets what papa says about
retrogressiye time memory in some
cases OF dissertation"
Clinton flushed with exasperatioI.
Miss Kirkland. permit me to express
my conviction that your father has
made an unmitigated-owl of himself"
mo, no. please. dear! begged Amy
He drew away the hand with which
she sought to cover his mouth, and
cOntinued This farce has gone quite
far enough. 1t has become bore"
Ellen Strengthened with the hautem
of an offended queen. You say thar?
First you insult my father, and now"
"Wait, dear. watt" Amy sought TO
intervene. at can't be he means"
Cant be-" demanded Ellen, all her
love and gentleness overwhelmed in
the bitter upwelling of her outraged
pride. Look at him. scowling AT me :"
81 beg your pardon. Miss Kirkland"
he apologized. 81 was not aware"
"'Afiss Kirkland'r' she exclaimed.
THAT is quite sufficient. To think that
after L" She blushed scarlet with
mingled shame and anger. REST ns-
sured, Mr.. Lowrie Clinton. shall no
longer bore you with the farce of my
attentions"