The spectator., 1920-08-24
BROUGHT TO BOOK
By ALDEN CHAPMAN



 Sidney Blair had entered the gloomy, oldfashioned city mansion bearing the name on it's door plate "Alton Morse," with an ardent heart and high hopes. He sat now in it's library confronted by it's owner. whose grim, forbidding face chilled him. whose disclosures were disconcerting.
 Two months previous while visiting his sister at a seminary, he had met Lucia Sterling. The acQuaintanceship had bossomed into mutual friendly in terest and, on his part at least, into genuine love. She had told him that she lived with Mir. Morse, that her parents were both dead and that the attorney, because her father had been former client, had practically adopt ed her. Lucia had consented to his calling on her when she left school and she had told Mir Morse of the ey- pected visitor.
 Blair had been ushered into the H. brary of the house when he sent in his card. and sinister faced, it's occu- pant had received him coldly.
 Il know who you are, and of yout family" said Mir. Morse. "I also fancy know the object of your call. It is Miss Sterling"
 Yes" replied Blair. q hope she Is we'll"
 .She is far from that" replied the lawyer gravely Do not be alarmed, sir, it is mental, rather than physical ailment Miss Sterling has received some disclosures relative to her past, or rather that of her parents, that have been considerable of Il shock. She knows of your intention to call and has authorized me to see you in | her stead"
 "l do not understand" began Blair in q perp'eXed way
 ''I can say only that considering F your high social standing and illus trious family name, it is better that yogr acquaintance with Miss Sterling | should terminate utterly" You inSiuuate some mystery which, no matter what it may involve, could feel for Miss Sterling" spoke Blair Stanchly. MT. Morse, I must insist on having decision from her lips | alonc."
 Alton Morse arose with peculiar expression on his face II will convey your message to my ward,' he said icily, "or rather my dead friends daughter" and left the room. He re- turned shortly bearing Il folded scrap of paper.
 Miss Sterling declines to see you, he reported. This Is her only and | final word, and Blair bowed his head in despair as he read: Mir. Morse must speak for me. l thank you for 9ll your courtesy and regard, but we | must never meet again" l Without another word Blair left the l house Dusl; had come down, hut as he slowly passed the garden space he glanced back. One upper window at the side of the house showed light
 Blair proceeded on his way, but so mystified by the strange incident that after he had turned tie next cor. ner he reversed and confronted the | stranger.
 He was man ever fifty, bearded and bronzed. and wore great blazing diamond in his tie and another of un, usual size on one finger. Two men crossed the street, evidently attracted by these signs of opulcnce. When within twenty feet of the corner they suddenly sprung upon him.
 Blair haStcncd to the rescue. He drove one of the men prostrate with vigorous blow. The other had Dis tol aimed at the stranger. Blair struck up his hand, but himself felt n stinging contact in one arm. As the men dispersed the victim seized