Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-09-18
The Woman Halter
BY Ruby Ayres

SlOtHtS.
FaVersham laughed.
Clothes not very suitable for this
'hlage. dare say" he submitted.
He hurried through his meal and went
where the White cottage was situated,
and his heartbents duickened absurdly
as he neared Il,
It was q bright, sunny morning, with
a. mp or frost in the air, and no saw
Wnoow as he walked up the narrow
PAIN TO the front door and knocked.
Nopody answered for q moment. He
uied the latch impatiently.
tht ylelded In his hand, and he opened
"A steep, narrow flight of stairs went
UP directly opposite. and as he stood
nesitating on the doorstep some one
came running down them.
~ was Mrs. Dundas, She stopped dead
him. WIG" s"o '""
''filesl'
Faversham moved to the foot Of the
stairs, looking up at her, his eyes talk
ms IN every detail of her daintiness
face;
Well, you don't seem very pleased to
see see me-, ne said, and his voice was
Pleased !" She came down the re-
naming stairs with little rush and
iEto his arms.
Aud she---she lies In nv ha,lds as tame
AS pear hung bdsktno oper q toatl:
JUST touch to try, and of u ou,ne,
N1fs mine' can let It fair
Perhaps the sunshine was responsible
OF the hood of old memories that had
come upon Faversham as he walked UP
tne village street, for at any rate, at
the moment when Mrs. Dundas ran into
his arms he forgot everything he had
meant TO remember, and the two were
Just boy and girl again, he and she re-
80 you are glad to see me?" he
word7'
Her eyes were like stars, She took
room where the fire cracked cheerily,
and where breakfast was waiting.
why have you come? Why didn't
you let me know? ] suppose Il really
Is your She was laughing and dancing
round him like an excited child, and for
once F'aversham fell in with her mood.
wanted to surprise you. You used
to love surprises. do you remember? l
only made up my mind late last night.
remembered suddenly the reason that
had prompted his visit, and his face
sobered as he caught her hand. "Lallie,
nobody has been down to see you? Not
AIdHttT, VI dlly OIc tiht!
She looked amazed.
Down here Why, I've only, been
here z day and a half, and nobody but
nobody has been WhyT'
a quick sigh Of relief. Don't you think
we might have breakfast? I had some
at the inn. but I'm hungry again now !;
the coffee smells so good"
She flushed rosily.
Breakfast! or course. How lovely:
Just you and together"
She went to the door and called to the
maid. In an instant she was back again
Miles. this IL like years and years ago.
Do you remember we had breakfast to-
| gether then--the morning before you
| went back to New York? got up early
| to see you Off"
II remember that never ate a thing
| and implorins you not 10 hirt with that
| sandy-haired bounder who used to
follow you about" There was n note OF
bitterness In his voice. The old memories
| You were absurdly Jealous" she de-
clared. She slipped a hand through his
| arm. You won't ever need to be jeal-
GUS Of me again. Never! Do you hear?"
And do you believe ms?"
| He laughed, ruefully.
II almost think do" he answered.
Mrs. Dundas 8 maid brought break
| ldbt. she lOOkeu uSkanCe AZ rhNeTbnaT1,
and answered his "good-morning" rather
curtly. Miles looked after her with
raised brows as she left the room.
That maid Of yours doesn't like me"
he said
Mrs. Dundas laughed.
| Nonsense OF course she does. ]
wouldn't part with her for worlds. II
right hand"
She took her seat at the head of the
table.
Are you going to sit beside me, OF
Miles, do you know how shy feel?"
Then ] mad better sit opposite. OF
way wasted that other, years ago"
She made little grlmace at him.
Not now, you are 30 much older and
wiser. You see, / have not forgotten
what you said the other day in town.!
But this morning It was she who made
only pretense Of eating. and Faver-
sham noted the fact grimly.
Once he had lost his appetite for weeks
and months on her account He had lived
on love and moonshine and hope and
lovers are supposed to ,rovei. 1t seemed
unlikely that he would ever again be
capable Of such weakness.
There was q vague pity In his hear;
as he looked at her. Life was a curious
thing! Why could she not have cared fol
him all those years ago, instead Of now
AS soon rs the meal was ended, ht
rose and went over to the window.
"The sun shines. and the tide is out,
he said. II am going to take you for thai
| walk on the sands you promised me
Have you got any boots that won't bt
ruined with salt water?"
"Of course I have / came down here
dressed for the part"
She went off to get ready. and Fav
ersham heard her moving about upstairs
| and singing haDDilY.
After ali, what was she but n child n
her varying moods, he asked himself
tolerantly. And then sharp edge OF bit
ter memory Jagged him. Not such a chill
heart and break It between her delicate
fingers. Not such child but that she
knew how to WOO and win man bacl
to his old allegiance.
II will never go back" said Fover
sham fiercely. Ho spoke the words aloud
unconsciously.
II beg your pardon" said Lester
pert voice at the door. II thought yot
spoke, sir" she said smoothly, as Fav
ersham turned. 81
Faversbam made, no answer He dis
liked the GIRL and knew lnstinctivel,
that she disiked him. She busied herself
, clearing the breakfast things away. ShS
fingered in tho room deliberately til
Mrs. Dundas came down again As they
left the house together, Miles. turning
to close the gate, saw Lester watching
them from the window
You've brought the sunshine witt
you" Mrs Dundas said, looking up a
!. him. yesterday It ralned, and I very
nearly packed my boxes and ran paei
, to town. -,
ut ra!ned in town. too. We go dowI
the stems hero to tho sands IL re
, member" He glanced down at her fee
and laughed. "You don't call those sen
siblo shoes. do you To,.s d,ur q, b..