Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1920-09-03
CHAPTER VII.
Hiqh Stakes.

Instead of climax, the message
was an anti-climax. For long mo-
ment all stared at the frowning ply
sician.
Ellen was the first to speak. She
looked appealingly at Clinton and
whispered: "You-you will stay I'M
til-?"
"All right" cheerily rejoined Clin-
ton. ION your heads be it From now
on i shall sit back and enjoy the COM
edy. 1t is delightful to be petted by a
sweet little sister"
"How about a game of br.dge?" sug-
gested BENIN.
When, a few minutes later the party
left the table, Doctor Kirkland went
into the parlor with his wife. The
young people stopped in the library.
Promptly BENIN began counting Amy
with a directness and ardor that at
first both surprised and amused Ellen.
Soon, however, her interest again cen
tered on Clinton, who was regarding
Bemm's gallantries with fast deepen
ing displeasure.
From the parlor Mrs. Kirkland
watched the young people with grow
ing concern. Her husband, though his
eyes were seemingly fixed on the pages
of newspaper, had not missed sim
gle shade of change in ClintOns ex-
preston. Mrs. Kirkland talked in a
desultOry manner to conceal from the
players the intensity of her interest.
At last, however, she reached the ut
most limits Of her patience.
my DEAR" she murmured, "sOme-
thing must be done. He is utterly neg
lecting the poor child. Can you not
see how wretched she Is? l gave her
your advice to keep on trying. She
has done so all evening, and yet look
at him!"
IF it were not for Amy" replied
the physician. THAT is the uncertain
factor. l had hoped not little from
his manner toward Ellen during their
drive to my office. But now"
"Now"
Him. 1t is difficult to say what is
the nature of this concern for Amy"
"Karl It's not possible you can
mean-w
81 do not say, as yet. 1t may be due
to subconscious impulse-hls opposi-
ton to Charlie before he went East"
"But this is frightful I"
~ give 1t as possibility" said the
physician. stop and consider, my
ho hoIi
himself to be-a stranger to us ALL"
81 cannot!"
"YOu must. AS double personality,
he is In effect a stranger. To avert
this possibility of disaster. he must
be led to choose Ellen"
"Ah!"
"You see now that II Is q matter of
greater urgency than we thought; not
merely question Of trying to recall"
Eyes, yes! Amy Is fond of Charlie.
II we can get her out of the way for a
while Sit still until let you know"
Rising leisurely, Mrs. kirkland went
into the library. BENIN was taking in
the winning trick of game. She
smiled and shook her finger at him.
"How have you done it2 You've won
every time, In spite of Amy. It's won
derful luck"
"All due to my partner" replied
BENIN. "She is the best of luck"
Amy Jumped up to curtsey.
Really, my dear, / did not come In
to But If you wish change" MUIR
INJURED Mrs. Kirkland, and she took the
girls place at the card table. She met
Bemm's attempt at cordial smile with
a look of playful severity. mo, you
shall have no more chances to defeat
poor Will and Ellen"
"Er-to be sure, IL Doctor Kirkland
wishes to play" said BENIN, and he
rose with alacrlty.
Doctor Kirkland stopped in the door
way and stood waiting. His wife had
gathered up the cards and was quietly
shutting them. Amy, who had drawn
aside closely followed by BENIN, looked
at Clinton and Ellen with sudden
change from merriment to grave de-
light
BENIN caught the opportunity of her
softened mood. There's a full moon.''
he challenged Dare you to go out In
the garden !"
You think I'm afraid or the gla-
morn" she whispered. "Ill show YOU"
Clinton settled back In his chair and