Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-06-04

! over here and tell me what your
editor means?"
The count resigned his seat cour-
teously, and took the vacant place
| beside the girl. A silence fell between
them, which presently the man broke.
Miss Gray" he began seriously,
your aunt kindly gave me this OPP
portunity to ask you question.
Have l your permission also?'
The girl arched her eyebrows. Her
lip curled ever so slightly.
"a question to which you and my
Aunt Patricia. could find no answer
between you! 1t must be subtle in
deed How can hope to succeed? 2"
He ignored her sarcasm. BE
cause it concerns yourself"
/ "Ah!" She drew herself up and re-
garded him with sparkling eyes. One
! small foot began to tap the floor
ominously. Then she broke into a
vexed little laugh.
Il am no match for you with the
foils. count. l admit 1t freely.
should have learned by this time that
you never say what you mean, or
mean what you say"
Forgive me, Miss Gray, if l say
that you mistake me utterly. l mean
always what l say most of all to
you. But to say all that l mean--to
put into speech all that one hopes or
dreams-or dares,'-his voice drop
| ped to a whisper-"to turn oneself
inside out like an empty pocket to
the gaze of the northumberland is
1 tvN,I In, l,s
with an expressive gesture.
but to speak concretely--I have
unhappily offended you, Miss Gray.
| Something | have done, or left I'M
done-or my unfortunate personality
does not engage your interest. Is it
not true?"
There was no mistaking his sin
cerity now.
But the girl still held aloof, her
blue eyes cool and watchful. For
| the moment, her face, in it's young
hardness, bore curious resemblance
to her uncles,
us that your question:" she de-
manded.
The count bowed silently.
| Then I will tell you!" She spoke
in low voice surcharged with emo
ton. II will give you candor for
candor, and make an end of all this
make believe"
"That." he murmured, SIS what l
most desire"
Doris continued. needless of the in
terruption. ut is true that dislike
you. am glad to be able to tell you
as much openly, And yet, perhaps, l
should use another word. l dislike
your secrecy-something dark and
hidden within you-and l fear your
influence over my uncle. You have
known me less than fortnight
Mr.. harrington, less than q week.
yet you have made what l can only
conceive to be impertinent proposals
of marriage to me. Today you were
for three hours with my uncle. can
only guess what your business has
BEEN"
You would probably guess wrong"
he said coolly.
i harrington. at the other end Of the
box. shot a swift, suspicious glance
across. Poltavo turned to the girl
again.
| 7 want only to be a friend Of
yours in the day of your need" he
said, In z low voice; believe me,
that day 10 not far distant"
"That is true?" She leaned to-
ward him. a little troubled.
He bowed his head in assent.
IF ! could believe you,". she fall
tered. Il need q friend! Oh, ii you
could know how have been torn by
douhts-beset by fears--oppressions."
] Her voice quivered. ''There is some
thing wrong somewhere can't tell
you everythins-if YOU would help
me-wait. May I test you with a
question:"
IA thousand II you like"
"And you will answer-truthfully 2"
In her eagerness she was like q
child.
He smiled. 'Tf answer at all, be
sure II will be truthful
"Tell me then, is DR.. Fall your
friend?"
HE IL my dearest enemy" he re-
turned, promptly,
He had only the dimmest notion
AZ to the identity of DR.. Fall, but 1t
seemed that lie was demanded
Poltavo could lie very easily.
"Or Mr.. ,Gorth7" she asked, and he
shook his head.
|. She drew a deep breath of relief
"And my uncle?" The question was
q whisper. She appeared to hang
upon his reply.
The count hesitated. IT do not
know" he admitted finally IF he
we're not influenced by DR.. Fall, be-
lieve he would be my friend" It was
q bow at q venture. He was follow
ing the bent Of her inclination.
! For the first time that evening
Doris hooked at him with interest.
MAY ask how your uncle came
to know Gorth?"
He asked the question with the
assurance Of one who knew all that
was to be known save on this point.
She hesitated awhile.
II don't quite know. The doctor
we have always known. He lives in
the country, and we only see him oc
casionally He is" She hesitated
and then went on rapidly: Il think
he has rather dreadful work. He is
in charge Of q lunatic."
Poltavo was interested
please go on" he said.
The girl smiled. II am afraid you
are an awful gossip she rallied. but
became more serious. Il don't like
him very much, but uncle says that
is my prejudice. He Ia one of those
quiet, sure men who say very little