The spectator., 1920-07-16
were home tool He Is extremely fond of his stepmOther."
CHAPTER iii.

Welcome Home.
 The playing ceased. Doctor Kirk land rose and advanced upon the group at the piano.
 "One moment, Ellen," he said. Two young men at a time is one too many. I am going to run off with Mir. Clin- ton"
 "Papal"
 If he will take a little spin with me."
 But why take away-take him away now?"
 He will be interested to meet Amy"
 ''Of course. How stupid of me! But If you're hurried. papa. Charlie can take us down In his car"
 ''To be sure," agreed Bemm.
 "If Mr. Clinton has no objections, l prefer to take him myself, at once."
 May l ask" began that young man.
 Certainly. certainly. I shall ex- plain on the way down. Come. The ladies will soon follow us in Charlie's car"
 At once!" exclaimed Ellen.
 "No." ordered her father, glancing at his watch. Not before half an hour at least. Come, MT. Clinton"
 The guest stiffened at the peremp- tory tone of his host.
 Does It not strike you. sir. that this proceeding Is rather odd?' he asked.
 Tt must indeed seem so to you, Mir. Clinton" replied Mrs. Kirkland. -But my husband will explain on your way down."
 "I sec" he rejoined, and he stared at the physician, his blue eyes bright with angry suspicion. You are all under a delusion that 1 am daft insane. You have spoken of a sani- tarium. I have heard of supposedly insane persons being decoyed Into in- stitutions."
 "Decoyed! You think l." gasped the physician. He choked between indignation and mirth. and waggled his plump hand at his wife ''T-tell im-what-why!
 She smiled at the guest with unmis- takable candor in her look. I've should have explained the situation to you at once," she said. Tt Is true we still doubt your identity. My husband con siders that the quickest way to settle the matter Is to take you home to your sister,"
 Home? Sister?'
 You still Very well. then-to see Miss Amy Lowrie. Your-pardon me his mother is away. as 1 believe we told you at the depot. But even though she Is not there Amy will be certain to know you"
 "She will know me for what am an absolute stranger to you all,- he qualified.
 "Oh, Will, please!" implored Ellen.
 "We shall see, my dear" soothed her mother. "The moment he and Amy see each other there will no longer be any doubt of the truth"
 ''Then shall be glad to go at once" said Clinton. This misunderstanding is as embarrassing to me as l fear 1t Is distressing to Miss Kirkland. The sooner 1t is settled the better"
 Do not follow for at least half an hour" Doctor Kirkland ordered the others as he went out with his guest
 At the curb he Sprang into the front of his car and motioned to Clinton 10 seat himself in the tonneau. The mo- ment they were aboard the car shot out into the street and whirred away much faster than the city speed limit.
 1syhf tuh III n ynt m hn tor blue-black sky. outlined the dome of the capitol. Doctor Kirkland ran on to within block of the capitol grounds and drew up before an old brick mansion.
 "Here we are" he said. and he started in across the sidewalk without looking about at his passenger.
 Good evening. Tillie." said Doctor Kirkland. opening the screen door.
 "I guessed 1t was your ring. doctor" said the womSn with the familiarity of an old servant. Come right in and the other gentleman. too. Miss Amy Is just-my lands If it ain't Mir. Will. Well, I never! Looking finer'n silk. too, We'll. am glad to see you home again. Mir. Will! I'll run at once and tell Miss Amy. She'll be most tickled to death !"
 She left the visitors and hurried back along the narrow hallway. call ing breathlessly: Miss Amyl Miss Amyl Where are you? Lord bless us! Here's Mir. Will home again Where are you? Here's Mir. Will Where"
 "Will? VIII! Oh! Then he has come! Oh! came glrlish shriek of delight in the hall above.
 Clinton had stepped inside, after Doctor Kirkland. Looking up at the turn of the stairs, he caught sight of two little slippered feet twinkling on tbe steps of the top flight. In mo- ment their owner swung around the turn and flew down the long, straight lower flight as if winged. The young