The evening world., 1920-11-15

~ UGH wasted love II was! All
Tor a man who was not worth
~ one thought, or even a tear!
When he got back to his rooms
he told Driver 70 call him early, as he
was going to see somebody off by
train. He was at Victoria long before
Ashton; the greeting between the
two men was constrained.
Il was going back to-day, anyway"
Ashton said jauntily. I'm going to
be married the day after to-mor-
row" He looked at Micky with
triumphant eyes. TO Mrs. Clare" he
added
When Micky got back to his rooms
he was dumtounded to find Esther
awaiting him.
II want-I want to go to Paris" she
stammered. It's to see-some one"
your fiance?" inquired Micky.
Yes" she said, blushing. And
came to ask IL you would tell me the
best way to get there"
Yes" said Micky. His voice
sounded choked. And 500 you
want TO go out there to him, is that
it2"
Her face frightened.
Yes. | should have told June, only
only she isn't very sympathetic. You
see'-she smiled faintly-"she hates
my phantom lover as she calls him,
and $3.50 l know she would only do
him; but you"
Il am afraid" said Micky quietly,
that shall try and do the same
thing"
He turned and looked at her
Squarely.
you've never been to Paris" he
said, and probably you can't speak a
word of French. You've probably
never travelled any distance alone.
Miss Shepstone, it's impossible for
you to go. l am only advising you
for your own good. Why not write
to-to-your fiance and ask him to
make arrangements for your
He broke off helplessly. The poor
little letter in which she had already
done so lay in his pocket at that mo-
ment. 1t turned him sick to think OF
the tissue OF lies and deceit his own
actions were forcing upon him.
Il have asked him." she said al
most in a whisper, but he said he
couldn't have me--then! But that's
quite a long time ago" she added
hopefully. And l thought If ne saw
me-if l got there and surprised
him-"
Micky turned away. He could inag-
Inc so well what would happen if In
deed she found Ashton. He walked
over to the window and stood looking
into the street with unseeing eyes.
Have a little patience" he said
presently. Take my advice and stay
here. II he--if he can, he villa send for
you, l am sure"
She sat twisting her hands together
nervously. After a moment she looked
up at him.
THANK YOU" she said.
She rose and began to pull on her
gloves.
II hope you don't think it's very
dreadful OF me 70 have come" she
said deprecatingly but but
this morning. somehow, 1 felt must
have some one to talk to--some one
TO advise me. ="
81 am honored that you came" said
Micky gravely.
Her eyes fell before his.
"And-and you won't tell June ?" she
appealed.
He smiled rather sadly.
Il am not likely ever to tell any
one" he said.
He went downstairs with her.
said when he bade her goodby. And
you'll promise to let me advise you
again, when you're not quite sure
what you ought to do?" There was a
note OF anxiety in his voice.
She flushed nervously.
It's kind OF you to be interested"
1t semed strange to her that after
all that had happened they should
have so easily got back to their old
footing Of friendhness. But Micky was
not at all happy; when she had gone
he stood for a long time at the win
dow staring moodily out.
When Driver brought lunch, he
found Micky poring over a Bradshaw;
he spoke to the man with elaborate
CarelessneSs.
"YouU have 10 take another trip TO
Paris--to- morrow will do"
Yes, sir" Driver smoOthed crease
in the cloth. ITO post another letter,
sir?" he asked expressionlessly
Mlcky looked up sharply, but Driver
met his eyes innocently.
Micky colored.
mo; II isn't a letter this time" he
said. IT'S to buy n fur coat"