The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1920-09-09

noted the closed door. He was now
pacing uneasily to and fro across the
room.
AS he made the turn near the door
1t swung open. He stopped short. The
athletic attendant glanced in and
promptly drew back. Amy darted past
him into the room and clasped Clin-
tons hand.
Dear brother, what is it?" she asked.
ave were waiting. Mrs. Kirkland is
with n friend. Why didn't you come
down? Why did you send for us?"
Over her shoulder he shot an angry
glance at the attendant. 81 sent only
for you" he replied.
AMY" murmured Ellen, stopping
short just within the door 'That look
I'm his eyes! Be--be careful, dear, else
he may again"
She faltered at sight of his frown
He replied ironically: yes, be care
full. The maniac has been trapped. He
is in a cage; therefore he II ust be
dangerous"
"Will !" she protested.
He ignored her, to gaze down into
Amy's distressed face. 81 asked the
privilege OF speaking with you-alone."
He started across the room with
Amy. Ellen hesitated, glanced about
at the alert attendant, and slowly fol.
lowed. Clinton met her glance of timid
appeal with cold antagonism.
IF you will pardon me, Miss Kirk
land" he remarked, this is getting to
be rather too much of a farce. Every
thing that | say or do is distorted by
your deluded fancy into all sorts of
strange meanings. Is it not enough
that your father has very adroitly
trapped me-"
Hush, dear" reproved Amy Cant
you see how you are hurting her?'
81 wish l could be brutal" he irri-
tably rejoined. at might force her to
realize that 1 cannot be her fiance."
Nothing can do that. dearest" MUIR
INJURED Ellen.
Besides there's the telegram" add
ed Amy.
"What telegram" he queried.
Mamma told u.s." replied Ellen. at
came TO papa when we were all at
luncheon"
And ii proved that you are you"
exclaimed Amy. You needn't scowl.
old bearkins, because 1t does. 1t tells
how you escaped to Chicago, and there
the superintendent lost all trace OF
you. That was when this change OF
personality came on you. SO when
you found yourself-not your real. but
your new self-with all the bonds, you
thought they were yours, and put them
In q bank and started for California.
Isn't that plain?"
Every. Only, as 1t happens. 1 opened
my Chicago bank account several
months ago."
Ellen looked at Amy and nodded.
"He forgets what papa says about
retrogressive time memory In some
cases of dissertation"
Clinton flushed with evaporation.
Miss Kirkland, permit me to express
my conviction that your father has
made an unmltigated-owl of himself"
mo, no, please, dear!" begged Amy.
He drew away the hand with which
she sought to cover his mouth, and
continued: This farce has gone quite
far enough. 1t has become bore"
Ellen Strengthened with the hauteuf
Of an offended queen. "You say that1
First you insult my father. and now"
"Wait. dear. waiti" Amy sought to
intervene. at can't be he means"
Cant bcr demanded Ellen, all her
love and gehtleness overwhelmed In
the bitter upwellng of her outraged
pride. Look at him. scowling at mel"
81 beg your pardon, Miss Kirkland
he apologized. 81 was not aware"
"'Miss Kirkland ~ she exclaimed.
THAT is quite sufficient. To think that
after L" She bushed scarlet with
mingled shame and anger. REST az
sured, Mr.. Lowrle-Clinton, 1 shall nc
longer bore you with the farce If m,
attentions"