The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1921-08-27
BY Randall
Parrish
Author of
"The Strange Case
of Cavendish"
Copyright, BY Randall Parrish
Copyright By Randall Parrish

From the reCeSSeS OF the lduleS ioolh
at the left came the strains OF piano
music, and the sound of a soprano
voice singing. The song ceased TO
clapping of hands. The faces L was
able to distinguish were all strange
and | moved forward in search.
| had attained the opposite side OF
the room before | came TO a halt. sud
denly arrested by vision as starting
as unexpected. Leaning over the rail-,
gazing intently down on the Jostling
crowd to the lobby below, apparently
unconscious of all else, was Marie
Gessler There cOuld be no doubt;
stood motionless, looking at her in
tently, satisfying myself that L could
not be deceived No. 1t was certainly
the same girl had talked with the
evening before. dressed more elaborate
| ly, changed somewhat in appearance
| by a more careful toilet, yet assuredly
the same. She must have felt the
intensity of my stare and thus sensed
my presence. for she suddenly looked
about with little start, saw me in
|
was second of hesitation, barely per-
ceptible, before she ventured a step
forward. her lips smiling, her gloved
hand held out.
You were very nice TO come" she
exclaimed quietly. Especially In re-
Spouse TO so ungracious a message of
invitation"
ut was you then who sent for me-"
"Of course. Did you imagine some
one else?"
81 came rather blindly," | admitted.
unwilling to mention Harris. Your
messenger refused to satisfy my Gu
riosity even to the extent of telling the
sex of the one calling"
She laughed, quite at her ease now.
and seemingly amused.
"She was duly warned. l confess
feared you might hesitate to respond
If you once knew what awaited you"
mo fear of that"
"But didn't know" her voice more
earnest. her eyes on my face ques-
tioningly. "You have not thought very
we'll of me, have you? Let us go over
there in the corner. where We can talk
without being overheard-there are
two vacant chairs"
We reached there and seated our
selves In silence. / felt the necessity
of restraint, the desire to permit her
to lead the conversation in whatever
direction she thought best. She APP
| IN, hn
her face even more attractive than in
my memory.
"You are thoroughly puzzled, are
you not?" she asked gayly. We'll,
so was /, last night. 1t is only right
l should pay you back in your own
coin; that is perfectly fair, l am sure.
Now I know who you are, but / am
still an enigma. You accepted me on
blind faith before; wonder IL you
are willing to do 1t againT
81 can hardly refuse"
Answered like gentleman. But
suppose 1 tell you nothing and yet
ask of you dangerous service?
Would you risk your life for me, not
even asking who / am or why l make
the request|
There was a grave earnestness to
the voice. an entreaty In the eyes not
to be ignored. This was no idle ques-
ton to be thrust aside with smile.
81 believe l can make the pledge
to you," l replied soberly. ut is very
unusual. but"
"But you are Philip Severn" she
interrupted. with an expressive GEES
ture. Had you not been would
have never asked"
. at is very nice of you to put it in
that way. am sure, but how do you
chance to know that l am Philip
Severn
Suppose insist that also is my
secret? Yet surely you could not be
lieve l would be here with you, unless
. / knew? You must have faith in me
in spite of ALL
Undoubtedly I do. l hardly hole
E 1t a reasonable faith, however. More
a certain amount of curiosity should
be gratified. especially when a youn.
: lady asks unquestioning devotion t,
: an unknown cause You admit that?
!. cTO BE CONTINUED)