The spectator., 1921-09-13

Knew she WaSnt here TOT ious enough
 Laughter bubbled into Pamela's eyes alongside of the tears, but. in spite of it. the next moment she was crying softly.
 ''Ppoor M-Maggie :" she sobbed
 Tominson bobbed his head up and down in formal sympathy, too old to worry much over woman's weeping.
 .I understand that she must ave went" be said. Else you wouldn't be alone. miss. Will you have your breakfast in bed?"
 "Oh, could F" sntffed Pamela, and then her eyes fell on the clock. "No, I can't" she decided for herself "lou see, Tomlinson, I only pro-promised to stay until ten"
 "I1l be getting your bath ready, then. miss" said Tomlnson, and with drew
 Half an hour later Pamela was en- toying lonely tray" breakfast, placed at her command before the couch, which faced the friendly fire in the big living-room. Without being mind- reader IL Is possible to surmise that she ate very slowly. In the vain hope that MT Randolph would pop in, with or without Father Christmas, and joining her In the meal. banish a baby Mir. Gloom that was hanging round.
 While she was still toying with her food she heard the bell ring and Tom linson's voice saying. in deep, respect full tones Miss Thornton will sec you, sir. She Is in the sitting room
 Pamela dropped her egg-spoon and stood up. back to the fire just in time to face a neatly dressed. pink-cheeked brigbt-eyed, bald-headed little gentle man, who stood, poised but alert, in the open doorway, like bird about to peck at her to see If she were the real thing.
 Miss Thornton?" he asked. in pc culiarly liquid voice.
 Pamela nodded her head twice.
 "I am Mir. Borden Milyuns," contin- ued the molten voice. and the bright eyes studied her face eXpectantly.
 Pamela puckered her brows in an eHoll ib meet liidt expectancy lidil- way, but failed.
 Are you?" she asked doubtfully, and with meptal reservation against Mir. Robert Hervey Randolph for out raging the traditions of childhood by sending Father Christmas in this dapper form. Wont you sit down?" she added politely.
 Mir. Mllyuns hung poised for sec ond longer, and then advanced on the couch decisivNy, sat down on one end of 1t. and waved his hand al the other. Tomlinson slipped in and out, bearing the breakfast-tray away. Pamela ac- cepted Mir. Milyuns' silent invitation and seated herself, but tentatively. as though she could only stay for a min ute.
 Make yourself comfortable. my dear" said Mir. Milyuns; I'm going to talk to you for some time"
 You can't" said Pam mot here only have the fiat for six minutes longer. That is. I only o-promised to stay here until ten" Her eyes wan dered half expectantly, half wistfully to the door.
 The bird-man smiled.
 "We'il see about that" he said I'm sorry you don't remember me. If you are indeed Miss Imogene Pamela Thornton, l used to take you on my knee often, many years ago"
 Pamela could no longer be startled by such announcements.
 That's what Tomlinson said this morning." she remarked. Ever since last night. everybody I meet seems to to know my real name. doSt un- derstand It."
 Please trust me" said Mir. Milyuns, "and you'll soon understand lot more than that" He drew a slip from his pocket. Now, do answer me careful ly. Tell me the addresses of the first four places you and Maggie lived In after your father died"
 'I cant remember the first" said Pam, but, after seconds thought. rattled of the names of three streets, and located addresses approximately by describing nearby corners promi- nent to child's mind for one reason or another. Those are the next three" she said. After that. we went"
 But Mir. Milyuns was satisfied.
 That's enough for formalities. my dear. I'm convinced that you are the person for whom the firm of Milyuns, Branch & Mllyuns has been searching for years. Do you remember your great-uncle, Asa ThorntonT'
 Yes" said Pamela, a vague wonder and terror In her eyes; but didn't know he was real"
 "Didn't know he was real. v" ex- claimed Mir. Milyuns. What do you meanf"
 Maggie used to say" explained Pamela, "If you're not good, you, great uncle. Asa Thornton, will catch you, and he hasn't GU. his finger nails since your poor father married your