The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1921-03-04
II. Mr., CHllVERS.

utterly without miSgivingS, that a
maid was answering ring at the
front door; and she paused on the low
er landing. In some surprise she saw
the maid approach the foot Of the
stairs with a silver tray on which lay
card
Discovering her on the landing, the
maid paused, looking up.
"A gentleman to see you, Miss"
Wondering, still unsuspecting, Pris-
ella went on down.
A man standing near the front door,
contentedly inspecting his image In
a mirror, Strengthened up with we'll
feigned start and camesquicEly toward
her.
Miss Maine!" he exclaimed in a
rather high voice, clipping his words
after a fashion which he believed to
be English-and carrying it off fairly
well-'I say, what rippin' luck! Fancy
findin' you inr'
Completely nonplussed, she stared
blankly into his eyes, ignoring the
chamois-gloved hand he proffered.
"You don't remember me?" He ut
tered a little giggle. "Why, of course
you do! Harry Chilvers-met you at
the Lathom's few weeks ago. Now
you remember-don't you? Saw you
thought I'd call on the off-chance Of
findin' you in. Merely passin' through
town, got in yesterday, off to Newport
tomorrow, you know. Awf'ly
jolly to see you, really"
She was able to say coolly: "How
do you do?'-and with nod aside
dismissing the maid, turned toward
the door of the drawing room. Wont
you come in?"
Charmed"
Priscilla halted in the middle of the
room, table at her back. She COM
manded view of the entrance hall !;
the maid had disappeared-sh de-
voutly hoped was out of earshot.
what can do for your" she asked
quietly, looking down at the card to
refresh her memory-"Mr. Chilvers"
Tall, slender, carrying the art of his
tailor admirably, the man paused be-
fore her in an attitude of raffish ease.
With an ironic smirk, he jerked his
head toward the doorway.
"Safe to talk here?"
81 cannot imagine" Priscilla uttered
slowly, "why it should not be-" She
met his stare steadily, calmly. "Un-
fortunately / do not remember you
Mr.. Chilvers. Nor am 1 acquainted
with the Lathoms. / have an engage
ment for five o'clock
"Really?" Mr.. Chilvers drawled.
Couldn't put it off, / presume-no
could your"
She lifted a wrist to consult her
watch. "If you have anything to say
to me, I can give you two minutes"
With : unblushing effrontery Mr..
Chilvers closed in, caught hold of her
wrist and bent his head over the
watch, an exceedingly handsome af-
fair in platinum and small diamonds.
'Pretty thing" he approved with a
nod, letting her wrist fall. where
you catch him, .Nora?'
She showed him face like mar
BILE, cold, hard, expressionless. But
inwardly resentment burned so holly
that fear of any sort was utterly con-
sumed.
"My name is not Nora"
$50 I understand" Mr.. Chilvers
carefully deposited his hat, crown
down, upon the table, clipped his stick
under his arm, and with a flourish
whipped out fiat gold cigarette case.
He repeated slowly in voice of deep
amusement: SOL under e stand.
Mind me smokin'T
'Td rather you didn't. / haven't
time"
"Oh, but l have-fve got all the
time there is" He tucked cigarette
between his lips and lighted it, gIanc-
ing appreciatively round the room
"Jolly little nest you've feathered for
yourself, Nora. Pardon: Miss Pris-
ella Maine-anythin you like. don't
mind what name you call yourself by,
so long as you humor my within for
Chilvers. Rather fond of Chilvers,
you know. Don't remember ever wear
in an alias / took such fancy to-"
81 don't understand you. Won't you
be kind enough to go?"
Presently, me dear-all in good
time" The Nut unceremoniously
whisked away dust cloth and sat
down in the chair it had hidden. 1--WE
got to hand it to you, Nora-Priscilla,
mean," he observed with look Of
admiration for the moment forgetting
to be British. you sure do get away
with the grande dame stuff to the
queens taste. Not to mention this
house, and that limousine at the door
I take it, that's yours, too?
Mind tellin' me how you do it, and
how long you've been doin' it? Just
between ourselves, both members, of
this club
Evidently" said Priscilla, "you are
mistaken about me, Mr.. Chilvers.
don't know you, and have no wish to-"
She moved step toward the door.
.sGood afternoon"
Mr.. Chilvers did not bulge, but
wagged a reproachful head.
"I say, Nora, don't be so up-stage.