Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1922-04-02

further. and at 4 o'clock declared she
must go. Il have to get back to my
brothers," she said.
I'm Essex
She nodded.
She had limited that I was In per.
sonal peril. Surely that was strange.
knew of no enemies. Besides, why
should our meeting be fortunate for
her yet unfortunate for myself? The
enigma became greater each hour.
looked steadily into those mystic
rious, fathomless dark eyes, and won
dered.
She was persistent and determined
to go.
Before doing so she promised at my
request to write me very soon, for
she had the address Of my chambers
in Ryder street.
again. Then perhaps 1 shall be COM
PEELED to ask favor Of you. If do,
wonder whether you would be gen.
erous enough to grant it,
"Of course, mademoiselle," I said
eagerly. please command me in any
way you wish. I am entirely at your
disposal"
She smiled again mysteriously and
drew a breath Of relief. Then she
replied slowly. her eyes again fixed
upon me:
NO. Do not make any such rash
promise. m'sieur. Wait until you
know the truth"
II am anxious and eager to know
it," said.
well. perhaps you may-if I find
it necessary-and then"
Yes. and what them"
Even then. perhaps. you could not
keep a secret-one that. If disclosed,
would mean death to me-"
I started. She was so deeply In
earnest, so intense, and her voice so
altered. that instantly saw that she
was full of trouble and serious appre-
hension.
Il can keep secret, mademoiselle,"
I assured her. especially If the Sc
cret concerns one Of my friends"
"Ah. but I am only an acqualnt-
ance. not a friend" she sighed.
We were almost alone in the great
gilded cafe, which at that hour is
usually deserted. save for the walters.
But. mademoiselle. are we not al
ready friends? Be frank with me on
that account-do?"
To-day l cannot. But I may be IL
If it becomes necessary. Yet"
And she paused. "Yet fear you will
think i'll Of me IL revealed to you
the TRUTH" she added. bitterly.
why should ~
Because you would not-you would
not believe me" she said in a strange,
faltering voice, and then. rising, she
drew a long breath, repeating that
she must really go.
I hailed a taxi outside for her, and
she told the man to drive to Liver
pool street station.
Don't be surprised if you hear from
you." she whispered as she took my
hand.
Dare! W'hy?''
"Ah! There are reasons-reasons
you do not suspect" was her reply,
and, entering the taxi, she waved her
hand and, with sad smile. drove of.
A s soon as she was gone I stepped
1 into another taxi that was at the
curb and told that man to drive also
to Liverpool street. Stana's cab was
already lost in the maze of traffic at
Piccadilly Circus. My hope was to
watch my mysterious little friend and
ascertain to what station she booked
on the Great Eastern line.
My driver FASTENED and got to the
station quickly. had resolved that if
she recognized me my excuse for my
presence there was that had for
gotten to ask her something. But
though looked through the booking
offices and departure platforms, I
failed to find her.
For a full quarter Of an hour I
searched. Then at last, to my sur
prise. saw her smartly dressed lit
tie figure standing on the arrival
platform awaiting an incoming train
I watched. Ten minutes later a
IL 10,