The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-09-08

within herself, and she found it. Preferring to float on an unruffied sea, she could, when occasion de- manded it. fight boldly against the waves. Gladly would she have fore gone the Van Schuyler ball. yet, rath- CT than disappoint Ethel and her husband, she would permit herself to be dragged into it's social glare.
 All morning she helped Ethel try on new dresses.
 In the afternoon they went shop ping.
 As they were leaving one of the big department stores, Mrs. Lake became aware of a man following close to her.
 Her heart throbbed violently. Push ing through the revolving door of the store, she threw a nasty look behind She got @ flash of his face through the glass wing. Her breath stopped short, and then came in a painful gasp.
 Let us walk home,' she suggest ed to Ethel; ''it is such a magnif1- cent day.
 They started up Fifth avenue, walk ing quite slowly at first and then quickening their steps.
 In her room Mrs. Lake thought hard. She was sure of the face. She had reason to remember it as long as she lived. It was the face of Carroll that detective who arrested her more than nine years ago. That he had recognized her was certain. She walked to the window and peered cautiously. He was still there, across the street, with his com mpanion. Strangely enough, his presence did not terrify her. Her mind was singularly active, making plans to crawl through the meshes of the net l4l, for As she went about her dressing, she talked lightly to the maid. She didn't fear herself she could bear any misfortune that might develop. All her concern, she knew, was for her husband.
 There was one sure way to avoid the scandal that was ready to burst 1.-the state. and hide herself from her pursuers and from those she loved. the threatened calamity might be averted But could she get away? It was doubtful. The house was being watched.
 Her mind circled about every pos sibility of eluding Carroll. but the schemes she devised had to be cast aside as impractical. Always with her was the thought that the straightforward plan would be to tell her husband-to prepare him for what was coming, even though it was too late to avoid the disgrace. But she recoiled from the shock that she knew would be his. Unnatural calm still possessed her | when her husband entered, ready to start for the Van Scuyler home. As they emerged from the house she saw a figure leaning against the gray park wall. It was Carrolls com l panion. He took a sudden interest | in the things about him when he saw | the trio get into their limousine. A waiting cab. into which he jumped, rattled after the machine and re- l the guests got out at the home of l the society leader.
 l At the dinner. Mrs. Rake chatted 1 gaily with those about her. The words purled from her throat without ef- i fort. She seemed to radiate a joyful ease. Her escort to the ballroom was a prominent bank president.
 Lake had reason to be proud of her. The white satin ball gown, | edged with silver, set off the trans parent paleness of her skin and brought out the graceful lines of her | neck and shoulders, There were many comments on her beauty, some of which foated to Lakes ears. l Near the entrance to the ballroom stood two men in conventional eve ming dress. Not until she was close to them did she recognize one of them hs Carroll. She gave an involuntary start.
 What was Carroll doing there ?" she asked herself. The chilling fear that he would take her in the midst of this assemblage beaded the mois- ture on her brow It dawned on her finally that detictives guard the jewels
 
 tions, and she breathed a sigh of re- lief.
 She was admired frankly by the
 men. Her dance card was filled be- fore the first waltz. As she glided through the steps of the various dances, the face of Carroll seemed to swim before her, But her brain remained clear, and she was able to think commercially.
 Yes, she would tell her husband tonight She would delay no longer.
 On the way out she passed Carroll
 again. He was still at his post near
 the door. No sign of reeognitir. . came from him, no nlenacing movy
 ment. They got into the autonobSe I-she, Ethel, and her husband. Ethel chattered about Frank, and Lake rat tied on about his wife.
 i She felt the cool night air against her face and moved close to the win dow.
 of I only had the courage" she
 muttered.
 Lake went on. pouring his enthus-
 iasm into her ears.
 Do you know" he beam "I have
 quite made up my mind to move out
 of the apartment. If we are to be
 entertained, we must entertain. Our
 place Is entirely too small for that
 have decided to take a house, a
 great big roomy place, where we can ; ntertain to our hearts content" '"That'l1 be buIly-won't it, Mar garet?" Ethel burst out. Ut will" she smiled. What a splendid hostess you will
 make!" he went on. You will have something to occupy your mind after , EtheFs marriage. I was afraid the , house would be lonesome after she left but now VOL will have plenty