Evening star., 1923-12-26


Van Vert spoke with melting con-
but doubtless the tragedy at my
friend Mrs. Cayley's home retarded
you in your work.
Well, no, ma'am," Geoff drawled
II been there steady right through it
all, but the jobs near done and
reckoned I better see you bout them
there images"
Statues" Mrs. Van Vert corrected
somewhat tartly. Did Mrs. Cayley
know you were coming. here today"
Geoff shook his head.
mo. ma'am."
''Ah. 1 thought perhaps she might
have intrusted you with a message
for me. we are such very dear friends!
However, I presume she is prostrated
by the grief and horror Of this fright
full affair."
Geoff concluded that it would be
best to ignore the latter remark. He
smiled deprecatingly and ventured:
1T was somethin' the young lady
Miss Millie said that reminded me O.
the work here
Indeed And what was it? What
did Miss Mildred say?" There was
II hadn't ought to've spoke O.
it, ma'am! 'Tain't none O. my busi-
ness" Geoff allowed an expression of
acute distress to distort his naturally
unlovely countenance. You see
used to do repairin' for them sum-
mers round the old place and Miss
Millie, she's known me since she wore
her hair in a braid and she kinder
forgits I'm just a plain workin'man
and talks to me real friendly now
ma'am."
mot at all, Peters" Mrs. Van Vert
smiled encouragingly. Miss Mildred
is a dear child and l am sure she
What did she say of me? You may
speak frankly"
We'll, ma'am, it seems there was
talk O. a marriage between her and
a gentleman named Lane afore her
uncle was killed and somebuddy-I
dunno who-was mean 'nough to say
that mebbe what had happened would
make a diff'runce. Miss Millie al
lowed to me that twas here at this
very house she first met Mr.. Lane,
that you kinder helped make the
match and she knowed you'd talk to
him later on IL he-if he showed any
signs O. changing towards her" He
hesitated. and then added in tone
which was a mastery blend of con-
fidence and Difference: Miss Millie.
she says you've got an awful lot O.
inflooence with him, ma'am, same's
you had with her uncle
Mrs. Van Wert's broad face
Dear little Mildred! She told you
the truth. my good man: l presented
Stoneham Lane to her and 1t was en-
tirely through my efforts that he be-
came reconciled to her uncle!
She caught herself up, but Geoff
nodded.
Yes, ma'am, there was talk bout
that too, though faint my place to
say Some opines that Mr.. Lane
blames you for gittin' him in with
fixed it for him to meet the niece and
he see Mr.. Bernhard favored a match
he just materially had to make up
to her or git himself ruined down on
that there stock exchange"
stuff and nonsense! Stoneham
Lane never even knew that Mildred
was Joe Benkards niece until he was
head over heels in love with her"
Mrs. Van Vert cried angrily. Mr.
Bernhard and I arransed-! But that
tell Miss Mildred. No, on second
thoughts, perhaps it would be as well
If you did not mention your visit
here today. You understand, Peters?
placing the pedestals for the statues.
and 1 pay we'll for efficient services"
Il won't say nothin', ma am" Geoff
accentuated his slow drawl as he held
In careful check the feeling Of ex-
ultation which glcwed within him,
and the eyes he raised to hers were
as bovine and expressionless as ever.
I'll do the best work 1 know how
and be glad o. the pay. Could you
give me q sort O. an idee how big
where you want 'em set up?"
Mrs. Van Vert rang for her maid
to bring her a parasol, and for half
an hour Geoff trailed patiently after
ing to a commission which he had not
the slightest intention of executing.
His purpose had been accomplished,
and 1t was with vast relief that he
finally took a humble leave of the
lady, promising to let her know when
The shiny, new yellow shoes had
become instruments OF torture: his
collar was a mere sodden wisp at the
base of his long, strfngy neck, and
for he had forgotten all about his
customary midday meal: but these
were as nothing to the
chaos of his thoughts. For once, to
use his own mental phrase. Geoff had
bitten off more than he could chew,
and he was at a loss what to do with
the surplus. How much should he tell
Doc Hood2 How much of what he
had learned that. day might lead back
by devious paths, which he could
not foresee, to that roll of soft, black
fabric lying buried in his garden?
A passing motorist good naturedly.
offered him q lift into Sunny Beach,
so that he was saved the necessity
Of waiting at the Silver Bay station
for the next Of the infrequent Sun
he alighted at the crossroads.
his benefactor and struck off
for the path over the meadows.
Rufe would be waiting for him with
noisy greetings; Lady would raise her
sloe eyes, misty with devotion, and
try to drag her beautiful. MANNED
body toward him from her corner,
and the old mare would whinny her
welcome from the shed. He would
feed all three of them, then take a
himself such supper as he seldom
bothered to prepare. After that, he
would sit down quietly with his pipe
and think the whole matter over
All at once Geoff halted in the path,
his comfortable plans shattered. for
a figure had risen from the steps of
his tiny porch and stood awaiting
him; rotund, black-clad figure
which was all too familiar. For the
first time in his life he was not al
"where in Tophet have you been?'
he latter demanded as he approached.
Allen tried to get mold of you this
and I've been waiting here
for more than an hour!"
1T took a little ja'nt to the CITY,"
Seoff replied guardedly. Then
went to see bout some work that's
been offered me over to Silver Bay.
Come on in, Doc; got to git these here
shoes on afore they kill me! told
Allen all 1 could yesterday afternoon
in the road; have you heard tell O.
somethin' more?
"I should say I had!" The doctor
followed his host and sank down
heavily upon the horsehair sofa which
,reaked beneath his weight. IT'S all
about Lane and little Miss Mildred.
Thay had a real sat-to this morning