The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-31

so much pleasure" he returned, sink
ing gracefully upon a settee, as Phil
Abingdon resumed seat. Condo
lences are meaningless. Why should
I offer them to one Of your acute per-
ceptions? But you know" the long,
magnetic eyes regarded her fixedly-
you know what is in my heart"
Phil Abingdon bit her lip, merely
nodding in reply.
Let us then try to forget. if only
for a WHILE" said Ormuz Khan. Il
could show you so easily, if you would
consent to allow me, that those we
love never leave u.s.
The spell of his haunting voice was
beginning to have it's effect. Phil
Abingdon found herself fighting
against something which at once re-
PEELED and attracted her.
Does Your Excellency really mean
that?" she whispered
A smile appeared upon his face, an
alluring smile. but rather that of a
beautiful woman than of a man.
''As you Of the West" he said, have
advanced step by step, ever upward
in the mechanical sciences, we of the
East have advanced also step by step
in other and greater sciences"
Your Excellency almost frightens
me-" she whispered. Yet I have no
doubt that you speak Of what you
know"
1T is said" he returned, gravely.
''At any hour. day or night, if you
care to make the request, 1 shall be
happy to prove my words. But"
he lowered his dark lashes and then
raised them again, the real object
Of my visit is concerned with more
material things"
Indeed" said Phil Abingdon, and
whether because Of the words Of Or
muz Khan or because Of some bond
of telepathy which he had established
between them, she Immediately found
herself to be thinking Of Paul Har-
ley.
It bring you a message" he con-
tineud. from a friend"
With eyes widely open. Phil Abing-
don watched him
From" she began-but her lips
would not frame the name.
From Mr.. Paul Harley" he said.
inclining his head gravely.
"Oh, tell me, tell mel
at am here to tell you. Miss Abing.
don. Mr.. Harley feels that his alb
sence may have distressed you"
Yes, yes" she sad. eagerly.
But in pursuit Of a certain matter
which is known to you. he has found
it necessary in the interests Of his
safety to remain out of London for
awhile"
oh" Phil Abingdon heaved a great
sigh. "Oh, Your Excellency, how glad
am to hear that he is safe"
He is my guest" continued Or
nuz Khan. My honOred guest"
He is with your" exclaimed Phil,
almost incredulously.
with me. at my home in Surrey.
II me he found a natural ally. since
my concern was as great as his own.
I do not conceal from you. Miss
Abingdon. that he is in danger"
in DANGER" she whispered.
1T is true. but beneath my roof he
is safe There is q matter OF vital
urgency however. in which you can
assist him"
~" she exclaimed.
No one but you" Ornruz Khan
raised his slender hand gracefully.
Il beg you, do not misunderstood
me. In the first place, would Mr.
Harley have asked you TO visit him
al my home. if he had not been Well
assured that you could do so with
propriety? In the second place. should
1, who respect you more deeply than
any woman in the world. consent to
your coming unchaperoned? Miss
Abingdon, you know me better.
beg of you in Mr.. Harleys name and
in my own. prevail upon Mrs. Nc
Murdoch TO accept the invitation
which I bring to lunch with me at
Hillside. my Surrey home"
He spoke with the deep respect Of
a courtier addressing his queen. His
low musical voice held a note that
was almost a note Of alteration. Phil
Abingdon withdrew her gaze from
the handsome ivory face, and strove
for mental composure before reply
ing.
Suddenly she spoke.
of course I will come, Your Elk
cellency." she said. Il will see Mrs
McMurdoch at once, but know she
will not refuse"
Naturally she will not refuse"
Miss Abingdon" he returned in a
grave voice. THE happiness of so
many people is involved"
He rose, bowling deeply. from
European standpoint too deeply.
Kindness is a spiritual invest
ment," he said, (which returns us
interest tenfOld. If can be sure Of
Mrs. McMurdoch's acceptance. 1 will
request permission to take my leave
now for L have an urgent business
appointment to keep, after which l
will call for you. Can you be ready
by nOon?"
Yes, we shall be ready"