The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-06-07


path, her countenance pale and down
cast, like a recalcitrant novice who
rears the Lady Superior. Mr.. Alex
amer Lambe, looming through the
forest of standard roses, quickly over
took her.
Miss Bernersl"
Georgina turned to him with fright
ened eyes.
Il wish to speak with you," said
alexander with suppressed agitation.
shall we be seatedY' He led her to
rustic seat close against the arbor.
1t distresses me-" said Mr.. Lambe
earnestly, ito see, as I cannot help
seeing, the effect this has had upon
you. The shock to your sensibility.
Let me set your mind at rest, as far
as can. hardly dare to think how
1t Will all end. But your cousin is as
innocent as an infant of any real in
tent to deceive. She has behaved as
inconsequently as child-that is all.
one-one must try to make allow
ances for her. She should be still at
school. That is what think Of her"
yes" murmured Georgina miser-
ably, but what must you think Of
mel"
"Of you'll" said Mr.. Lambe with
strong feeling. your loyalty-your
unfiinching attachment to that young
madcap, stirs my admiration. 1t is
dreadful to think Of what you must
have suffered. Purely to protect
Aimee. You faced my aunt" Mr..
Lambe clasped his hand and drew his
breath In sharply. "Yes, you risked
the displeasure of my auntl And
OF course, the police. For days this
sword of Damocles has been hanging
over your blameless head. You-you
have not been guilty of deceit. No, no.
Only Of silence. 1 think you have
behaved, on the whole, admirably"
oh" gasped Georgia family, hard
ly daring to believe her ears, "you can
not mean itr
Il 10 mean it," exclaimed Mr.
Lambe warmly. Miss Berners, from
the first hour l saw you, 1 was con.
vinced of your-your essential good
ness! 1t betrays itself in all that you
do. Anything that is underhand or
questionable, glides away from YOU
proclaimed Mr. Lambe, with sweep
Ing movement of his hand, "as the
turbid stream flows over the river
bed of white marble, leaving its pur.
ity unsullied. My admiration for you
Is greater, If that is possible. than
ever"
Georgina's heart fiuttered delight
fully.
Il think" continued Alexander, with
growing enthusiasm. that you exist
to sacrifice yourself for others, Miss
Berners. You have more than piety-
you have charity. 1t is one Of the
sweetest qualities in a woman"
Georgina turned to him with swim
ming eyes.
"Oh, Mr.. Lambel' she murmured
with delicious confusion.
Alexander answered her with hol-
low groan. She was startled at the
sudden distress In his face.
'The question is not what think of
you," he said bitterly. 'but what you
think Of mel You know the prin-
ciples profess, and that impressed
on you. Out Of my own mouth I am
condemned. How can you feel any
thing but contempt for mel have
consented to connive at this mad esca-
pade Of Aimee's and all its conse-
quences. To keep silent. Toto boil
ster 1t up" he said with a gulp. ~
have passed my word"
GoorUtnata avoa ahono
you have done thati" she cried
eagerly. "Why, now that you are on
her side. she may be saved from ex-
posure after all! think 1t is splen-
did Of you-absolutely splendidl"
: "How can you think of me, but as
hypOcrite? You do not mean, Miss
Berners, that you feel any respect for
me nowT'
'AIr. Lambe, when l first knew you.
l thought you my ideal as church
man. think SO more than ever
When l was in trouble, and consulted
you, 1 seemed to find you little hard.
Poor Aimee had enough to bear. But
now" gasped Georgina, quite carried
away, II consider your conduct noble
--Teuily nODie! L duullTe you more
than ever"
Miss Berners," said Alexander,
husky with emotion, IF only you knew
what relief 1t Is, that l have not
forfeited your regard! l have only
known you few days. but your kind
ness, your sympathy" his hand closed
almost convulsively on hers-"Aliss
Berners. may call you Aimee-I-I
mean Georgina-r
"Poofi"
A stifed, explosive sound caused Mr..
Lambe to start violently and look
round him.
"What was that? A dogT" he said
confusedly.
Georgina, pink to the ears, had risen
to her feet; her eyes shone somewhat
viciously.
'It sounded to me more like a cat !"
she said in acid tones, and walked
away down the path.
Mr.. Lambe followed her.
When they were out Of sight. the