The L'Anse sentinel., 1923-05-11

whose windows were glowing with
friendly light and whose whole appear
ance seemed to say Here are life and
Joy and companionship. Come in.
You're welcome"
But In spite Of the cheering appear
ance Of home Ramsey felt embar-
rassedly diffident as he finally ad-
vanced up the walk to the veranda and
timidly rang the doorbell.
There was q moments delay. Then
suddenly the door swung open and
Ramsey, blinking in the light. saw q
masked woman standing in front OF
him and beckoning him to enter.
At least she wore no wedding ring
SO this was the writer of the mystic
rious note. This was his hostess.
In pantomime the masked hostess
drew him into the room and led him
toward the fire. where the heat, on
coming in from the frosty night. felt
grateful.
But why didn't she speak2 Was she
dumb?
AS though In answer to his thoughts
the masked hostess took tablet from
the mantelpiece and wrote upon 1t
hurriedly. Then she showed the mes
sage to Ramsey. This Is what he
read:
"You might hear me speak some
day, so I'll not speak tonight. You
underestimate don't want to be recog-
nized."
Ramsey read, then looked up at the
woman. Her eyes were twinkling be-
hind the mask. Surely she couldn't be
old. Surely she must be pretty and
attractive and lovely.
Ramsey felt his heart stirring. He
felt himself enjoying his adventure i'm
mensely.
A moment later another masked fig
ure came into the room. Ramsey, In
pantomime, was Introduced to her
and the wedding ring on her finger
pointed out to him. This, then, was
the married sister.
Almost Immediately Ramsey was d.
rected to the dinner table.
In all Of Ramscy's long boarding
house experience he'd never eaten such
a dinner nor, In spite Of the silence,
broken only by his own comments and
laughter, had he ever been In such
congenial company. 1t was good to
be there in this cozy, warm home, with
these two women attending to him.
Yes, beyond doubt his hostess must
be young and lovely. Such splendid
adventure could have no other climax.
But all good things must end. Too
soon Ramsey found himself subtly
directed toward the door and found
his hat and coat. II was time for him
to go. The splendid adventure was
overt
A chill dismay clutching at his
heart, Ramsey stopped at the door and
turned to face his masked hostess. The
married sister had said good-by in
pantomime and disappeared into the
kitchen.
Again Ramsey looked deep into tile
eyes behind the mask. This time they
were dark and inscrutable. And yet
and yet-surely there was a message
III tutlll lOt nm. kouici
Suddenly great joyous sense OF
conviction swept over Ramsey. He
advanced step toward his masked
hostess, who retreated precipitately.
Then he stopped.
I'll" he said, huskily, II know
you! know you. I'd know you any
where, under any conditions. I've been
crazy about you for weeks-months,
but--but this Is the first time I've
ever had the courage to say anything.
Why, why did you tease me so with
that mans photograph In your note
book? Who is he2 What is he to
you"
For a moment there was silence.
Then the masked hostess spoke and
the voice was Mary's voice.
T-I don't know who he Is" she
said softly. II found the picture on
the floor In the office and-and-"
Now Ramsey had her in his arms.
"And let you see the picture so as
to make you Jealous. But you didn't
seem to notice. And then got this
idea Of this dinner-and-oh, Ramsey,
you're so slow, you old dearp