New Britain herald., 1924-01-29
THE POISONED GIRL

Once again a summer night, and q
 sky spangled with stars. Under such
 skies adventure is common. because
 lovers. murderers, thieves, all feel the
 lure of warmth. It was 1 o'clock in
 the morning; I had been out, there.
 fore, only an hour. wandered q
 while in Bayswatcr, where little hap.
 pens. along Edgware Road. where ad-
 venture is somewhat crude Now
 was slowly crossing Mayfair. stopping
 in Upper Brook street to listen to the strains of a string quartet which one
 could occasionally hear through the
 conversation of two hundred people hand the clink of tumblers. Then I
 passed into Grosyenor Square, wait
 ed for q moment, observing the taxis,
 sometimes glimpsing their freight;
 once there flashed past me, thus a pink evening frock neatly surrounded ! by the black arm of a dinner jacket
 l was just going to pass on, when.
 across the square, against the railings, 1 l perceived a figure. all in white, which stood there motionless. By
 staring intently I found that if was n
 woman fin an evening frock, hatless |
 one hand, while the other arm hung motionless.
 was surprised. Grosnenor Square is bad place for meeting. except perhaps for housemaid. The housemaid's mistress equally adven- turous but more prudent, would hard ly make an appointment against the railings Of Grosyenor Square. | watched the woman for at least two miautes, during which she did not move at all. Then I observed that she was not alone. that is to say. five or six yards away stood man in evening dress. light coat over his arm, gibus on his head. Ally in- terest became keen, Who were these partners in n silent dramae
 As crossed the square the wo- mans attitude did not change. She hung on the rnilings. one arm out stretched. her body erect. Her head was little inclined, but was struck by her beauty She was tall very slim: tho ohtstretched arm was dead white; bistre shadow lay in tho hol- low Upon the slender neck sat a neat round head, closely roiffcd with sm ooth black hair upon which in day. light must run blue lights. The eyes could see not sec. but thc black lashes threw shadowy rrrscents upon the pale cheeks Straight nose. and mouth made redder by her white ness. Her garment. some sou white silk trimmed with silver. her nlmy stockings, the small shoes. all this was intensely delicate. Than per. ceived that her shoes were made of white feathers. was amazed. for | 1 knew that this suggested extreme | luxury. What was such girl. for that IS what she was, doing like this. the railinEs of Grosranor square? And why. also. did that man stand by her silently?
 '1 say" [ remarked 10 the girl. then broke off, feeling that ought 10 address the man first. ' turned To him: Anything the matter" asked
 'I don't know" he replied.
 The answer was surprising. but I ras preoccupied with fhe girl so now if was 10 her I spoke: What's he matter? Are you all riebt7'' She did not answer. Are you feel ng ill?" I asked. She made moi A jingle movement. ft vas ss fl she lid not hear me, as if her spirit were into another realm. fett ndiscreet. but her attitude was so trained that I knew could not cave her like this. So again Il ,egged her 10 say what was the mat CT, asked whether anything vas Frong. She filled me with nervous .xcitement. so that st last I took tbe mall hand and tried 10 remove it rom the railings 10 which if clungs Then she spoke. Tn q mufled. low one she said: Let me alone"
 I'm sorry" I said. | don't want , o butt in. but I'm sure there's some l hing wrong" h
 Let me alone" tt
 In despair looked to the man: . Whats the matterz" I asked. 'I'm , ure there's something the matter"
 I expect there is." he replied. II- tared al him. surprised. He was , bout forty. rather fat. well dressed. ie was one of those rather red. , .oggie-eyed men. Yes gogele-eyed: hey just well. goggle. How To you rnesn?" I asked. Don't you nov the isdy?"
 Never saw her before in my fife. ,
 just noticed her standing there and , anne across, just as sou did"
 Completely flabbergasted. turned : Q the giri again. Look here" aid. T can't leave you here aIi 5 fight Don't you see I'xe got 10 do l. otnething2 What's yenr name 2 Where do you five g.'
 Let me alone" she replied again. don't want anything Her utter nee vas thick. so dreamy that -ondersd whether She eere sleep 2 
 Well" said. T must do some [ hing. Anyhow. you can't stand 2 ere. Come with me: wpM find g oliceman and see what can be done. ." ! While so speaking ! mansEsd win Q n effort to unclasp her fingers from !