The Daily Alaska empire., 1931-02-05

a picture of girl dressed as Santi Claus-one of Aileen that had ap. peared in the paper prior to he opening in Saras Christmas Stock ing. Stuck in the frame was { blank card with single typewrit- ten line-"To La Masque from Mis. Santa Claus"-but there was nt signature.
 As it's meaning grew clear to her Aileen swayed and would have fall. en if Saunders had not caught her Vivienne took the picture from Aileens limp fingers. With an ex- clamation Of mingled pain and rage she passed it to Charming.
 "Ohw she cried, as she saw Saunders stretch Aileen on the davenport and bend over her "Pleasel Doctor, please"
 But it was too late. The band of the porcelain mask had slipped from about her head, and Aileen lay unconscious with her scared faco exposed.
 Don't worry, Miss Gray" Saun- ders sought to pacify Vivienne. She saw ready sympathy and some thing more in his fine gray eyes. Ut really doesn't matter-you see, I've known since yesterday"
 Late that afternoon, Aileen lay back and listened as Saunders talk ed to her in quiet tones. The mask was on the dressing-table in the other room.
 Aileen was quite calm, after hav- ing spent all of Christmas day in bed as Saunders ordered. She was finding it rather amazing that she had not even questioned his author ity how completely willing she was to place herself in his hands It was a comfort also to feel that her sisters future need no longer trouble her. She said as much to Saunders.
 Tt must be relief" he agreed with her. But what you feared for Vivienne should convince you Of the seriousness of your own situa- tion You can ignore Natures de- mands."
 But so much has happened-for the best" Aileen reminded him Now that all this horror-over Kronberg-is cleared up, what have to worry about-after Vivienne marries? My voice will take care of me handsomely--and I shan't have any more foolish attacks, such as I had at your hospital, and that one last night. Once I really get used to it all, I'm going to enjoy it immensely"
 No, you won't" he warned her For the time you're a mystery. The average person doesn't suspect anything behind the mask. But that phase won't last always. The public is naturally curious People you inset, as well. And even If you could preserve your present incognito-you would always know
 I'll forget-in time" she insisted
 For time, perhaps" Saunders corrected her But that is least important. You'd go mad if you attempted manent seclusion That would be unnatural-wrong You are young, healthy, intelligent and you're starving for happiness Even before this happened you were making an unwise sacrifice That's what ails your nerves not just the thought of these scars, al- though they complicate the trou- ble."
 That part isnt-going to mat ter. I'm not-going to let it."
 You can't help it," Saunders told her. Every normal woman wishes to live her life completely Love-when it comes-has a right 4 to express itself. Aileen, I'm z plastic surgeon. I was able to dt a lot for number of men wht were terribly mussed up in the war I'm sure can do as much for yol l-if you'll let me try Wouldn't it only make matter worse?' she asked pathetically I've seen myself-and I can't be : lievs I ever could look-human. Wont you trust me when I tel ycu-that I'm certain I can help Some day, you're going to meet { man, and you're going to be ter ribly cruel to him if you don't talk this chance. But totally aside iron that, you have your future to con : slider. You're not the kind to flinct So, by refusing what I suggest l you're even more cruel to your self-and to those who care fo you
 Forgetting that her face wa bare Aileen lay there with close reyes, grappling with herself. Al though she could not see him, sh was aware of Saunders looking a r her with more than professions {. interest. The hope he held out flo l her was alluring, and yet it frigh : tened her.
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