The Mystery of Mary

to send her word about the man he had seen lingering about the place, and yet perhaps it was foolish. He had doubtless bee

idery to tell tales. Also, she wished to feel as much like herself as possible, and she never could feel quite that in her cheap outfit. True, she had no finer outer garments than a cheap black flannel skirt and coat which she had bought with the first money she could spare, but they were warm, and answered for what she had needed. She had not bought a hat, and had nothing now to wear upon her head b

e covered by a pair of cheap black silk gloves. It was the first time that she had noticed these thin

fternoon out, walking away to meet whatever crisis might arise. She had not dared to speculate much about the subject of the coming interview. It was likely he wanted to inquire about her comfort, and perhaps offer material aid. She would not accept it, of course, but it would be a comfort to know that some one cared. She longed inexpressibly for this interview, just because he had been kind, and

h wondering scrutiny as Dunham came forward, lifted his hat, and took her hand respectfully. Here was an element he did not understand. He stood staring, puzzled, as they disappeared into the great building; then planted

e, to shut a sharp ray of afternoon sunlight from her eyes. She sat there and looked down upon her shabby shoes, her cheap gloves, her coarse garments, and honored him for the honor he was giving her in this attire. She had learn

hat, "but it seemed really necessary at the time, and I haven't dared spend the money for a n

It would have been a comfort to me if I had known where it was. I had not even missed i

her was good to him, and his gaze made her q

you that night on the train. I have blamed myself over and over again for having gone then. I

trembling, to the low-spoken torrent of feeling that he expressed. She tried to protest, but the look

searching, for that I dared not do lest I might jeopardize your safety. I was almost in despair when I went to dine with Mr. Phillips last evening. I felt I could no

ge now, and spoke in a

in the way of helping myself. I shall never cease to thank you for your kindness to an utter st

pose I think you are doing well when I see you wearing the garb of a menial and working for people to whom you a

the only thing I could get to do at once," she t

you. There is no use in protesting. If I may not do it in one way, I will in another. There is one question I must ask first, and I hope yo

rge eyes still shining with

My dear uncle has been dead for four years, and there h

o come into his face; but she did not under

said, his tone growing lower, yet clear en

cantly, but they did not see her. A short, baggy-coated man outside hovered anxiously around the building and passed th

saw you, and I want you to give me the right to care f

ed up, w

do you

ou my wife. Then I can defy the whole world i

e breath

that such things must be more carefully and deliberately done. I do not want you to feel that this is the only way I can help you, either. If you are not willing to be my wife, I will find some other plan. Bu

loquent eyes

k and brow. "It is not that at all. But you know nothing about

not care what others think. If you have poisoned a husband, I should know

anything wrong,"

e desert island and live there in peace and love. That is the way I feel about you. I know that you are good and t

rew strang

ppose I w

nd try to cure you, and if that could no

breathed, the light of a gr

wrought out within its walls. The whirl and hum of the city without, the grime and soil of the city

" said the man's voice, with the sweetnes

beginning, though I never dared to think of it in that way. But it would not b

ten that you kno

ecially that delightful old man, the Judge. He looked startlingly like my dear father. I saw how they all honored and loved you. And then what you have don

me, and before I came out here I went to the pastor of the church of which my mother is a member, and which I have alw

ed by the name of one of the best known pulpit orators in the land, and that it

ver told any woman but you that I loved her-except an elderly cousin with whom I thought I was in lo

eyes from rea

t her hands helplessly. "It must seem strange to you th

ds over her eye

that I have come." He leaned ov

"Wait! You must not say any more until I have told you all about it. Perhaps when I h

rust me?" he r

but you may no longer trust

ly that I will believ

ow, and that it is your duty to giv

to tell me anything. But listen, tell me this one thing: in the eyes of God, is th

him clearly

e at

ke you without hearing you

o see distrust come into your eyes

ell it

hers firmly into his own, a