far as the corner of Madison Street. The scramble to get out of the way of the engines had here resulted in a traffic-jam. Two policemen were moving about, shouting orders for the disentanglement of the street-cars and vehicles which seemed to be inextricably wedged together. 

A burly Irish teamster was bellowing at his horse. The hind wheel of a smart barouche was caught in the fore wheel of a delivery wagon, and the driver of the delivery wagon was expressing his opinion of the situation in terms which seemed to embarrass the elderly gentleman who sat in the barouche. Orme’s eye traveled through the 4 outer edge of the disturbance, and sought its center. 

4

There in the midst of the tangle was a big black touring-car. Its one occupant was a girl—and such a girl! Her fawn-colored cloak was thrown open; her face was unveiled. Orme was thrilled when he caught the glory of her face—the clear skin, browned by outdoor living; the demure but regular features; the eyes that seemed to transmute and reflect softly all impressions from without. Orme had never seen anyone like her—so nobly unconscious of self, so appealing and yet so calm. 

She was waiting patiently, interested in the clamor about her, but seemingly undisturbed by her own part in it. Orme’s eyes did not leave her face. He was merely one of a crowd at the curb, unnoted by her, but when after a time, he became aware that he was staring, he felt the blood rush to his cheeks, and he muttered: “What a boor I am!” And then, “But who can she be? who can she be?” 

A policeman made his way to the black car. Orme saw him speak to the girl; saw her brows knit; and he quickly threaded his way into the 5 street. His action was barely conscious, but nothing could have stopped him at that moment. 

5

“You’ll have to come to the station, miss,” the policeman was saying. 

“But what have I done?” Her voice was broken music. 

“You’ve violated the traffic regulations, and made all this trouble, that’s what you’ve done.” 

“I’m on a very important errand,” she began, “and——” 

“I can’t help that, miss, you ought to have had someone with you that knew the rules.” 

 Prev. P 4/193 next