Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-04-28
CHAPTER Xv.

If the idea that he looked startled and turned pale on seeing her at first sug- gested itself to Nadine, it is speedily routed. MT. Annerley, coming up to her, holds out his hand with quite beaming smile.
 "You! It is not one of your da ys, surely" he says.
 Ills tone is crisp, abrupt; in another man it might be called Hurried. A long, to his boots. (, Even though she cannot see the clothes beneath, some sudden fancy strikes Nadine that he is slightly en fete. This idea, too, however, is put to flight before it has time to harden on her brain
 "No. It is not ono of my days, but''--
 She is so astonished at seeing him here in Mrs. Brands house, that she finds a difficulty in speaking quickly or freely.
 'You are going,'' interrupts he, shortly, ''so am I. Come''
 He opens the hall door as he speaks, and motions to her to precede him. It is to get her out of the house with a speed that admitted of no delay, he could not have done it more promptly. Still de- voured with surprise at his presence in Park Lane, Nadine forgets to comment upon this, even in her thoughts, until long afterward.
 As they leave Mrs. Brands house be- hind them Annerley's manner undergoes a change It loses it's briSkness, and re- turns to it's usual calm habit.
 ''But you-perhaps you did not want to come away so soon," says Nadine, in a low bewildered tone.
 What could city clerk want in Mrs. Brands house at that hour?
 "Yes; I was quite ready. My business was 1nished," returns he, steadily.
 "Your business? Business with Mrs. Brand?"
 "And very serious business! So se- rious that it is conducted as secretly as possible.'
 s'It has to do with your--your-frm? asks she, in an awed tone.
 "With-1ny firm? Yes. I was sorry you met me here. It is of the utmost consequence that my comings and goings at that house should be kept dark.''
 He glances at her keenly as he speaks.
 "You need not be afraid,' says Nadine, quietly. 'I shall say nothing of it. l shall not mention having met you. You may be at rest about that. But confess I am amazed-astonishedr
 "Come ill here. It is a fine evening. A walk will do you good, and-I have something to say to you.'' Entering the principal entrance to the park they stroll together in silence pass the TOW, the drive, the last touch of humanity in the shape of ifeguardsmen and nursery maids, until they find them selves in dull, out of the way spot, and virtually speaking alone. "YeS; 1 am more surprised than I can tell you," says Nadine again, pausing to look into his face. TO meet you there And this secret business-I hope it means no harm to Millicent-Miss Grey?"
 "None at all, assure you" He laughs easily. 1T shall not harm Miss Grey My business, so far as she is con- cerned, will very soon be at an end.''
 ''Then she is mixed up with it.'' "Well, yes."
 ssPaul,'' says Nadine, leaning forward and speaking in low tone, "I think I | have guessed it. lit has something to do with-her sapphires.' , An extraordinary gleam flashes across 1 Mr. Annerley's features. It is moment ary, but brilliant. Fear, suspicion and something stronger still are blended in it. l It may be that he is disconnected at hav- ing his s'business'' with Mrs. Brand thus | publicly put into words. To be discov- cred, no matter how innocent the ofense, | is disagreeable to most.
 s'You are not pleased that have found 1t out?" suggests Nadine, timldly. But do not let it distress you. shall bury the knowledge in my heart. No one shall be the wiser for it..
 "You will do well to do so," says An nerley, recovering himself with an effort. ssYou will take care also not to let it be known by word or glance that you met me tonight at Mrs. Brands. Much de- l ponds upon your faithfulness in this l natter
 ''Then you have found clew to the I thief? You are on his track?'' asks she, breathlessly.
 'sYes; there is clew." He pauses a moment, looking down into her eyes as though he would read her very soul