The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-04-11


I must now return TO Mr.. Rapless and his
preparations for flight. He woke late on the
fateful morning aud remembered that he had
still great deal to do before ne could safely
depart He dared not run the risk of writ
ne Great regRo, and his creditors were watching
him. The lawyer had not proved SO accommo-
dating as he could have wished, no money was
forthcoming until twelve o'clock, and the post
brought fresh embarTassments. He went to
his club to breakfast aud, as luck would have
it, sat at table next to Mr.. John Langton, who
had just returned from circuit. Now, Mr. Rap
less did not suspect Langtons devotion TO the
widow in the least He looked upon him as
harmless good-natured individual, whose only
popularity was his dislike for women.
"Hullo, Langtonl" he said cordially,
thought you were away"
Just got back" replied the other; "going
away again this evening, though"
SO am /, !" said the Hon. Percy, feeling half
inclined TO make confdant; start at sos
from Charing -cross."
:" So do I. I'm going to Paris for bit, and
then up the Rhine"
THE dence you arei"
"Yes; wish L could get away sooner, but l
have an appointment at FIVE"
You've not much to do to-day then2"
Absolutely nothing"
"By JOve, old chap" said Mr.. Rapless, "you
would do me tremendous favor ii you would
look after one or two things for me. I'm in
formally busy, and shall never get through
unless you viii help me-"
- don't mind, replied Langton; sit will
help to pass the time"
So Mr.. Rapless intrusted certain messages to
Langton, which the latter promised to deliver.
And, by the way" he concluded " lust look
in here before you come to the station and
bring my letters or kilograms. l shall have
something deyilish funny to tell you at Char
ing-cross. Good-by till then; must be off
now"
Rapless arrived at Charing-cr in excellent
time. 1t would never do to keep her wait
ing" he reflected. The widow was not very
long behind him, but Langton arrived only
five minutes before the train started. At the
sight of Mrs. Silyerton he almost jumped out
Of his skin, but Rapless pulled him aside.
Pretend not to see her" he whispered Z" we
are clipping" There was no time for more.
Langton merely gasped.
Anything for me?" asked Mr. Rapless.
The other silently handed him telegram.
Good heayens!" cried the Hon. Percy, as
he read the following:
Lord Coferton killed yesterday out shoot
| ing. Come up at once"
Whats the matter?" asked Langton.
"Angthing wroBg?"
"Yes," said Rapless; " I can't 60" The sit
uation flashed across him at once He was
now peer with twenty thousand year, and
/ he was on the point of eloping with tea
/ brokers' widow, who had but paltry six
! thousand! He must back out Of it at all
/ hazards.
Look here" he stammered, "train's Just
off. ] can't possibly go, but I'll come to-mor-
row. Take Mrs. Silverton to Paris; she is
going to stay with friends; you'll find a room
ordered for me at the Grand. She's in shat
/ frst-class carriage there. I'll write and ex-
J nj oh n m
the train,"
Step in, please; going on" cried the guard.
But" faltered Langton.
I'LL write and explain, tell you Say I'm
! detained, and viii come Tomorrow" And
Mr.. Rapless bolted, while Mr.. Langton, scarcely
! knowing what he did, jumped into the carriage
and found himself alone with Mrs Silverton.
1t was strange journey. After making a
very lame explanation the gentleman uttered
not word; while the lady, who felt on the
verge OF Mysteries, was by no means disposed
| for ordinary conversation.