Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1900-02-10


Lady Gremont again: that is, suppos-
ing she were the woman he had so furi-
ousiy attacked.
IL he did recognize her. he would GER
tainly show some sign of displeasure;
ana, also, thought she would not be
able to conceal her discontinue at sight
, OF him, II he were introduced to her
notice suddenly.
Accordingly kept my own counsel;
, and. the next afternoon, at the hour
when I knew Lady Mallory would be
giving her guests tea I'm the hall I took
Nero with me there.
Vera caught sight of him frst and
sprang up to caress him.
oh. what q splendid dogi Is it yours.
Sir Douglas7" she cried, strokinR his
great head, while he wagged his tail.
/ much gratified.
looked round the hall, and saw.
near the notwithstanding fire, va
| cant chair.
Lady Gramont had not yet come
downstairs. In GREATNESS suspense
awaited her appearance. Would Nero
know her? and. TX he knew her. would
he testify that he remembered last
| Christmas Ever
He had not seen her face any moro
than I; but had faith In his instincts.
He would not have to rely, on features
| for his recognition.
In minute or two she came.
Harold got up to lead her to her seat:
and I, noticing the look OF deep, ador-
ing love on his face, felt a passionate
hope that Nero would show no signs
| OF recognition.
realized then. all It would mean to
| my friend.
Lady Gramont wore a tea-sown of
pale primrose-colored silk, and she
walked with that stately grace OF step
which L have never seen quite equalled
by any other woman.
Her beautiful, lustrous eyes held the
| sweetest look az she returned Sir Har-
| old's smile.
1 glanced at her. and said 10 myself.
with indignant scorn: THAT woman
| murderessl John Douglas, you must
/ be mad to have harbored such a
thought for one single moment In your
braini"
But even while I said this, Nero
sprang from Vera's caressing hand.
and, with a low but furious growl.
leaped upon Lady Gramont
The attack was so sudden, so unex-
pected. that everybody started UP In
alarm.
Sir Harold seized the dog by the COL
lar, and hurled him back, or verify
believe his fierce teeth would have met
, upon my lady's soft. white hand.
Even as 1t was, IT needed all the au-
thority / could throw into my voice to
/ restrain him.
he would fain have flung himself
upon her, and pinned her to the ground.
needed no further proofs. 1 was GER
tain then, that Beatrice Gramont was
the woman whose arm Nero had bitten
last Christmas Eve.
Good Heavens, DougIasl Why do
you keep such a brute as this?' cried
, Gwynne. And, for the first time in his
life. there was anger in his voice as he
addressed me. He isn't safe. Upon
my word, 1 really think you ought TO
have him shot"
turned the dog out. without reply
ing; then 1 came back, and walked
straight UP TO Lady Gramont
Il must apologize to you for Nero's
strange behavior" said. ct have
never known him to act like this be-
fore except once"
She was white to the lips. Everyone
else thought. of course. it was the fear
OF being bitten that had caused her to
turn so deathly pale; but knew well
1t was a deeper fear.
She forced herself to give me a
gracious answer, and even to smile
family.
Poor fellows You must not scold
him; 1t was, probably only fun" she
said. But am such a coward"
Il should not have thought you were
a coward, Lady Gramont. 1 answered.
in slow, distinct voice, and looking
full into her face as spoke ION the
contrary, I should have expected to
ind you exceptionally brave
ia
ALL" she murmured, sinking into a
chair, and shading her face with O
feather fre-screen. felt sure she was
afraid OF betraying agitation and dis
composure. Vera came up to me, and
touched me lightly on the arm
when was the other time that your
dog attacked anyone, Sir Thomas? You
said You had never known him to act
like this but once"
L replied to Vera; but my eyes were
on her mother ali tue time.
1t Is nearly a year ago." I said,
slowly. Last Christmas Eve, Nero
new at woman as suddenly, and
seemingly as unaccountably. as he new
at Lady Gramont Just now"
And did he hurt herr" questioned
Vera.
Il am bound to say he did," I ans
wered gravely. HE bit her so severe
~ that I had to cauterize the wound.
She Will carry the mark of 1t to her
grave"
And you can keep such a dog as
that?" exclaimed Sir Harold. Really,
Douglas. am surprised at you'll"
Lady Gramont said nothing; only sat
with her beautiful eyes cast down; her
fingers toying restles.ny with the feath-
er screen; her face ashy pale.
That night Gwynne and sat up to
smoke pipe together.
He sat opposite me; and I, looking
on his fine, noble face wondered how
he would bear IL IL he had to be told
that Beatrice Gramont was unworthy
of his love. In my heart I half-be-
lieved it would be his death blow; at
any rate. 1t would kill all that was best
In him.
He would never hold up his head
again with that frank, proud move
ment, and look at me with eyes that
spoke Of measureless content, as he
" Innlfno a ma