Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-04-06


scrutiny of her. which gave an obvious
point to her last words and paved the way
tas it appeared In a moment) for a direct
approach to the, genuine object of Miss
SIS visit That this object did not come to
the front till Miss s. was on her feet to go
was quite characteristic
I'm really glad. my DEAR" she observed
hanging her silk bag on her arm. Ito have
had this talk with You They do say such
things. and noW ] shall be able to contra
diet them on the best authority"
What do they say?'
well, I never repeat things. Still I
think perhaps you've a right to know. They
do say that you're more interested in Harry
Tristram than mere neighbor would be-
and-well, really don't quite know how to
put it."
"Oh. I dor cried Nina. delightedly, hit
ting the mark. That uncle and I are work
ing together, suppose?"
Il don't listen to such gossip, but it
comes to my ears" Miss 8. admitted.
What diplomatists we arei'' said the
Imp. Il didn't know we were so clever.
But why do I take jamie to Mingham"
They'd say that Bob Broadley's no real
danger, and If 1t should disgust Harry
Tristram-"
IT am clever! Dear Miss Swinkerton,
never thought Of anything half so good
myself. I'll tell uncle about 1t directly"
Miss S. looked at her suspiciously. The
innocence seemed very much overdone.
7 knew you'd laugh at it, she observed.
Il should do that even If 1t was true
Miss 8. took her leave quite undecided to
al nounce on the best authority that the
icea was true. or that 1t was quite I'M
founded One thing only was certain.
on the best authority; If it turned incorrect
in the end Miss s. would take credit for an
Uncomfortable discretion and an unswerv-
| ing loyalty to the friends who had given
her their confidence.
Nina was left very unquiet; Miss 8.
chfmed In with the major; the neighbor-
hocd, too, seemed In the same tune. She
could laugh at the ingenuities attributed to
her. yet the notions which had given them
birth found. as she perceived more and
more clearly. warrant in her feelings, If
not In her conduct. Was she a traitor to
her friend jamie liver? Was that treachery
bringing her back by roundabout way to
new alliance with her uncle? Did 1t in
volve treason to Harry himself? For GER
fanny IL was nara to go on helping him to-
ward marriage with jamie liver
But will all the same, If he wants It 4"
she exclaimed. as she paced about on the
terrace, glancins now and then down at
PIE Sief l II only ! could keep out of things!"
she murmured. but 1 never can"
Maj. Duplay drove up the hill in a RIent
mouth station fly; he had met the doctor
on the road, and the news was that in all
out the night -'
Then we shall see. He'll assume the
titie' l suppose. That's no affair of mine
Ana Al then. then he'll go to Fairholme That is
- ''A iN" SpbUcLlS- Utmost 1hreateQlQ2lv
upon her. You'll have to speak Won
know. If can't make YOU liver will. :" He
paused and laughed. But you'll sneak IA ct
enough when You find yourself in the law
yer's Office " -' "
Nina refused to be frightened nv tho
threatened terror of the law.
Who's going to take me to a LAWYERS
once she demanded.
Why, Iver Will of course IJa Sbouoa
contemptuous surprise ooh von,va 800
100 lar to think you can get out of It now "
oie STUDIED MN attentively for a moment
, or Two. Inc result was reassuring. His
ing heart " siilh-
GU can't frighten me, uncle I've made
w sh NY lnlhd what to do, and shall do it,"
, one was not afraid of him now. She
, was wondering how She had come TO be
pulled into telling her secret AT ali rookine
PACK with surprise to that scene in the II,
orary' when, with sulen obedience and
t t fear, she had obeyed his command
70 speak Why was 1t all different now
How dared she devote herself to H .o~
I[istram? He had asked nothing Of her
60 60 put ne mad imposed something on her
one had volunteered for his service, It
snol, ,ii oe Isi "oinans nonsense" when she
spoke OF him as that boy"
Duplay turned away from her djsba.rt
eheo ana dlsgusted. Things looked well for
me enemy. He was alone with her unsun-
ported story Of conversation which Nina
would not repeat, with his emntv nmrse
which could not supply means Of nro,;n,,
what ne said. He ran the risk Of Iosin9
! what chance he had of jamie Iver's faVnr
ana ne was in sore peril of coming off sec,
ono best in his wrestling bout with Harry
| lrlstram. Indeed, the man in possession
was strong. The perls that had seemed
so threatening Were passing away. Nina
was devoted; Neeid would be silent. Who
| would there be who could effectively con-
test MS claim or GUST him from his place?
Now that the moment had como for
which all his life had been a preparation
afraid. ~ NC