Evening star., 1901-05-11
Being ON Ep13oo1e "1de
Skoy%en ~~
Mcle7< House
8y anthony Hope
Copy right, 1900. BY A. h. HawkIns.)

formalities," said liver Subject to those,
| imagine that the-er-question settles it
self"
His phrase seemed to give Cecily no en-
lfghtenment.
Settles itself?' she repeated
Subject to formal proof L mean. and In
the absence of opposition from Che hesi-
tated a second)-from Mr.. Tristram which
can't be anticipated now you will be put
into possession of the estates and the
title. He pointed to Harry's letter which
was still in her hands You see what he
himself calls you there, Miss Gainsbor-
ough."
She made no answer. With another
glance at Neeld. Iver pushed back his chair
and rose. Neeld followed his example
They felt that the interview had better
END. Duplay did not move, and Cecily
stood where she was. She seemed to ask
What was to be done with her; her desola-
tlon was sad. but it had something of the
comic in it. She was so obviously lost
You might walk down to Blent with
MISS Gs'lnsborough. Nina Iver suggested
No cried the Imp in a passion leaping
UP from her chair. Il don't want to have
ANYTHING to do with her
Ceclly started and her cheeks flushed red
as though she had been struck. Iver
looked Nexed and ashamed
It's all her fault that Harry Tristram's
that Harry Tristram's-' The Inns
voice was choked: she could get no further
old MIR. Neeld came forward He took
Harry's letter from Cecily and gave it to
Nina. - ~
My dear. my dear he said gently, as he
patted her hand. Read that again.
Nina read, and then scrutinzed Cecily
keenly.
Well I'll walk down with YOU" she
said. guardingly. She came nearer to
Cecily. Il wonder what Won did she ex
claimed, scanning her face Il must find
out what you did"
lver came forward. II must introduce
ntEsstf m Ss1a to YOU Miss Gainsborough. live
She looked a i'm ,rip A.
once ne felt that she had knowledge of the
relation between his daughter and Harry
1rIstram.
Yes; and sirce we shall probably he
nelShbors-" He held out his hand She
put hers in it. still with a bewildered air
Neeid contented himself with a bow as he
passed her, and Duplay escaped from the
room with a rapidity and stiffness sugges-
i've OF desire not to be observed. When
the men were gone Cecily sank into a chair
ana covered her face with her hand for a
minute She looked up to find Nina re-
gardinS her. still with mingled inquisitiye-
ness and hostility
What were You all doing here when 1
came?' asked CeciIy
They were trying to make me tell what
knew about Harry Tristram. But I
wouldn't tell"
Wouldn't you?" CeciIy's eyes sparkIed
IN sudden approval and she broke into
smile. Il like you for that" she cried ar
wouldn't have told either"
BUY now The Imp pouted disconso-
lately Well, its not your fault. | sup
pose and She walked up to Cecily
and gave her a brief but friendly kiss
And you needn't be so upset as all that
about 1t. Wen just talk over what we'd
better do "
There was not much prospect of their
talk affecting either the laws of England
or the determination of Harry Tristraro to
any appreciable extent. But the DroDosaI
seemed to comfort Cecily and the Imp rang
the bell for tea. Coming back from thie
task she gave Cecily a critical glance.