The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1901-09-05
By SIR WALTER BESANT
Copyright, 1900, By Sir Walter, Besant :
CHAPTER II-Continued.

CHAPTER ll-COntlnued.
"Oh, what matters their present
ment? I shall continue to keep the
bank on Sunday nights. Now, my dear
lord, what about these plans? What is
changed| "
I'VE thought, you remember, about
going to Tunbridge in july"
"Well, shall we not 60 there?"
perhaps. But there is something to
be done first. Let me confide in you
my dear lord, you have never con-
fded in anybody
Except in you. l think you know
all my secrets, if have any. In whom
else can I confide? In the creatures
who importune me for places? In
friends Of the green table? In friends
Of the race course? My dear Anastasia,
you know, assure you. as much about
my personal affairs as l know myself"
If you would always speak so kind
ly" Her eyes became humid, but not
fearful. A lady of fashion must not
spoil her cheek by tears.
well. then, the case is this: You
know of the condition of my AFFAIRS
no one better. An opportunity presents
itself to effect great improvement. I
am invited by the highest parsonage to
take more active part in the affairs Of
state. No one is to know this. For
reasons connected with this proposal I
town. q town Of rough sailors-there
to conduct certain inquiries. There is
to be a gathering at this town of the
gentry and people Of the county. Would
you like to 60, my dear friend? 1t
will be next month";
ITO leave town and in May, just be.
fore the end of the season.
There will be opportunities, l am
told, Of holding bank, and good
many sportsmen-'tis a sporting coun-
ty-may be expected to lay their mon
ey. In word, Anastasia. it will not
be bad exchange"
And how can l help you? Why
should go there?"
by letting the people, the county
people, understand the many virtues
and graces which distinguish my char
acter. No one knows me better than
yourself''-
The lady smiled. mo one," she MUIR
INJURED.
Tor can speak with greater authority
on the subject. There will be certain
of our friends there-the parson. Sir
Harry, the colonel"
"'Pah, a beggarly crew and blown up
on! They are dangerous"
mot at this quiet and secluded town.
They will be strangers to you as we'll
as to me-. And they will be useful.
After all, in such a place you need an
opening. They will lead the way"
The lady made no response.
II may call it settled, then?', He
still held her hand. IF you would
rather not go, Anastasia. will find
some one else. but had hoped
She drew away her hand. You are
right" she said. mo one knows you
so we'll as myself. And all I know
about you is that you are always con-
irving some devilry. What is it this
time? But you will not tell me. You
never tell me-"
''Anastasia, you do me an injustice
This is purely political STEP"
LAS you will. Call it what you
please. ! am your servant, you know
that; your handmade in all things save
one. Not for any other woman, Ludo-
wick, not for any other unfortunate
woman, will lift my little finger
Should you betray me in this respect
He laughed. "A woman? And in
that company? Rest easy, dear child.
Be jealous as much as you please, but
not with such a cause"
He touched her cheek with his finger.
He stopped and kissed her hand and
withdrew.
Lady Anastasia stood awhile where
he left her. The Joy had gone out Of
her heart. She trembled. She was
seized with foreboding Of evil. She
threw herself upon the sofa and buried
her face in her hands, and, forgetful OF
paste and patch and paint, she suffered
the murderous tears to destroy that
work of art her finished face. -
CHAPTER III.