The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-28
CHAPTER VII.


Lord Fylingdale resolved to marry
Molly. You shall hear by what cunning
this noble and virtuous person, this adorn-
ment and boast of the peerage, laid his
plans for securing the fortune and the
hand of our Molly. He had persuaded the
simple old sailor to believe anything he
chose to advance; he had shown himself
in the eyes Of the girl that which women
admire more than anything else in the
world-possessed of fearlessness and skill
He had also shown himself ready to place
his courage and skill at the service and
for the rescue of woman. So far every
thing was prepared and I'm readiness for
the next step. But there were certain OBJ
stacles still in the way These he pro-
ceeded to remove.
The Lady Anastasia, after the morning
prayers, at which she was a regular at
tendant, generally returned to her lodg-
ing. where she sat with her maid engaged
in the important affairs of the toilet until
dinner. Lord Fylingdale was carried to
Lady Anastasia's lodging in the market
The lady dismissed her maid You
have something to tell me. Ludovic,' she
said. Il cannot tell from your face
whether you are going to deal truthfully.
] have had experience of the other way.
Now, what is it2'
What l have come to say is important.
Anastasia, in this matter l have given
you my entire confidence. There have
been. ! own, occasions when ] have been
compelled. But all that is over.
now confide absolutely I'm you and on you
alone. My interests are yours.
You have already given me that assur-
ance" She implied, perhaps, by these
words that the assurance and the fact
were not identical.
What can / give you except my assur-
ance?"
Nothing. truly. But pray, go on. 1
hear that you have been playing the part
of the knight Grant and lighting for dis
tressed damsels. | laughed when heard
Of it, You 10 fight on the side of the an
gels? Where are your wings, my Ludo-
"The thing happened exactly as could
have wished The country pumpkin who
carried her off had no knowledge of fence.
He could only lunge, and he was half
drunk. There was a great appearance of
desperate lighting because he was mad
with drink and disappointment. | played
with the fellow long enough 10 make
show OF courage and danger, then pink
lis he dead?"
Il believe that he is in some kind of
fever. Well. Anastasia the result of the
affair is that 1 have now arrived at per-
feet confidence on the part of my old
friend. tie guardian"
And with the girl?'
THE girl matters nothing. The first
part of the business is done. You can
now go back to London
ITO go back to London she replied
suspciously.
here. You have given me a very good
character. You have charmed the peo-
pie of the spa. You have flattered the
girl and inspired her with discomfort.
Why should you stay any longerY
ITO be sure, / am at great expense,
and the bank is in poor way. But
what are you going to dog"
"Anastasia." he sat down and took her
hand. Il have enquired carefully into
the whole business. There is no doubt
none whatever. that the girl is far rich
er than even her guardian understands
She has a huge income, great accumu-
lation Of money and, what is more a
collection OF jewels which is in itself a
large fortune. Go back to London to-
morrow next day. Then sit down and
write q letter inviting the girl to stay