Evening star., 1901-12-21


ders said to the officer:
Il am very sorry. Captain Hilary. but 1t
seems was wrong"
tain @ asked are 20 at ae gear
mands, but you viii understand that our
Christmas keeping is not likely to be the
merrier for any prolonging Of this mat
ter
Il shah hold you responsible for this Sir
Burton. You have kept me here while
things have been arranged for the prison.
er's escape. 1 withdraw my men and shall
make my report Thus the interfering
bully found himself PROSTATE between the
two of US and in danger Of kicks from US
there and You knew it you have prevented
sr?'
smiled at this turn. but It was not our
cue to let the captain believe we had ever
concealed any one.
Rest your mind easy and do not blame
even this meddling mischiefmaker cause
whom we wish to conceal" and this was
true, for by this time Master Lovelace was
well on his way to the boat.
Captain Hilary went away then, grum-
bling and smarting with tie Irritation of q
| man who feels he has been tricked but can
not lay finger on the proof; and as soon as
he was gone signaled to Awdrey and Cor
ham to lead the guests away while 1 de-
tanned the cowardly traitor who had come
SO near to causing serious mischief
"A word with you, Sir Burton I said
OF coward and a spy, and in doing 1t you
have cast imputations on me. Tonight do
not make 1t a personal matter, but tonnor-
row, II you are still in the county of Sus-
sex, or if within six months you show your
face here, give you my honor that will
horseWhip You first and shoot you after
keep my word"
He turned pallid with fear said not syl-
liable, and without more than one sneakfne
furtive, frightened look at me, skunk away,
ana the next morning left the country for
his healths sake.
I was still lettering in the hall when
Gorham came and told me how he had
managed to get Master Lovelace away, and
Awdrey came.
rs all safe now. Geofrey?"
Yes. sweetheart. you can dance with a
free heart"
"a free heart?" she echoed. playine On
my words and smiling.
SO far as all that is concerned"
All that was very terrible while 1t
lasted. But you did splendidly."
IA penitent had to earn his forgiveness
Awdrey. Is It. earned?"
Not quite earned yet. You gave me up
very readily to Sir Burton, you know" she
cried. and withdrew the hand she had slip
ped into mine, moved some PAGES away and
stood glancfng at me, denure In face, but
with eyes all alight with smiles.
How can earn it? did what did for
the best"
laughed.
She's under the mistletoe, Godfrey, don't
you see?" cried Gorham from the doorway
with a laugh.
"Marplot, Gorhamr' exclaimed Awdrey,
blushing rose red, but before she could turn
to run after him 1 had caught her in my
arms.
1T is Christmas eve, sweetheart, and 1
am clown of penitent," 1 whispered, as
l kissed her.
You deserve to be punished for your
dullness,' she protested.
Then give it me back, Awdrey," and I
held her happy, blushing face close 90
mine.
IF do it's under compulson.'
That's new name for mistletoe," cried
Gorham again, as he ran off to join the
dancers.
We fingered a moment for that which
under neither mistletoe compul
sion, and then followed him, forgetting all
about the recent crisis, and as happy
pair of lovers as all Sussex could find that
merry Christmas eve.