Evening star., 1902-01-11

to know that he could do It. Why. in the
face Of this danger the business OF Mr.. Full
ton and the Grapes Tavern was of very
small Importance.
Presently she saw. walking along the
south side Of the square. woman of the
baser sort. She could hardly be lower
There are depths of human misery of
which no one knows anything. This wo-
man was doubtless removed from the low
est depths but not by many steps. She wore
kind Of nightcap. torn and dirty: her
dress consisted Of single garment, a thick
skirt stained and coIored by every kind Of
abomnation. Above she wore stays Of
black leather-black. that is by every ox-
posure and by being worn day and night:
a large kind OF shawl covered her shoul-
ders and her arms: her hair. unkempt, hung
down in rats tails; one OF her eyes was
blackened. Never before had such q figure
been seen In st. James square. Instructive
ly. Isabel connected her with the White
Dog of the Great Hermitage street There
was no reason for such connection; there
was nothing to suggest it. but Isabel
jumped at the Conclusion that this woman
was the negros messenger.
The woman stopped the people and asked
questions Of them. At last it appeared as
II she1E got an answer. for she made her way
straight to the house: Isabel at the win
dow saw her and trembled-she fel. sick;
it was already a messenger she was now
quite certain, demanding money. And this
was to go on-she understood very we'll
what would happen: free-handed gener-
on the part Of the man: and day after cay
a demand for more money-always more
money.
The man brought up the message: 1t was
a greasy discolored paper on wnfcn was
written II want mummy. Give 1t to barrer"
Isabel read the note. She put a hari face
on the matter Tell the poor woman" she
said. that an answer will be sent There
Is nothing more. If she persists In waiting
put her into the street"
From the hall there arose sounds Of an
altercat1on; woman's voice rose shrill and
angry; it was answered by a mans voice,
quiet and resolute. Presently there was a
shrek and she saw the woman running
down the steps with greater velocity than
Is consistent with voluntary disposition; she
stood upon the pavement for few mo-
ments. muttering and cursing and then she
turned and went on her way.
More mummy. Yes, he would want more
money every day. Isabel had visions of
flight into the country; life would De in
toierabie IN the power Of this creature In
her darkness and despair she could see
nothing possible except fight.
Presently Lord Stratherrick came. His
race was made up so as to suggest the
deepest sympathy and pity. 1t was like the
face of most conscientious mute at a
funeral :
my dear Isabel" he said, pressing her
hand and sinking into chair, IT am come
to annoy you. But must-I must. 1t is
about that wretched man Fulton"
"Oh! my lord. have considered the man.
shall do nothing"
"You will do-nothing? My dear Isabel
are you aware"
Nothing at all. Other things have han
pened-things OF far greater importance. If
the man likes he may talk all the town
over"
But Isabel" all the sympathy and pity
went out of his face; a sudden consterna-
tion took their place; Considerable expense
has been incurred. The man has been
taken in at most respectable tavern
where he is allowed whatever he chooses to
call for"
1T was by your orders not mine. I was
not consulted"
II acted for you-on your behalf-in your
interests
You acted on your own responsibility
'I have already spoken with the man
about the money due to him."
There Is nothing due to him. I will give
him nothing. Do you hear?''
VERY good. The man must therefore he
turned into the street. The consequences.
Isabel wili fear. prove very serious"
In the street he can say what he likes
But the first consequences will be that he
will go to his wife and make submission.
Perhaps. After doing all the mischief he
can. Consider, Isabel-a family scandal!
Think of mel
Isabel laughed. 'I have thought OF you.
will, II You please. send him message to
the effect that II he causes family scan-
DAT TO your annoyanae-though should
think that you were hardened to family
scandals-his wife shall not help him"
Lord Stratherrick was vfsibiy disconcert-
ed. We'll. Isabel" he said, after q little
! c0nnfda ara tim ran Of f>-n.