The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-06-14
CHAPTER III

THE TRAVELLERS FROM Annoy.
Alas. Robert, dear, I know you'll set
me down for dreadful coward" con-
fessed Lady Somers, with deprecatory
shrug of her shapely shoulders. but
the talk about that notorious Redlaw
has left me frightfuly nervous. Despite
that you have perfected all the arrange
ments, and our departure so near, I am
seriously inclined to relinquish this at
tempt to leave Annoy"
%. mama. how absurd!"a exclaimed
her daughter. Don't let's back down
now Papa is almost crazy over our de-
lay here. and would give half his for
tune to see US safe in England. We
owe 1t to him as well as to ourselves,
to take advantage of the opportunity
Robert has provided"
Half his fortune, indeed!'' observed
Lady Somers, dryly. Your fathers for
tune, Emily. dear runs well into the
millions. Pray, do you estimate yourself
go highly, or our joint persons?'
my calculation is based on papa's
love for us both. which I know is be-
yond price" the girl answered tenderly.
while laugh, half nervous, yet thrilled
with filal affection. rlppled from l4er
warm, red lips.
She was scarce out OF her teens, a
girl of rare loveliness. with the fair and
faultless features Of typical English
beauty, an abundance of soft brown
lair, deep blue vivacious eyes, and a
form combining the supple grace of girl
hood with all the charms of the spring
time of maturity.
Evidently her fair loneliness had been
while scarce less attractive, indeed
more so to many. presented nearly the
opposite type of beauty. She had a
well-rounded, commanding figure, regu-
lar features. darkly clear complex
ion. the warm richness of which was
accumulated by a wealth Of raven hair
and the lustrous glow of darlSly passion
ate eyes. She still was In the thirtles.
Her girlhood's magnetic beauty had early
drawn her prize from the flower of
English wealth and aldstocracy. She
had married Lord Arthur Somers or
the day he became of age. and the per-
sonal manager OF his vast heritage.
Yet 1t had been marriage for love,
nor had twenty years served to change
their mutual affection
Both women were In travelling attire
and occupied seats at table in the
open cafe attached to the Golden Drag
on a public house at that time In excel
lent repute with foreigners in China. and
much patronized by the naval officers
and commanders Of the merchant ships
when In port
1t was an earlier hour OF the same eve
ming that had witnessed the two seamen's
desertion from the American ship Wan
derer. The commodious out-of-door cafe
which was open on all sides save thai
adjoining the house, was brilliantly illu-
mined and thronged with cosmopolitan
gathering OF both sexes whose coming
and going and chattering kept the place
in constant stir and confusion.
The adjoining streets were likewise
noisy and crowded, and the excitement
of war was in the air. Hung Sui Tsuen
or THE Heavenly King" as he called
desperate outlaws of the empire, had nov
forced his march northward from Woose,
wan, and already was within the shadow
4 OF Nankin's famous porcelain tower, This
was In the carly years OF the terrible
I, Tapping rebellion, which here needs nc
We're wild to leave the threatened coun-
| try,
| With her daughters last remark, Lady
somers' misgivngs were likewise depre-
| Gated by young man seated opposite al
| the table-a slight, dark-complexloned
| then wort the undress uniform OF q
sub-leutenant OF the English navy He
laughed lightly. with curious curl OF
his thinly moustached lip and said
Cousin Emily Is right. dear Lady Som,
ers; your apprehensions are hardly war.
| 'hHAGd' oN'eiy Spu hHpW WONlu NHkt
no chances OF placing either OF you ir
| danger
20, | am sure OF your good intentions
Robert dear" the lady interposed; "ye
one meaning well may err. you know. par
tcularly In these terrible times and thl.
barbarous country, would to heaven
| never had made an ocean voyage, ever
for the sake OF health"
"Ah. dear mama. but 1t has done you
so much good! You are now completely
restored"
Only to suffer decline fear, Il
compelled 70 stay another three month!
in this horrid climate"
"All the mor9 reason why you SHOULD
take tht, opportunity OF leaving" SAID
Lieutenant yal, her nephew, ..phert