Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-28
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
CONTINUED from Thirtieth Page.)

mDn! well, teii uS GIL
how we're to do 1t. Papa is not easily sur
'Antninette laid her plans before them. and
Judging from Gyp's expressions Oh JOY 'he'
"fIere he comes.' said Cover that even
ing from his seat in the winoow, as ,he
trap containing his father couio De seen
approaching. 49,. ,v,ndou
he'll see you," said his mother.
Mr.. Montjoy wondered at the stiffness o.
the house, and why no one came 70 gree
him. Certainly 1t was very unusuau Cahh
ment But he asked no questions OF SoDo
or Mary Ellen, and sat down TO MS iohey
dinner. which had been kept not Iof MN.
After he had finished his dessert, Copo
brought in a small covered dish anu set H.
down before him.
Whats thisr'
II don't know. Something of Miss Mont
joys fixin'." ~
"Ah! that Is very thoughtful Of her. I'm
sure" said he. removing the cover, YER, in nass
was q box. Inside that tiny 1ewei case
That, of course, contained the ruby ring.
Upon my soul, what can this meAA'
Where are the family. Cobb!
In the drawing room sir
Slipping the ring on his finger, Mr.. Mont,
Joy lost To time in joining them he touho
ali ACKNOWLEDGMENT to Madame Dupre' VINO
was seated in their midst, looking very
happy.
"How long have you had 1t, and where did
It come fromT'
"one thing at a time. please, papa"
cried Antoinette. you tell him, Mark
Mr.. Glover, 1 meant
II think you're the one to do that, Miss
Montjoy."
somebody any bodyr'-impatiently only
begin,'
So Antoinette. told him all, and dwelt
especially on Marks timely rescue of her
self until that young man would fam have
cried. Hold, hold and blushed until
Cover was in an ecstasy of delight at his
discontinue.
And so you see, papa, wasn't Phfi,
added Gyp.
That Is about the best part of it." said
Madame. ito see that innocent boy cleared
of suspicion. This experience must be a
lesson for you, Cover.
ut will be a lesson for all Of us, In more
ways than one," said Mr.. Montjoy. Now
I think we should send for Phil and make
our apologies to him. What do you say?"
Yes. yes!' they cried, and Cover was
sent out to fetch him.
Philip said Fanny. HE went an hour
ago."
but 1 told him to waltz" cried Cover.
"It looks like he didn't mind you
Jim will have to go for him, then, for
papa wants to see him in the drawing room.
Tell him to hurry. Fanny"
You may all take your last look. for
awhile, at the ring" said Madame Dupre,
for intend to send it and the other jewels
to the bank. Well run no more risks Of
losing them and suspecting innocent per-
sons"
THAT Is right, grandmamma. They should
never have been kept in the house to tempt
people"
My days are about over. and I shall
never see my son or his heirs. When An
toinette marries, the ring will be hers, and
she may keep 1T where she wishes"
Madame Dupre spoke feebly. 1t was in
deed true that her life had almost reached
its close.
Here is Phil" cried Cover, rushing to
greet him. Come in this moment Why
didn't you wait as told you tor"
The boy was shy about entering the room
wherein sat those who so short time since
regarded him as a thief. AS he hesitated
Mr. Montjoy went to the door and drew
him inside.
Come. Phil" said he. I'VE all wish to
tell You how sorry we are to have wrong7d
you in thought. We do regret it very
much and hope you will forgive u.s.
The boy was too embarrassed to make
any reply He stood twisting his fingers
until Madame Dupre called him to her
side.
Here is one who. ever since knowing
you, has been fond of you. They tell me
you are going away; but hope you'll NOT
Il hope not now" he answered
Papa, what are you going to do to DR..
BlackhartT' asked Cover
think We'll let him OF altogether Prob
ably he will not come to this part Of the
country again."
And is Nose to get off, too?"
We'll. II he doesn't seem to be reformed
after all the talking that Antoinette did,
I suppose I'll have to take him in hand
and Mr.. Montjoy laughed.
There's gentleman to see Phil" said
Cobb at the door,
Tell him to come in." said Mr. Montjoy,
while Phil sprang to his feet as he saw his
father entering the room.
Forgetting everybody he rushed to him.
and father and In
others arms. "Oh, father father" he
cried. endeavoring to control himself, II
am SO glad and then broke down en-
tirely and fled from the room.
This is Mr.. Lewis, 1 presume" said Mr.
Montjoy. coming forward and holding out
his hand. "and very glad we are to see you
Thank you, Mr.. Montjoy-I presume you
are he-for your kind greeting. but far
more for your goodness to my boy" and he
turned to the door. intending to seek Phil
You must not go yet, Mr.. Lewis. We
have much to say to you. and Phil will re-
turn when he has recovered himself" Mr.
Monttoy introduced his family and soon he
was relating the history of the ring, not
emitting to tell of his own unjust sus-
pictonS about Phil.
The father tried to hide his Indignation
but he could not entirely succeed 1T
boy. he said.
I'VE had sent for Phil and made our
apologies and begged his forgiveness, this
very evening", continued Mr. Montjoy
you may think II small thing to make so
much fuss about, but really, did you ever
see so beautiful a ring as that?" and he ex-
tended his hand.
Yes; for I own one just like it," Mr.
Lewis replied. after looking at the ruby
closely; and he drew from his pocket the
mate.
Then such Excitement But Mr. Monttoy
remembering the impostor, determined to
be cautious. He drew Mr. Lewis In front
OF Madam Dupre and laid the two rings in
her lap. saying not a word. She had been
gazing intently at the stranger, but had not
heard any Of the conversation. She only
glanced at the rings.
My sonl my SOM" she cried making an
effort to rise and throw herself in his
arms. The excitement was too much for
her. She fell back In her chair repeating
again and again. 1T Is he; 1t Is my Phil
ippe!' Antofnette was at her side support
Ing her fran body In her strong, young
arms.
This Is very stranger exclaimed Mr.
Montjoy. Can you explain to U.S. Mr.
Lewis. II 1t Is possible that you are q de-
scendant of Madame Dupre?'
II am unable to tell you that, but 1 can
tell you something Of my family history,
and you can Judge of 1t yourself
My right name Is Dupre. MY father
was Philippe Louis Dupre and he was q
Frenchman of good birth, who for political
reasons fled from his native land and went