The St. Louis Republic., 1903-09-13
TIE MISTER OF HPPLEBY.

And If his face were terrifying in re-
pose. twas fairly demoniac when he
laughed.
'Ha!" he said bowling again IN a mock
cry Of politeness. You are surprised,
Mistress Margery; you heard my Lords
order and I thought I would be by now
some miles on the road to Salisbury"
IF you were the loyal soldier you should
be. SIR she said, drawing herself up
proudly. you would be at the head of
your troop, as his Lordship directed" :"
And then. with a gesture that was most
queenly, Stand aside. Sir-Lbertine, and
let me pass"
His answer was another mocking laugh,
and he stepped within to close the door
and lock it. When he turned to front her
again his face was the face OF a tor
mented devil.
by God. you think too lightly Of me,
Mistress MarEery. Before ever this day
dawned I owed you much. but. like a
spitefUl little hellicat you must needs add
to the score by making me a target FOR
your Wit at the supner-table. Twill cost
a I!fe to more than one OF them who
laughed with you. my lady but twill cost
you dearer still"
He came nearer as he spoke. thrusting
that horrible face farther into the circle
of candle-Iight: but she would not draw
back nor finch a hair. and ! marked that
the hand that held the candlesticll was as
steady as a rock. But when he made an
end She flung a quick glance over her
shoulder AMI my heart ieaped for joy. For
then I knew. she was leaning upon me.
once more. Captain Falconnot Will you
let me pass" she said.
"No.' he snarled. adding a horrll bias
phomy. Twas passion in me once, and
I am none so sure there was not time
when You could have cooled # into love
But now lis hatred and revenge
He snapped his fingers in her face. The
thing they'll find here in the morning
Ife foH face downward at her feet and I
set my heel in the small Of his back to
hold him whilst l could drive the point Of
the Tcrara between his ribs. But my dear
lady would not have it so.
NO. no, for the love Of heaven, not
that. Monsieur john she cried: and for
the moment her fuc courage was all
swallowed NJ Of pity. and she became a
compassionate woman pleading for life
But now my blood was UP. You are
my Wife" I said. col1ly. IF he had a
dozen live. I should take them all for
that which he said 10 YOU"
But not that way-oh not that way,
do bc,scch you,' she begged. 'Think Of
what it will mean TO you-and-and 10
me. For your own sake, Monsieur John
/ took my heel from the mans lack.
Your wish is law to me. dear lady
But your way is clear now; YOU may go.
She took a step toward the door.
You viii not kill him when am gone,
Monster john"
BY the name he bears he was doubt
less born a gentleman; since you wish H.
he shall die like oL"."
I saw she did not take my meaning;
that when she was gone I should let him
have his chance 10 die sword in hand.
Remember have your promise" she
said. turning to so. The army is on the
march for Salisbury. and in little while
your friends WIN be here to
The sentence ended in a very womanly
shrek Of terror Watching his chance, my
bastard enemy had bounded to his feet
to make a quick lunge. not at me. but at
her.
OF course, came between to parry the
murderous thrust. and after that 1t was
life for one of Us and death for the
other. looked to see my lady
run. shrieking: indeed, 1 called to her to
go; but she stood fast as if her terror
had frozen her; and SO it was her candle
that lighted the grim vault for the suel-
AS you will know full well, l was not
minded to give this thrice-accursed fiend
more than the gentleman's chance ] had