Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-14
THE BLooDSTONE.

On a certain bright spring morning
| Violet Sale married Sir John Bouverie
and six months later, when autumn was
fast developing into a somewhat rigorous
I winter, I received an invitation to spend
a week or fortnight at their beautiful
| place, Greylands, in the neighborhood OF
Potters Bar. Violet at the time of hen
marriage was only nineteen years of age
| She and her brother Hubert were my spe-
| cial friends They were by many years
| my juniors, but their mother at her death
| had asked me to show them friendship
| and to advise them in any troubles that
might arise in the circumstances Of their
lives. They were both charming young
| people, and having been left complete
control of quite a large property were in
| a somewhat exceptional position Hubert
was remarkably handsome, and Violet
| had the freshness and charm of true
English girl.
On the evening before my visit to Grey
lands Vandeieur came to see me- He
| looked restless and i'll at ease.
so you are going to spend fortnight at
the Bouveries'?' he said.
yes I replied. II look forward with
great pleasure to the visit, Violet being
such an old friend of mine
1t is a curious fact said Vandeleur,
that Bouverie is old friend Of mine.
Did l mention to you that 1 spent week
with them both in Scotland two months
ago had then the privilege of prescrib-
ing for Lady Bouverie."
Indeed" 1 answered, in some amaze
ment. II did not know that you gave your
medical services except to your own divi-
sion of police"
He laughed.
my dear fellow, what is a doctor worth
If he doesn't on all occasions and under
every circumstance practice when required
the healing art? Lady Bouverie was in a
very low condition, her nerves out of order
in fact, L never saw any one such a
complete wreck. | prescribed some heroic
measures with drugs, and 1 am given to
understand that she is slightly better.
should like you to watch her, bruce, and
give me your true opinion, quite frankly
There was something in his tone which
aused me to look at him uneasily.
Are you keeping anything back?' I
asked.
Yes and no." was his answer II don't
understand healthy English girl being
shattered by nerves, and"-he sprang to his
feet as he spoke-"she is hand and glove
with Nine. Sara
"Whatr' 1 cried.
'She owns to the act, and glores in It,
Madame has cast her accustomed spell
over her. 1 warned Lady Bouverie on no
account to consult her medically, and she
promised. But, there, how far is wo-
mans word. under given circumstances, to
be depended upon?"
Violet would certainly keep her word"
l answered, in a tone almost of indigna-
ton
He shrugged his shoulders.
Your friend Violet is human" he an
swered. ''She is losing her looks she
gets thinner and older-looking day
by day. Under such circumstances
any woman who holds the secrets
Nine Sara does would compel another to
be guided by her advice. At present Sir
John has not the slightest idea that Lady
Bouverie consulted me, but If you have
any reason to fear that madame is treat
ing her We must tell him the truth at
once have opened your eyes. You will,
l am sure, do what is necessary.
He left me a few minutes later, and I
sat by the fire bordering over his words.
Sir John Bouverie was a man of con-
siderable note. He was a great deal older