The San Francisco call., 1904-09-18

playing the banjo. In the distance a
barrel organ was grinding out a pot
pourri Of popular airs. Anna raised
her eyes. Above the housetops 1t was
different. She drew a long breath.
After all, why need one look down? AL
ways the other things remained.
II think" she said, that L would
rather not have anything to say about
that man."
TT isn't necessary" they both de-
clared breathlessly.
Brendon dismissed the subject with
a wave of the hand. He glanced at his
watch.
Let US walk round to Covent Gar
den," he suggested. II daresay the
gallery will be full, but there is always
the chance, and l know you two are
keen on Melba."
The girl shook her head.
Not tonight" she said. Il have TO
go out"
They hesitated. AS a rule their COM
ings and Goings were discussed with
perfect confidence, but on this occasion
they both felt that there was intent in
her silence as to her destination. New
ertheless Sydney. clumsily but earnest
ly, had something to say about it.
i am afraid really think that one
of us ought to go with you." he said.
That beast of a fellow is certain to be
hanging about"
She shook her head.
1T is a secret mission" she declared.
There are policemen-ard omnibuses.
You shall not need either" Brendon
said grimly. I'VE will see that he
doesn't follow YOU"
She thanked him with a look and
rose to her feet.
reputation" she said. smiling. 81 ex-
pect it is pretty we'll in shreds by now.
Tomorrow morning l shall have made
up my mind what to do"
Il must confess" Mr. Carter said,
pursing out his lips in a manner pc
culiar to him, that the young lady
has always been an object of some
suspicion to me-"
The way she monopoliZes-has al
ways monopolized those two young
men is most barefaced," Miss Ellicot
declared. Still, one must not be un-
charitable. l wish it were possible to
get rid of ones suspicious"
Her references" Mrs. White said
anxiously. were really excellent"
Miss Ellicot smiled. Mr.. Carter also
smiled. Mrs. Bodham shook her head
solemnly.
References are so easy, my dear
Mrs. White" she said.
Mr.. Building gulped down his coffee
and grunted audibly.
God bless my SOUL, he said, what's
wrong with the girl? Scarcely spoken
a word to her in nay life, but if it's, her
story against Hills, give her chance,
l say"
Hill himself at that moment entered.
He was carrying in his hand folded
paper. He addressed himself to Mrs.
White.
I've brought you this document TO
look at, man," he said. Read it
through and show it to all the
other ladies and gentlemen, II
you like I'm not asking you
to take my word against any
ones. There's proof-all the proof that
any sane person can need"
Mr. Carter made his way to Mrs.
Whites side. His eyes were bright
with curiosity. With twitching fingers
he drew from his pocket a pair Of
spectacles and hastily adjusted them.
Dear, dear me, what's this?'' he
exclaimed. What's this? Upon my
word, a marriage certificate. 1t is in
deed-a marriage certificate"
The young man stood with his hands
in his trousers pockets, an unlit cigar
in the corner of his mouth.
Read it," he said. Read it, all of
you. I don't mind. Nothing secret
about me. Montague Hill-that's my
name-and Annabel Pellissier-com-
ried at the British Embassy at Paris.
Bit swagger that, you know, and cost
me a pretty penny. What's the odds,
though? Montague Hills no pauper-
no, sir"
He bit off the end of his cigar and
stretched out his hand for the paper,
which Mrs. White held toward him.
Mr.. Carter, however, was quick to
seize it.
Dear, dear mel" he exclaimed, pur-
sing out his lips. cit is indeed a mar
riage certificate. Montague Hill, bach
elor and Annabel Pellissier, spinster.
All quite correct. My dear sir, you
have my sympathy"
Don't want it," the young man de-
clared brusquely. Give me the pa
per-
Mr. Carter parted with it reluc-
tantly. He took a long time fold
ing it UP and Mr.. Hill at last
snatched it unceremoniously from
his hands. Brendon and Courtlaw
entered at that moment. Their appear
ance was so unexpected and so unusual
that there was a moments silence
Then Miss Ellicott, with a thin little
smile, motioned to them to join her on
the sofa.
Dear, dear me. Isn't this a sad
thing?" she exclaimed, land you all
such friends, too
Brendon stretched out his long legs
and looked thoughtfully at his toes.
Isn't what sad?" he asked calmly.
why this affair about Miss Pelliss-
ier-or Mrs. Hill, as 1 suppose we must
call her. To think that we never sus-
pected it! But perhaps you two knew.
Such friends as you have been. l dare
say she told you all about it,
"All about what?" Brendon asked
again
why. her marriage, Of course" Miss
Ellicot said calmly.
They both looked at her.
Surely" Brendon exclaimed, no
body here can honestly believe that
ridiculous story"
Fancy" Sydney Courtlaw remarked
"a girl like Miss Pellissier married to
a bounder like that fellow Hill. Can't
think how he had the nerve to try il
on. even for bluff"
Miss Ellicot sighed and looked de-
murely into her lap.
Dear me. 1 thought that you knew, "
she murmured. I'VE have all been
shoclingly deceived, Mr.. Brendon. Mr.
Hills story is perfectly true. He has
the marriage certificate here. We have