The indicator., 1904-11-12
CHAPTER XVIII.

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lS! Gwen. for then 1t was that
(SE4AJ the Lady Charlotte's interest
in her began; momentous, too, to the
Lady Charlotte, for it was that night
that brought the Pilot into her life.
had turned back to the fire, around
which the men had fallen into groups,
prepared to have an hours solid de-
light, for til. scene was full of wild
and pictures lue beauty to me, when
the Duke came and touched me on the
shoulder.
Lady Charlotte would like to SEQ
you
"And why, prayf"
''She wants to hear about this affair
of BllIs."
We went through the kitchen into
the large dining room, at one end Of
which was stone chimney and fire.
place. Lad" Charlotte had declared
that she did not much care what kind
of house the Hon. Fred would build
for her, but that she must have a Are
place.
She was very beautiful-tall, slight
and graceful in every line. There were
a reserve and grand air in her bear
ing that put people in awe of her. This
awe shared but as entered the room
she welcomed me with such kindly
grace that felt quite at ease in mo-
ment.
"Come and sit by me- she said.
drawing an armchair Into the circle
about the fire. Il want You 10 tell us
all about a great many things"
"You see what you're in for. Con
nor" said her husband. 1t is a Sc
rious business when my lady takes one
In hand
"As he knows to his cost" she said,
smiling and shaking her head at her
husband.
$50 l can testify" put in the Duke.
"Ah! can't do anything with you"
she replied, turning to him.
"Your most abject slave" he replied,
with profound bow.
"If you only were" smiling at him
a little sadly. Thoughtful keep you
out of all sorts of mischief"
"Quite true Duke" said her hus-
band "Just look at me-
The Duke gazed at him a moment or
two. "Wonderfulw he murmured.
"What deliveranceT
Nonsense" broke in Lady Charlotte.
you are turning my mind away from
my purpose"
"Is it possible, do you Think said
the Duke to her husband.
Not in the very least" he replied,
''if my experience goes for anything"
But Lady Charlotte turned her back
upon them and said to me:
"Now, tell me first about Bill's en-
counter with that funny little Scotch
man"
Then l told her the story of Bills
biuff In my best style, initiating as
have some small skill in doing, the
manner and speech of the various act
ors in the scene. She was greatly
amused and interested.
"And Bill has really got his share
ready." she cried. at is very clever Of
him"
YES" replied, but Bill is only the
very humble instrument. The moving
spirit is behind
"Oh, yes, you mean the little girl that
owns the pony" she said. That's an
other thing you must tell me about"
"The Duke knows more than l." re
piled. shifting the burden to him. My
acquaintance is only of yesterday; bis
b lifelong"
"Why have you never told me Of
herr" she demanded, turning to the
Duke.
Haven't told you of the little Mere
dith girl? Surely I have" said the
Duke hesitatingly.
Now, you know quite well you have
not. and that means you are deeply in
terested. oh. I know you WELL" she
said severely.
He is the most secretive man." she
went on to mechanically and un-
gratefully reserved"
The Duke smiled; then said lazily:
''Why. she's Just a child. Why should
you be interested in her? No one was"
he added sadly, till misfortune dist1n-
guished her."
Her eyes grew soft. and her gay man
Ger changed, and she said to the Duks
gently, Tell me of her now"
It was evidently an effort, but he be-
gan his story of Gwen from the time
he saw her first years ago, playing in
and out of her fathers rambling
shack, shy and wild as young fox.
As he went on with his tale his voice
dropped into a low, musical tone, and
he seemed as n dreaming aloud. Un-
consciously he put into the tale much
Of himself. revealing bow great an In
duence the little child had had upon
him and how empty of love his life
had been in this lonely land. Lady
Charlotte listened with face intent up
On hirL and even her bluff husband
was conscious that something more
than usual vAs happening He had
never heard the Duke break through
hs proud reserve before.
But when the Duke told the story Of
Owens awful fall, which he did Win
great graphic power, little red spot
burned upon the Lady Charlotte's pals
cheek. and as the Duke finished his tale
with the words. at was her last ride" !"
shs covesed her face with her hands
and criet:
s0h, luke, II II horrible to think of
Dut whft splendid courager'
.suS. 81. Dak~Y' extsl ~