Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-16
VENEER. she asked. II am curious to see

him.
But Lord Deerehurst had no intention of
allowing another mans name to interfere
Mrs. Milbanke." he said, earnestly. may
ask YOU another questions serious one?"
NOT tin you've answered mine
me. The other Is not"
He bent over her chair and. seemingly by
accident. his hand brushed her sleeve.
Mrs. Mifbanke-'
But even as his thin voice articulated her
name shadow fell across the lighted win
dow behind Them and Serracauld, charac-
teristically easy and nonchalant In his
movements, stepped on to the balcony.
Clodagh turned with short, faint laugh.
The beating of her heart was uneven, and
her face felt hot.
"Mr Serracauld," she said, impulsively.
when is Sir Walter Gore coming to Venice?
I have been asking Lord Deerehurst, but
he cannot-or will not-tell me-"
Deerehurst. who at his nephew's approach
had drawn quietly back into his seat looked
up with perfect composure.
Eyes, Valentine" he said smoothly, Il
believe Gore has been making an impression
by proxy
Serracauld laughed.
"Really!' he said. How interesting! I
shall look forward to the meeting in the
flesh
Again he laughed. as at something in
tensely amusing. And as Clodagh turned to-
ward him doubtfully. she saw him shoot
one swift, satirical glance at his uncle.
"Why?" she asked. quickly. why should
our meeting be Interestingly"
once more vague sense OF antagonism
assailed her-a vague distrust OF this new
atmosphere
Serracauid answered her at once in his
light, ingratiating tone.
For no reason, Mrs. Milbanke, that you
can possibly cavil att
But for what reason?" Her glance rested
inquiringly on his face Do tell me.
hate things that I cannot understand.
Deerehurst smiled little cynically.
"A very youthful sentiment" he MUIR
INJURED. THE older one grows, the more
one seeks the incomprehensible."
His eyes rested upon her with fixed re-
gard.
For a space she sat very still, attempting
no rejoinder. Then, as If suddenly moved to
decisive action. she rose and turned toward
the lighted salon.
IT'S very late" she said, quickly. Il
must think about getting home
Serracauld stepped aside, and Deerehurst,
who had risen with her, moved forward.
But with swift gesture that ignored
them both. she crossed the balcony and step
ped through the open window.
After she had left them the two men stood
for a moment looking at each other; then,
with an deliberately careless gesture, Lord
Deerehurst raised his eyeglass and peered
out across the dark canal
Rather a pleasant little gathering to-
night" he said casually. Rose Bathurst
looks particularly we'll Don't you think
so?"
Serracauld's lips parted, then pursed them
selves together, while he cast one compre-
hensive glance at his uncles stiff back.
'.Oh, yes. Yes. Quite" he rejoined,
vaguely, then very swiftly he turned and
hurried across the salon after Clodagh.
She was bidding her hostess goodnight as
he reached her side, and his attentive glance
noted her heightened color and her ner-
-vously alert manner.
Tomorrow night. then" Lady Frances
was saying, and he saw -Clodagh nod and
smile.
Tomorrow night she repeated. mr..
Barnard, are you ready?' - -
AS she looked round for her cavalier Ser
racauld stepped softly to her side.
Mrs. Milbanke,' he said, you will not
discard my uncle's gondola? He is waiting
to know if we may convey you home.
She looked up at him with faint sugges-
ton of GOODNESS and distrust. Then across
the silence of her indecision, the low, thrill
ing notes of the Venetian night music broke
forth again, as the musicians gondola
passed the Palazzo Ugochini on it's way
homeward. Astonishingly near in its poig-
nant sweetness, 1t seemed to literally sweep
across the salon through the open windows.
At the sound, her face involuntarily soft
ened, her lips parted and she smiled.
Very WE'LL she acquiesced, below her
breath Tell Lord Deerehurst that he may
take me home"
(To be continued tomorrow.)