Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-22

we are to say to Lady Greyboro the question
is, Kate" he argued in lower and gentler
tone the question IS
For several streets the Lord Chancellor s
carriage held secure from interruption the
question which he pleaded with fervent elo-
quence, As the carriage rolled into Court
ney-sq, they noticed that No. A. was unusually
illuminated for the hour and on drawing up
to the sidewalk that policeman was patrol
ing in front of the house When they ahghted
the policeman peremptorily ordered the coach
man to remain Bingham and Kate hurried up
the steps, to be met in the hall by a pompous
looking man, whom Kate nervously introduced
as Grimstone, the family lawyer.
Grimstone bowed coldly to Bingham and re-
ouested a few moments conversation with him
in the reception-room.
" | understand you are an American be
gan the family lawyer loftily.
e" | am certainly not going to deny it, re-
piled Bingham with emphasis.
Very well, sir, continued the lawyer
severely. Then | am going to take it upon
myself to teach you the lesson that an Amer
lean can no more defy the law here than a
British subject"
" | am not aware that have defed the law
here" replied Bingham, smiling.
4" You are not. SIR" retorted the lawyer
hotly. Then it will be my painful duty to
enhghten you in that respect. In removing
Miss Carter, ward in chancery, from the i'm
mediate protection of her guardian without
permission, you have been guilty of contempt
of court. | intend, therefore to order your
arrest pending such time as you can explain
your action to the Lord Chancellor"
oh, is that all? replied Bingham calmly.
Now, you take my advice, Mr.. Grimstone,
and don't detain the Lord Chancellor's car
rage any longer, or you may be the one to
stand IN the dock.
What do you mean, sir2" demanded the
lawyer angrily.
lust this Miss Carter has not been re-
moved from the protection of her guardian at
all; because as 1t happens we have been din
ing with the Lord Chancellor and Lady Hoth-
am. If you don't believe me, go and ask his
Coachman out there. Only YOU had better
hurry up, for although the Lord Chancellor is
pretty good-natured, | don't think he would
care for you to keep his carriage all night,
should say that would come very near high
treason
The lawyer strobe from the room; but pres
emily returned with an altered manner. " 1t
seems, Mr.. Bingham" he began apologetic
ally, that there has been a mistake.
81 guess there has" remarked Bingham,
nodding triumphantly to Kate.
"Of course, +" continued the lawyer, bowling
slightly and in a deferential tone, | was not
-ah-that-er-I had the honor OF
meeting a friend of-ahem-the Lord Chan
cellor 1t was undoubtedly quite proper for
you to take Miss Carter to call upon him and
Lady Hotham; but before you do so again 1t
would save Lady Greyboro much anxiety if
you would kindly inform her previously.
But before Bingham took Kate to call upon
her legal guardian again, he thought it incum-
bent upon him to see the Lord Chancellor and
explain matters personally. With persistence
he succeeded at last in making his way to the
private chamber of the Lord Chancellor in the
Houses of Parliament, where he found the
great man arrayed IN wig and scarlet robes,
refreshing himself with a cup of tea pre-
paratory to taking his seat in the House of
Lords.
So you have surrendered Voluntarily"
greeted the Lord Chancellor. extending his
hand. :" know all about it, and what IS more,
| have had a chat with my very good friend,
the American Ambassador, who knows all
about YOU He has assured me that you would
be incapable of running away with one of my
wards am not SO confident; SO if permit
YOU to call upon Miss Carter, have your word
that you will not ask her certain question
until she comes of age"
ITO be perfectly frank with you, Judge,
returned Bingham, 60 asked her a certain
question in your carriage"
Bless my souli' exclaimed the Lord Chan
cellor. b" In my carriage? l never heard of
| such a thing"
YES" added Bingham, Il thought it was
a pretty good opportunity, because, you see,
there couldn't be any question of contempt of
court there"
The Lord Chancellor rose, settled his wig,
adjusted his glasses, and surveyed the inn