Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-16

OF telegram is rare event. People IN rural
England regard this curt manner OF communication
as reserved only for important items Mrs Nor
daunt was a little alarmed. Her mind quickly
viewed all her relatives ailments.
"What is it, Viz" she asked anxiously, while
Hupfeldt wondered if any unoccupied fend had
tempted David Harcourt to interfere at this critical
moment.
Violet opened the buff envelop and read the
message slowly. 1t marvellous thing that
she retained her sef-control, for the telegram
from Dibbn at Dundee
Have Just concluded sale, after three DAYS private
negotiation here Your moety five hundred pounds
Letter follows.
1t referred to a long deferred bequest from
cousin, and a simple matter enough. But
Dbbin realizing estate in the north of Scotland
and Dlbbin writing type written testimonials OF
Hupfeldt in London and the same day
Mahatma performance, case of psychic pro-
lection which did not enter into the ordinary scheme
of things.
Nevertheless, Violet, save for one flash of in
tensest surprise in those deep eyes of hers, main
tanned her self-contro She had been SO tried
already that her mind could withstand any shock.
1T is nothing, mother-rnerey reference to the
Auchlachan affair she said crushing the telegram
into little ball in her hand.
"Ah!' said Mrs. Mordaunt, greatly relieved Il
dreamed of Aunt Jane last night"
"We now said van Hupfeldt, after bound
two of his heart, what do you say? Mr.. Sharpe
will be here soon"
Violet.
The certificates, yes; not the diary, On calm
thought, have decided irrevocably that the diary
six months agreement. | have yielded every
other point; there | am rigid.
DO you assign any reason?"
Yes, my right your atfianced husband to pre-
serve you from the grief and morbidness of reading
a record of suffering. | would not have you a weep
ing bride. When we return from our wedding tour
| shall hand you the diary; no sooner"
The certificates, them said Violet composedly.
Van Hupfeldt took two papers from pocket
book. One recorded the marriage of Henry
Hupfeldt to Gwendoine Mordaunt at the Office of
the Bri0htOn registrar. The other the fl
cate of the birth of the child in the same town
year later.
1t was fine peNe of daring for the man to produce
these documents His name; his age, thirty
eight; his occupation, gentleman-were set forth
the long strip and the address was given as
No. 7, Eddystone Mansions, London, W. Even
Mrs. Mordaunt startled when she glanced
her daughters shoulder at the papers.
Suddenly Violet thought she saw ray of light.
'Was this man a brother, some near relative, of
No, no relation" Van Hupfe1dt was taken
aback and the negative flew out before he realized
that this might have been good card to play But
no; Violet would never have married him then.
What a mySteryl To think that he should
adopt your name, be of your apparent age, and yet
that you should come here to Rigsworth and make
acquaintance"
mo mystery at all You drag everything from
me like a skilled lawyer. Strauss did more than
borrow my name; he forged it. There was police
inquiry. | called into it. My curiosity
aroused. 1 learned something of your sisters
story, and took steps to meet you"
introduced by Lord Vanstone!" 1nurnured
Mrs. Mordaunt.
Yes, some one. I quickly forgot all else when
1 was granted the privilege of your friendship"
And he took Violets hand and kissed it, with
delicate grace that courtly in him.
Sharpe was announced. Mrs: Mordaunt sent
Jenny away in maids escort and Violet knew that
her hour of final yielding was
She still held the certificates. Am | to keep
these?" she asked while her mouth quivered
slightly She was thinking, thinking all the time
of David and Dibbin and of the queer collapse of