Los Angeles herald., 1906-04-29
Copyright by CMDillingham Co.

"Beryl may make advances to you"
II will receive them. But if he thinks l will
tell him where Bernard is to be found ne Is
mistaken
You don't know where he is, or if he is
alive" said Durham, astonished to find how
quickly she fathomed his thoughts.
True enough. But l will know before many
days are over my head. quite expect that Ber-
nard will communicate with Alice, and of course
she will tell me. AS Beryl will find that the
money is left to-"
~ did not say that" interrupted Durham,
quickly, as the brougham stopped at the office
door.
"To Bernard" went on Miss Berengaria, cool
ly, "he will try and learn if he is dead or alive.
If dead he wll-no, l can't say what he will
do rs l don't know if the money, failing Ber-
nard, is left to him. But if he thinks Bernard is
alive he will hunt him down so as to get the
money"
Durham stepped out of the brougham rather
afraid of the old dame. She was so clever that
she seemed TO read his most secret thoughts. He
was glad the drive was at an end, and held out
his hand to say goodbye. To his surprise and
vexation Miss Berengaria stepped out at his
hee,s.
"I'm coming in to talk" she sad and march
ed up the steps. l go down tonight to Hurse-
ton, and I want to arrange what is to be done.
and so are you. If we don't combine it's all up
with the poor fool" Durham followed the ener-
getic lady with a feeling of heplessness, not
knowing very well how to get rid of her. Con-
niston was coming to see him, and meeting be-
tween him and his aunt might be productive of
trouble Durham regretted that he had ac-
cepted the lady's offer to be driven to his Of
flee. But it was too late by this time, for Miss
Berengaria was in the room. And in the room
also sat Lord Commission, now out OF uniform,
and looking much excited.
"Ha!" said Miss Plantagenet, not recogniz-
ing the young man, "and who is this?" She
turned to Durham, who shot past her, making
sign of silence to his friend.
"a client of mine. Will you leave us for a
moment Conniston"
The name slipped out before he was aware,
and he could have stamped with vexation to see
how quickly Miss Berengaria grasped the situa-
ton. Will, grim smile she looked at The as
tonished young man. $50 you are Dick" she
said looking at him through double eyeglass.
81 haven't seen you since you made yourself
sick in my garden. Bernard told Alice by let
ter that he met you. Where are you staying?"
'1 don't understand" stammered Conniston,
while Durham, giving up Miss Plantagenet as
impossible, sat shutting his papers.
"You ought not to be dense. Don't you re.
member me boxing your ears?"
Commission burst out laughing. "Oh! by Jove
It's Cousin Berengaria."
"Aunt Berengaria," reproved Miss Plantags-
net, giving him her hand. "Dick-I shall call
you Dick" she interpolated--"you Bernards
friend, as his letter to Alice was all about you.
Are you going to desert him."
'No,' said Conniston, taking her entirely into
lis confidence II have chucked the service to
see him through his trouble"
"You don't know that he is alive, Commission, a
said the lawyer.
"Ah. but do.' replied Dick 'Heres letter
from Bernard. He is safe and sound hiding at
Cove Castle"