New-York tribune., 1906-11-11
THE GREAT SECRET
Continued from page 8

Reinberg with a cordiality which somewhat
surprised me.
Il met your cousin Sir Gilbert in London,
think, Mr. Courage" Mrs. Van Reinberg re-
marked lie was kind enough to give us tea
on the terrace at the House of Commons.
| bowed "Gilbert is rather fond of enter
tanning his friends there, | remarked 1t
is the one form of frivolity which seems to
appeal to him.
He was very kind" she continued. He
introduced a number of interesting people to
us. The Duke of Westlingham is relation of
yours: is he not?"
My second cousin" l remarked.
Is this your first visit to American" she
asked
Il was once in Canada" answered 81
have never been in the States
She smiled at me a little curiously All the
time felt somehow that she was taking care
full note of my answers.
We say in my country, You know" she
remarked, that you Englishmen come TO us
for one of two things only-Sport or a wife
81 hope to get some of the former, at any
rate" | answered. "As for the latter
"Wen?"
al have always thought of myself as a
bachelor" | said; but ones good fortune
comes sometimes when he least expects it."
| looked across at Adele, and Mrs. Van
Reinberg followed the direction of my eyes. She
laughed shrilly, but did not seem displeased-
" If You Engishmen only made as good huS-
DdflUS as You 90 acquaintance, SIe Sdlu, L
should settle down in London with my girls
and study match making. am afraid, though,
that You have Your drawbacks
Mrs. Renberg turned away with a laugh,
and settled herself down into the little nest of
rugs which her maid had prepared. You
young people can walk about, if you like" she
said; q" | am going to be comfortable. My
electric lamp, Annette. | shall read for halt
an hour"
She dismissed us all Adele and l moved
away as though by common consent De
Valentin followed with the two other girls,
though | had noticed that his first impulse
had been to take possession of Adele. She
avoided the others skilfully, however and we
strolled off to the farther end of the ship.
Your stepmother," | remarked, ." seems to
be very amiable person
She can be anything she likes" Adele
answered" upon occasions.
We turned on to the weather side of the
ship, which was almost deserted. Adele
glanced behind De Valentin and the two
girls were still within a few feet of us
"Do You mind walking on the lower deCk2"
she asked. Il want to talk to You, and am
sure that we shall be disturbed here"
With pleasure" l answered quickly. H.
too, have something to say to YOU.
We descended in silence to the promenade
deck. Here had the place to ourselves
Adele did not beat about the bush. Mr.
Courage" she said, tell me what You thought
when YOU saw me on this steamer.
She looked me full in the face Her beau
tiful eyes We're full of anxiety. There was
about her manner a nervousness which | had
never before noticed. Her cheeks were paler
and with these indications of emotion some
thing of the mystery which had seemed to me
always TO cling to her personality had de-
parted. She was more natural, more lovable
Il thought" l answered that 1t was part
of the game-that You were here to watch
me. Isn't that the natural conclusion?"
Mr.. Courage, she SAID. look at me!
Il came because | have decided to go back
to my home in America. and live there quietly
for time. Whatever share had IN the events
which led TO Leslie Guests death. these things
| do not interest me any more. | have finished
| Il cannot tell You anything about those
events. or my connection with them" She
went on; but | want YOU TO believe that
have no longer any association with those who