Los Angeles herald., 1906-06-17

He spoke so sharply that all stared at him
The Countess smiled in his face Postpone it
my lord, | wish you to come"
mo"
TO please me"-wth a caressing glance.
The man turned pale "I cannot"
lhe Countess abruptly stood up, her dark eyoi
cleaning, and with quick movement drew heI
cloak about her. well, for the present, au re
voir, ma chere-no, do not trouble. At what
time shall call for you, or will you call for meY
| 4 shall call for you-shall we say at miner re
piled Miss Elliott
! An admirable hour. shall expect you"
She moved across the floor with indescriba
BILE half-hoating halfsurging gait, her evident
agitation filling the room with vague intangible
essence OF emotion When passing Cressingham
glove fell from her hand
Captain Lethby started forward, but Lord
Francis picked it up. "Your glove, Countess" he
| said, following her to the door.
She slightly turned her head, and muttered in
low, fierce whisper: "You dare to stayl'
smiled, and was gone Cressingham hesitated,
hat In hand, as if uncertain what to do.
Miss Elliott, whose quick ears had caught the
Countess strange words, watched him searching
ly, satirical smile just curling her lips. He
caught the look, and his pallor deepened. II
should like another cup of tea" he said.
Captain Lethby got to his feet. "And / must
be going. Au revor, Francne."
Goodbye, Jack be here not later than $50.
Certainly, Lord Fransis, one can that you
need it.; you are awfuly pale, have you head
ache? Do sit down."
Don't bother with the tea, Miss Elliott; it
was only an excuse" said Cressingham. He sat
down upon chair, holding his cane tightly clasp.
ed with both hands.
Miss Elliott toyed with ring on the third
finger of her left hand. A mans signet it was,
cut from single piece Of chrysoprase. Uncon-
sciously Cressingham's eyes followed her action,
and when he saw the ring he started visibly and
cried: "You wear that still, Fran-Miss El-
lott"
The girl, smiling composedly, drew the ring
from her finger and held it out to him. II have
worn it for the last fortnight my Lord hoping for
chance to return it to you The chance has
now arrived"
The man took the ring and weighed it carefully
upon his palm "I have no right to ask you to
keep it, he murmured.
Miss Elliott laughed merriy. "Realy Lord
Francis you grow quite amusing: do I seem to
want it?''
He looked up and caught the challenge in her
glance. mo" he replied.
"You spoke just now of an excuse" said Miss
Elliott.
Captain Lethby was here. 1 wanted to stay
to say something to you"
"Wel?"
"1t is about that woman"-he groaned out the
parent-"who was here just now, the Countess of
Hobenstein.''
"Ah!" the girls eyes flashed and she clasped
her hands across her knee. ''Be careful Lord
Francis. ] like that woman as you call her."
The man almost groaned. For heavens sake
don't allow yourself to like her!'' he cried "She
means you harm; yes, Francine, she means you
harm"
"Francine!" echoed Miss Elliott springing to
her feet; "you have no right to name me so, and
less to speak i'll of my friends. How dare you
say such thing to me of the Countess and be-
hind her back"
Cressingham arose too. "I dare, Miss Elliott
because T. ce"-(he gulped down breath)-
because / wish to be your friend, and surely It
is friends part to warn his friend when there
is danger. That woman has been my ruin: wan
tonly and deliberately she wrecked my career
and, not yet satisfied, she now pursues me with
professions of affection. Recently she has chosen
to regard you as a rival. / think that she is mad
at all events she is dangerous; believe that she
hates you, know that she will try to do YOU
HARM
Lord Francis, if what you say is true, why do
you, why do you persevere in acquaintance
which appears to you evil?"
He looked at her ravely, his eyes full Of mel.
ancholy. "I cannot answer you Miss Elliott"
The girl drew herself erect and SURVEYED him
with a chilling smile. II think I understand
Lord Francis, thank you for the warning. Per
haps it was kindly meant. Need I detain YOU
longer?"
"No.' Cressingham bowed low. Goodbye"
He stood gazing at her imploringly
Good bye" she replied without looking at
him, and with quick sigh he departed.
Then Miss Elliott went to her bedroom, locked
the door, threw herself upon her bed, and wept
for quite ten minutes.