The Monticellonian., 1906-08-02

wardly) To give sign.
 ProiEne did nothing" and did it with conspicuous luxury. Had not his parents died genteel paupers? Who gave him his sumptuoLs flat in De We're Gardens? It was his aunt, the wealthy Mrs Clavering. And evident ly this lady didn't mind about Lady Newdigato any more than Sir Ralph minded about Prolgne.
 But Mrs CaYerley did mini She had been London belle in her day. and had cherished the man whom she married.
 In her Curzon street drawing room We find her slipping tea and talking with the daughter cf dear dead friend
 Now. Amelia." she was saying. T know that can eonfide 10 yon that l detest the whole thing terribly. l want f to end. 1t must end.'
 T think there might be a way, Lady Nheatsheaf unused aloud.
 Then she told Proigne's aunt what the way was. Mrs Cayerley was noddlng somber- i ly when she finished. Not at all bad, my dear; not at all bad. You're the sort of woman who could bring them l together. Adela Strafford of course; yes, your step-slster. and just ready to appear in the world Only IS, too, and Flora Newdigate Is 30. if day. Is the resemblance so strlking?"
 'It's really wonderful. though Flora. you know, Is much more beautiful
 Lady Wheatsheaf rose 10 go.
 Bring her here to tea on Friday; don't fall" pleaded Mrs. Gayerley I'll have Cyril. l positively promise him. And you must positively prom ise me Adela."
 Adela Straiford met Proigne at many places besides his aunt's house In the near future. Lady Wheatsheaf had all the resources of gay. rich woman. She sometimes contrived that meetings which In reality had been artfnlly arranged should seem prod uets of mere coincidence and accident One day. at Belgravian afternoon crush, Lady Wheatsheaf drew Mrs. Gaverley aside.
 My treasured young sister has fall en in love-" sbe said.
 What With Cyril? So auiekly?s
 ''lt isn't so quickly. after all. It's been several weeks. you know
 She was serrier when she went home that afternoon. 10 her house in Port man square.
 You didn't so anywhere to-day. then. Adela?"
 The girl turned from window through which she had been gazing down at the tleet-driven cabs and vie torias Her eyes were wee begene. but her gaze looked brave. though harshly pained.
 Mrs Pomfret has been here. Ame- lia. Ne have had quite long talk.
 "Merciless little scandal monger.. thought Lady Wheatsheaf.
 ''Sh1 has told me everything" Adela ,nt on.
 What what?"
 That Mrs. Caverley and you are eonspiring 10 steal from Lady Newdi- gate her adorer. her vassal. That you have been using my so-ealled ,resem- hlance to her as a lure That Lady Newtigate laughs at the whole affair, and has made it plain that she need only lift finger 10 have him repent antly back at her side"
 Here Adela's wrath blazed out. "l.s all true!' she cried "I don't blame you. or Mrs Caverley either. You both had your motives You. Amelia. have always wanted me to marry what you call well, Besides. l--I love you too much to blame you for anything The girl paused. and drew In a long breath. But Caril Proigne. shouI1 like 10 meet him once more, and shall"
 "Adelal Why-why?"
 ''Te tell him how infinitely despise him for having dared to use me IS his makeshift. h'2 cats pawi" She gave laugh of piercing bitterness As if the finger of his idol couldn't have been lifted without employing a poor young country girl like myself as the lever force," She echoed her own laugh again, and caught up a mantle and hat which had evidently lain in readiness near by.
 "Adela.s panted her sister. where on earth are you goings Surely not to himi.
 Ne, shot the dogged reply. as if l wonld' I'm going to her"
 "one moment. Adela.9 threw out Lady Wheatsheaf
 But the girl darted away.
 To Grosvenor square from Portman was outy a short drive.
 Il think. Miss Stra lord" said the butler, who had 8 long-tried memory and recegn .ed Adela as having called one day with her sister. the ultra smart marchioness of Wheatsheaf that Lady Newdigate is jus, at pres ent in the library
 Lady Newdigate. dream of loveli- ness in clnsins violet silks. rose as she entered
 "Ah, you're alenec- said Adela. slaneiag here and there and finding l that only eoisns of shadow and hatch es of brightness eneircled that one en- chanting figure in the halt-gloomea l chamber
 Lady New6igats Sef whom it had been declared that an active volcano could not non-plus herl merely an- swered' Wont you have a cup o, teas"
 No. thanks don't care to sit down. either. simply came to tell you, Lady Newdigate, that as far as