Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-24
CHAPTER xxx-Continued.

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CHAPTER XXX-Continued.
The newcomer, seeing that the lift wa.
about to ascend, hurried toward It; and
Clodagh. idly interested by the sound o.
rustling silk, leaned forward In her seat
But the light in the vestibule was dim, and
she caught nothing beyond the outline o.
a large hat and the suggestion Of a pale
green dress. Then, suddenly, the stranger
spoke, and her heart gave q tremendou!
leap.
Waltz she called, in French. wait!
am coming!''
1t needed but the five words, spoken in 6
clear, dictatorial voice, to assure C1odagf
that the speaker was known to her; and
as the attendant paused in his task. and
turning promptly, opened the grilled door
her mind was prepared for the vision o.
Lady Frances Hope.
But II she was prepared for the encoun
ter, the newcomer was taken completely o!
surprise. Entering the lift. she giancet
casually at Its other occupant; then hel
whole face changed.
"It is 1t can't be! 1t is Mrs. Mil
banker Her glance passed rapidly ovel
Clodagh's deep mourning and her express
sion altered in accordance. MY dear Mrs
Milbanke," she said, softly, how thought
less of me not to realize at once! l heard
through Mr.. Barnard. How are you? How
are you?"
She pressed the hand Clodagh had offered
her, and looked sympathetically into hel
face. Then, as the lift, gliding upward
stopped at the first floor and Clodagh rose
her expression changed again.
Are you located on this floor? How de-
lightful! We are neighbors. I am number
five. What are your"
Seven" Clodagh said, gently. speaking
for the first time. There was something
very strange to her in this meeting-some'
thing not altogether unpleasant In the two
years since they had met-and In the ligh'
of her last evening in Venice-the image OF
Lady Frances Hope had become slightly dis
torted. And there was sense of surprise
of reinsurance, in finding her SO kindly, Sc
gracious, so unalarming.
"Seven!" Lady Frances repeated. DE
lightful! You must dine with me tonight.
have a private room and am quite alone
It will be an act Of charity. I am on my
way south. BY the way, where are yo,
bound for?"
Clodagh smiled.
II am going home"
ITO England"
England! My dear child, not England ir
February? Why, the atmosphere is a com
bination Of fog and sleet; and the peo
why. everybody who hasn't influenza Il
either expecting it or shaking 1t off,
Clodagh laughed a little.
II have never had influenza. 1t will bt
an experience. But I must look after my
maid Travelling Is new to her."
She glanced down the corridor to where
Simonetta was awaiting her beside noun
tain of luggage.
Lady Frances made haste to echo hel
"WelI, wellr' she said tits good to hav,
the enthusiasm Of youth. But you will din'
with me? Dinner In an hour"
oh oh
have ardently avoided meeting with Lady
Frances Hope. Now that 1t had been thrus
upon her 1t seemed to possess no danger
What was 1t Gore had said on that memoir
able night? II am not depreciating Lady
Frances Hopes social standing" VERY
swiftly she recalled the words and con
strued them in the light of her present
feelings. After all, she. was not the child
not Lady Frances. but the set that sur
rounded her. to which Gore took exception
Her companion. seeing the hesitation ir
her eyes, gave quick, bright smile.
do come! I will give you news Of
every one"
Clodagh colored slightly. .-.-
Very WELL" she said. I'm an hour
Thank you very much"
of interest and excitement, she turned ant
passed down the corridor to where Simon
eta stood.
Before opening her own door, Lady
watching the retreating figure; then, ap
parently without reason, she frowned, drew
her lips together, and, pushing her dool
hastily open, passed out Of sight.
Still imbued with the sense Of content
ment, Clodagh changed her heavy blacl
travelling dress for one of lighter texture
allowed Simonetta to rearrange her hair
and, at the appointed hour, presented her
self at Lady Frances Hopes door.
Lady Frances had also discarded hel
elaborate costume for something lighter
and more comfortable, and was already
ensconced on a low divan, reading French
novel, when her guest was announced. I'm
mediately Clodagh's name reached her sh,
threw the book aside and rose with grea
cordially.
How sweet you look!' she exclaimed
you are the first dark woman I've evel
liked in black. But then, Of course. yo,
are not exactly dark Sit down. Dinner
will be served in a moment. How did yol
know of this place? Have you stayed her,
before?"
Clodagh had come forward and seated
herself beside her hostess. Now, as sh,
looked about her, she noticed with a feel
ing of restfulness that the room was pretty
and homelike, and that there were flower!
on the tables and soft, yellow shades on tn,
electric lamps.
mo; have never been here before. Mr.
Barnard gave the address to my-my hus
band when we were in Venice, and came
across it among his papers after-after-'
She hesitated.
Lady Frances leaned forward sympathet
ically.
Poor child" she murmured. Don't tall
Of It! You have had a most trying time
Barny told me all about 1t only a weel
ago. But this place is really quite good,
she added. in cheerful voice, better nov
than ever. They have just secured tn,
chef from the Abbati restaurant in Venice
But. Of course, you knew Abbatis."
Her quick glance passed over Clodagh'i
face. Then she rose and moved to tn,
table, as two walters entered, and dinne
was announced.
Clodagh colored, and crossed the room /,
her hostess wake.
Yes" she said, taking her seat at tn,
table-"yes; once dined there. 1t was
wonderfully fascinating place. Has it beef
failureT
Lady Frances shrugged her shoulders.
Vanished. But tell me about yourself!
She turned to her guest with change o
manner. You are not seriously cUntem
plating England al this time Of year?-'
Clodagh smiled calmly.
l. "Quite seriously"
But. my dear child why: If one ma.
be inquisitive."
Because I wei: to know England II
know the English
Lady Frances eyes nirrowei yer!
slightly; then she gave one of her biish
la lehs.
"Then come back with me 20 the Riviera
Any English people worth studying will b
found there Change your plans! Com
back with mel"
Clodagh 10 ,Ked up. She was uncertai.
xvbof he c,.uy boA 10