Los Angeles herald., 1906-09-09

He drew out a thick roll Of notes and counted
them.
Fifty" he said mechanically, "of hundred
pounds each"
She took them from him and turned them
over one by one.
"How long have we got| she asked abruptly,
Perhaps a week." he replied. Perhaps two
or three days., perhaps bare twentyfour
hours"
"They must be turned into gold" she said
"or notes of smaller value"
She handed the packet back to him. He re-
placed them in his pocket and, lighting another
cigarette, looked away from her to the fire.
"How much have you-have you lent me up
to now?" she asked.
"Six thousand three hundred and ffty-f
pounds" he replied still watching the glowing
Goals
'You are exact she said sarcastcally. "You
evidently have the figures at your finger ends"
IT am likely to remember the figures" he
swered; every penny has to be accounted for
in some way or other"
"Have you included the interest"
"You have paid me the interest up to date"
he answered.
She flushed and rose to her feet imperiously
"Do you think my love is to be bought ?" she
cried II tell you a millionaire has tried to buy
it before now, but he has not had enough money
to do So 1t certainly could not be bought by
you Jack Porteous."
NO, no. lie answered hastily, TlhlnR anu
crossing to her side "I did not mean that, Ma
rie. l know that you love me. l know that
at any rate, or l would not--oh, my God, you
do not realize yet what it means"
She laid her hand upon his arm and looked up
into his face
'1 realize what it MEANS" she said slowly
"and am going to repay you. You must leave
England the day after tomorrow"
"The day after tomorrow"
eyes, you must make Illness
death in the family, anything; but you must
leave the day after tomorrow. I have taken you
berth on he Oroquoya for Buenos Ayres
Your name is Mr.. Hubert Barring"
"But you?"
"T will follow by the next boat fortnight
later. I will join you at the Hotel Andalusia
in Buenos Ayres. Wait for me there. Give me
five hundred pounds. have few things to
settle up before l leave England. Your ticket
has taken all my spare cash..
He counted out the notes and handed them
to her.
She came toward him, and, placing her
around his neck looked peadingly into hin
face. He caught her face between his two strong
hands, and gazed earnestly into it as though try
ing to read the truth from her eyes. Then he
kissed her passionately.
"I will come, dearest" he said.
She went over to an escrtoire, and taking out
an envelope, handed it to him. 1t was his tick
ct to Buenos Ayres. He put it in his pocket.
He was like child in her hands. His career,
his honor, his self-respect, were all at her feet,
and she had trampled them in the mud. Yet,
while she was in his arms, he thought all the
world well lost for love.
"You will 90 the day after tomorrow" she
whispered. 20 heavens, if it should be too late
at any rate, you can conceal yourself till the
ship starts. You will, of course, disguise your
self"
eyes" he replied, 'I shall disguise myself
Il, al .b Of haard md he -
"And your wife," she said in low, hard
voice
He turned away from her and his face whit
ened.
"My wife," he repeated slowly, my wife!
Oh she will be glad And he laughed. "Her
life has been hell She has money of her own.
She will not starve, but"
She threw her arms around his neck and
kissed him. She knew what was in his mind.
A child branded with its fathers shame. She
did not wish to hear Of it. She tried to stife
the words upon his lips. But he oosed himself
gently from her clasp and looked hesitatingy
at the door.
"He is too young to know she said "They
will keep it from him. Why do you think of
him? Do you think / am giving up nothing?
Have you a thought for me? You are selfish,
Jack, selfish. 1t is my position that should trou-
BILE you, not"
"I shall marry you" he said, and tender
| glow OF love CAME IIIO HIS ldCS' MY GdluIBj
| | am a brute You are all the world to me-
What else matters so long you are mine"
| And again he kissed her, and yet again.
A footstep and the rustling of silk were heard
in the passage outside. They sprang apart and
he seized his hat and gloves the door opened
Mrs Nixon entered. She looked at both of
them, but could read nothing from their faces
Jack Porteous had apparently risen to say
Goodbye"
She produced half dozen mouldy playbis
He took them from her with show of interest,
and ran his eve over the names.
Mrs. de la Mothe yawned and closed her eyes,
At last Jack Porteous took advantage of a
break in these "reminiscences, and said he feared
he would have to CO. He rose, and said Good
bye" to Mrs. Nixon.
Mrs. de la Mothe accompanied him to the hall
door She held out her hand, and he raised it
to his lips.
"Good- bye, dearest" he said. 'I shall go on
board the Oroquoya the day after tomorrow.
You will find me at the Hotel Andalusia in
Buenos Ayres"
II will not fail you, jack" she answered.
Goodbye. darling! Be careful for my sake"
"I will be CAREFUL" he said slowly "for your
sake"
Then he looked around the empty hall, and
kissed her once on the lips. Till we meet
again." he salo hoarsey-"till we meet againl"
Then he opened the door and passed out into
the darkness.