Troy weekly news. (Troy, Idaho) 1897-1933, 1906-03-02
CHAPTER xvIII.-tcontiuusd.,
By CHARLOTTE M. BRAEME

not enviable. He had always looked
upon Lord Summers commission as a di-
rect proof Of his own ability. 1t was
decided damper to his good opinion Of
himself to discover that il was due to
his patrons interest In Ethel Mallett.
las you do not seem to have been
very glad to hear Of the engagement.
perhaps you will be better pleased to
hear that 1t is at an end"
'Indeedp'
Yes; and / think you should know
that Miss Mailett took the initiative In
breaking 1t off,"
Il am surprised 1 thought she was
very fond of you. But there is no ac-
counting for women's actions"
And then Lord Summers turned to his
other neighbor and threw himself Unto
a discussion upon the drainage of land,
thus facility Diminishing the other subject;
but Jack was conscious that he was not
held blameless in the matter-nor in
iced did he feel so.
One point in the conversation had
reused his curiosity-Lord Summers re-
mark as to the name of "Mallett" be-
Ing assumed He would have liked to
pursue the subject. but as things were,
he had no right to feel curious
Later In the evening Mis- Mailing and
her guardians were chatting confden-
TALLY, and the subject of tho mysterious
advertisement was introduced
Have you any notion what they could
mean?" he asked.
mot the smallest" she answered. at
Is curious Sir Godfrey never saw them"
But he may have, without our know
Ing it."
True. But don't you think that the
motive, whatever It was, must have nf-
fected the whole family, and that II he
had been found, we should have been
mixed up In itT'
Possibly, but not necessarily. II
had known where Godfrey was | should
certainly have insisted upon his sitting
the matter. Indeed, at one time |
thought Of investigating 1t myself; but
your uncle was always so touchy about
any ones interfering in his affairs that
l thought IL better to let II alone"
For moment there was fixed look
OF fear on Pauline's face; but Lord Sum
mers was too much taken up with his
subject to notice it,
"Good-looking fellow, Dornton," he re-
marked, carelessy, with a glance 70
where Jack was carrying on the usual
war OF words with Bertha Collins.
Very" Pauline answered, shortly.
Made quite long stay with you.
Been here since the beginning of July,
has he not?"
Il forget exactly when he came"
In spite of this apparent Indifference
Lord Summers felt satisfied that things
were In an unsatisfactory state, and he
wished fervently that, In his anxiety to
benefit the future husband of his old
friends daughter, he had been prompted
TO do anything rather than send him
down to this particular neighborhood.
Sunday evening was rather Quiet
time at Mallingford. and the house was
wrapped in darkness earlier than usual.
But the lamps in Miss Mallng's boudoir
burned on steadily, for Jack and his
hancee were having their last confiden-
tiai chat before their marriage. The next
morning Jack was to leave for London
TO obtain the special license and see
after sundry small matters. and he would
not return until late on Tuesday after
noon.
Il suppose we must say good-by to-
night. as l shall most likely start before
you are down." Jack said.
Nes-but not Just yeti Don't be in
hurry to leave me, Jack" Pauline an
swered. with touch of pleading in her
voice. She knelt on the thick white rug
at his feet, and added, IL would get up
to sive you parting salute II | were
not afraid that Lord Summers would
hear Of H."
MY dear, there Is no need" Jack
said. calmly. AT the same time, I don't
understand your dread Of Summers.
Surely you may do as you choose in so
small a matterT'
Il don't think l understand II myself.
Jack; yet l feel It My life ls full of
dread just now"