The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1906-01-13
CHAPTER xvI1I.-tcontinuedy
OR A BITTER RECkONII
By CHARLOTTE M. BRAEME


Jacks feelings at that moment were
not enviable. He had always looked
upon Lord Summers commission as di-
rect proof Of his own ability. 1t was
a decided damper to his good opinion OF
himself to discover that it 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 it is at an end"
"Indeedr'
Yes; and l think you should know
that Miss MalIett took the initiative in
breaking it off,"
Il am surprised! l thought she was
very fond of you. But there is no &C
counting for women's actions"
And then Lord Summers turned to his
other neighbor and threw himself into
discussion upon the drainage Of land,
thus tacitly dismissing the other subject
but Jack was conscious that he was not
held blameless in the matter-nor in
ueed 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-
italy, and the subject of the mysterious
advertisement was introduced.
Have you any notion what they could
meanT he asked.
Not the smallest" she answered. ''1t
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 af-
fected the whole family, and that, if he
had been found, we should have been
mixed up in it,
Possibly, but not necessarily. If /
had known where Godfrey was [ should
certainly have Insisted upon his sitting
the matter. Indeed, at one time /
thought of investigating it myself; but
your uncle was always so touchy about
any ones interfering in his affairs that
thought it better to let it alone
For moment there was a fixed look
eff fear on Pauline's face: but Lord Sum
subject to notice it.
"Good-looking fellow, Dornton," he re-
marked, carelessly. with glance to
where Jack was carrying on the usual
war of words with Bertha Collins.
Very Pauline answered, shortly.
Made quite a 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 feryently 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 Malling's boudoir
burned on steadily, for Jack and his
tiancee We're having their last confiden.
tial 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 1 shall most likely start before
you are down." Jack said.
"Yes-but not just yet! Don't be in
hurry to leave me. Jack" Pauline an
swered, with touch Of pleading in hel
voice. She knelt on the thick white rug
at his feet, and added. 81 would get uI
to give you parting salute if | were
not afraid that Lord Summers would
hear of it,
MY dear, there is no need" Jack
said, calmly. "At the same time, DOM
understand your dread of Summers
Surely you may do as you choose in SC
small a matter?'
Il don't think l understand it myself
Jack: yet [ feel it. My life is full OF
dread just now"