The Washington herald., 1906-12-06

suspected that such childish creature
was born criminal. But his mind had
not yet had time to work on his face, and
the mask Of his childhood-for ne was
only thlrteen-concealed his evil nature
successfully. In a few years. when his
passions worked their way through the
mask. his face, now so smooth and innO-
cent, would be wrinkled and sinful. His
mind would have marked plainly its signet
on the smooth surface. But at present ne
looked charmingiy innocent. although he
already knew much more about life than
was good for him. Julius. in order that
the lad might make an impression on
Miss Plantagenet. had dressed him in a
new suit, and pleased with himself-fOr
much Of the boy remained in this precO-
cious criminal-young Jerry trOtted along
smilingly
Jerry" said Beryl, looking down,
mind you are nice to the old lady"
Jerry tossed his fair curls and looked
roguish. "Oh. that's all right, Mr.. Beryl
All old ladies take 20 me. They think
I'm kind OF Holy Bill. and I let them
think so. 1t pays"
Jerry, you are a young scamp OF the
worst"
The boy chuckled as though he had re-
a.
things" he explained frankly; its fun.
When I was with old grandmother at the
castle ] hated doing nothing. If Il hadn't
been for Victoria-the girl 1 told you
abOut-I should have left long before.
I'm going to marry her"
you know nothing about such things"
corrected the respectable Mr.. Beryl. Sc
verely
Il know a jolly sight more than you
think" said the urchin under his breath
and producing a cigarette.
julius took II from him. Miss Planta-
genet must not think you smoke. Jerry.
She is most respectable"
And dul,' said Jerry. putting his
hands IN his pockets Lord what a
bore stopping with her will be. But I can
nip over and see Victoria when ] like"
And keep an eye on Lord Commission.
as I told you"
I'm fly" said Master Moon. and be-
gan Whistling
julius looked at him with satisfaction
He intended that the boy should remain
n the neighborhood. so as to keep watch
on Conniston-whOm since he left the
army so Unexpectedly he suspected-on
Durham. and on Alice Malleson. For this
last reason he was introducing him into
the house. II Bernard were aIive-as Ju-
hus began 10 suspect-he would come TO
one Of these three people, and then Jerry
would at once become aware Of the fact
Then il would remain with Bernard
whether 10 be hanged or to surrender a
large portion Of the property which Beryl
thought rightfully belonged 10 him. How
he came 10 this conclusion IL is difficult
10 say.
Miss Berengaria was as usual In the
garden looking after the well-being Cf
some white chrysanthemums She raised
her head when she saw her visitors. and
a look Of annoyance crossed her face
when she saw Mr.. Beryl. NOtwithstand-
ing Durhams advice, she found Il diff
cult TO keep her natural dislike Of the
young man IN allegiance. and but for the
sake Of Alice she would have refused 20
let him enter the Bower. AS Il was. and
with great diplomacy-so great that &
deceived even the astute Beryl-she ask
ed him 10 come into the house Luckily
Alice was out Of the way, having
gone 20 pay a visit. But she was
expected back momeutarily. and Miss
Berengaria wished 10 get rid OF Julius be-
fore the girl returned She might be able
to conceal her real feelings. but Alice be-
ing so young and impulslve might show
her dislike too plainly and put Beryl on
MS guard.
who is this you have hereg" asked /
Miss Plantageuet. putting on her specta- /
cles and surveying Jerry with admiration /
What a pretty lad"
He is "a lad ] wish you 10 help" said Z
Beryl. blandly. Last time We met Miss
Plantagenet. YOU mentioned that YOU
wanted a page"
Not exactly page said the old