The San Francisco call., 1907-03-10
CHAPTER XXI
LADY AueeIa Apuroves


sT was the only breath OF fresh air
/ which I had allowed myself all the
morning, though the eazzling sun
light and the soft west wind had
tempted me all the time. And now. as
i'll luck would have it, 1 had walked
straight into the presence of the one
person in the world whom l wished
most earnestly to avoid. She was
standing on the edge OF the cliff, her
hands behind her, Gazing seaward. and
though I stopped short at the sight OF
her. and for moment entertained wild
thoughts of flight, il was not possible
for me to carry them out. A dry twig
snapped beneath my feet, and. turning
quickly round. she had seen me.
She came forward at once, and for
some reason or other I knew that she
was glad. She smiled upon me almost
gayly.
$50 this sunshine has even tempted
you out, Sir Hermit" she exclaimed.
rs it not good to feel the spring COM
ing?'
She looked at me curiously.
How pale you are!" she said. You
are working too hard, Mr.. Ducaine.'
II came down from London by the
mail last night said. u saw Colonel
Ray-had dinner with him, in fact
She nodded, but asked me no ques-
tions.
Il think she said abruptly, chat
they are all coming down here in a few
days. 1 heard from my father this
morning"
/ sighed.
Il have been very unfortunate. Lady
Angela I said. Your father is dis
pleased with me. I think that but for
Colonel Ray 1 should have been dis
missed Yesterday"
sIs ii about--the Prince OF Malors?"
she asked in a low tone.
= Partly. I was forced to tell what /
knew
She hesitated for moment, then she
turned impulsiveiy toward me.
You were right to tell them. Mr..
Ducaine,", she said. "I have hated my
self ever since the other night when
seemed TO side against you. There are
things going on about US which I can
not fathom, and sometimes have fears,
terrible fears. But your course at least
is a clear one. Don't let yourself be
turned aside by any one. My father
has prejudices which might lead him
into grievous errors. Trust Colonel
Ray-no one else. Yours is a danger
Gus position, but it is a splendid one. 1t
means career and independence. II
there should come a time even"
She broke off abruptly in her speech.
L could see that she was agitated, and
/ thought that I knew the cause.
Lady Angela / said slowly. would
il not be possible for you and Colonel
Ray to persuade Lord Blenavon to go
abroad?"
she would have fallen. and her eyes
looked at me full of fear.
You think-tfat it would be bet
ter?"
II do
'It would break my fathers heart"
she murmured, ''if ever he could be
brought to believe It."
The more reason why Lord Blen-
avon should co., l said. '.He is set
between dangerous influences here.
Lady Angela, can you tell me where
your brother was last night"
How should I?" she answered slowly.
"1e tells me nothing"
.'Iie was not at home?'
-'He dined at home I think that
he went out afterward
] nodded.
And If he returned at ALL" I said,
I think you will ind that it was after
o'clock
She came a little nearer TO me, all
there was no danger of being over
heard.
What do you know about it?"
Am I not right?' ] asked.
He did not return at ALL" she
answered. "He is not home yet"
l had believed from the first that
Blenavon was one of my two assailants.
Now ] was sure of it.
when he does come back" I re-
marked grimly. you mhy find him
more or less damaged
'Mr. Ducaine.7 she said, you must