The Washington herald., 1907-10-20
CHAPTER XI-COntinued.

There was no time TO say more, but II
was enough. With a glance and a nod
James Ince left the footman, and crossing
the wide hall, rejolned the lively group
near the door.
St Quintin tried to get more than the
conventional 'good-by'' from Miss Dens-
ley, but he was foiled by Nine. Leblanc,
who stood with her niece until the guests
had Left the house and got into the motor
car.
St Qulnun drove himself and Mr.. Al
verthorpe sat beside him.
Charming people" said the vicar. who
had enjoyed his evening immensely.
Have you known them long?" asked
st. Quintin.
'Iye known Mrs. Mortimer for many
years; before her husband died. in fact
The others, except of course, her old
pupil Miss DOrcas Lane-I mean Dens-
ley never met before to-day"
Indeed! Wonderful story that Of the
discovery OF the young lady by her
French relations" said St Quintin.
anxious TO hear how il struck a stranger.
Ah one meets so many wonderful
stories IN the course Of ones experience,
that 1 often think a volume of my own
personal "reminiscences would be more
wonderful reading than any romance"
Il dare say" returned St Quintin.
shortly.
He was not sorry that his occupation
as driver allowed him to give short an
swers. for indeed, he was much per
picked and disturbed and not in con-
dition 10 hold q conversation with any
one bat James Ince, who was sitting
with the chauffeur in the back seat of
the car.
The vicar however, was communion
tive after his evenings enjoyment. and
he Went on TO relate that it was through
the fact that the Lebldncs were deeply
interested i'm East End mission work that
DE had been introduced 10 them by his
old friend. Ms. Mortimer.
This was new and rather surpris-
Ing view of the French relations Of Miss
Densley, bat St. Quintin heard it with
interest and decided to make further in
quiries ON the point at later time.
II was not until he had taken his new
acquaintance to his home that he was
able to Unburden himself TO James Ince
who took the vacant seat beside his
friend before they restarted
We'll, what do you think of the Le-
blancs"' he then asked as carelessly as
he could.
Charming people" replied Ince, at
once.
St Quintin looked around at him quick
ly and fr0wned.
Why do you say that, like a parrot?"
he asked. with a snap.
James Ince glanced at his friend from
under his cap.
What do YOU want me to saw" he
asked, drylY.
Il want you to tell me. the truth as to
what YOU think of them"
well, then. I think they have some
very nice friends
And about themselves"
James Ince was silent Then he asked
suddenly.
'Did.you ever meet a man named Bur
dock there?"
Good heavens exclaimed St. Quin-
tin. And then he added quickly. Don't
talk to me any more till We get back
10 my rooms there's "a good chap"
They drove along in silence, and it was
not until they were safely shut in St.
Quntins rooms that the young host
turned TO his friend and said.
Now, then, why did YOU ask me about
Rurdock? Did you know him?"
NO But I know a man who knew
him very well, and who was with him
Oh the evening Of the day he disappeared.
It seems Burdock was on his way to
Wimbledon, and that he was going to
keep an appointment which was an i'm
poruant one. connected with money. II
seems he expected to marry a rich wife
Well" said ST Quintin, turning his
back on the other, on pretense of light
ing a cigarette, but really to hide the
agitation caused by these words.
It's odd, isn't it, that they should
have known him down there: that he
should have called there, in fact, on the
very day he disappeared, and that-wen.
there IS a rich girl there. isn't there?"
Who told you he called at the
LODGE"
Il learned it from Miss Densley her
self. But she says she didn't see him on
that occasion"
And what them"
Then he-disappeared"
i mean. what has that to do with it?''
It's rather odd, isn't il, that he should
have said what he did-something about
expecting 10 marry a rich wife-that he
should then have called at Briar Lodge
where the rich Miss Densley is living?-
ITS coincidence, nothing more You
can't suppose Miss Densley has made
away with him.
NO, of course not And so you are
satisfied with the way her people are be-
having toward your
ST Quintin turned suddenly. betraying
The fact that his face was very White.
well, not altogether. ! love Marie her
self more every moment that I pass in
her society. She is frank. maidenly. gay.
charming. But 1 don't care for her reIa-
tions, and I'm rather surprised 10 find
that anybody else does
James InCe hesitated.
Don't You think" he said presently.
with some reluctance, that if YOU con-
denim the relations, you must condemn
the niece tO0?'
Indeed / don't. And what want to
10 is T. separate Miss DensIey from her
relations-to marry her and take her
away from them"
''Will she consent?"
II hope So"
You don't think she cares for them.
.henc
st. Quintin looked disturbed.
II N afraid she does
Then viii she leave them for you?" !