The Yale expositor., 1907-07-05


of mind.
Whom does he wish to see this
timer" he demanded harshly.
He asks for his Excellency, the
English ambassador" replied the serv.
ant, looking at me askance. But II
he is engaged, or not well, he is anx-
ious to speak with madam
AT first | was surprised that the
man had not brought the card direct.
ly to myself. 1t was strange that he
should ignore me if he had been given
to understand that was Sir Mortimer.
But If he were in the confidence of
Madame de WARMER he would do pre-
cisely that
Frankly, the coming of Captain
Forbes at this time was a surprise
scarcely less disagreeable for me than
for them. Tomorrow, or the day
after, he would have been perhaps
only too welcome. But now the intru-
sion was premature. 1t interfered
with my own plans as well as theirs.
More than that, could have wished
myself in position to forewarn him,
IL
| were again in danger of being caught
! red-handed in a criminal deception.
More than ever would Captain Forbes
be convinced that | was one of the
conspirators If he discovered at this
moment that | was not Sir Mortimer.
The man and woman conversed to-
gether eXcitedly in a barbaric tongue
DR.. Starva, it was evident, was vehe-
mently advocating some plan; Madame
de WARMER opposing it, But the shock
to which she had been subjected pre-
vious to the coming of Captain Forbes
had left her unstrung, almost apa.
thetic. Hitherto the man had been
sulkily subservient to the woman; now
his animal strength fought for the
ascendency. He was brushing away
her agitated protests. 1t was he who
commanded the servant:
SHOW this Captain Forbes to the
armory. l shall see him myself"
Again he spoke fiercely to Madame
de WARMER. She listened to him in
silence, her eyes cast down. He
strobe to the door, stood there a mo-
ment hesitating, then left the room.
shutting the door behind him.
Madame de WARMER remained where
he had left her, trembling violently,
her hands covering her face. This
was my opportunity to appeal to the
woman, and not the adventures. 1
took her unresisting hand and led her
to one of the carved seats.
Madame de WARMER, il is a desper-
ate game you are playing" l said,
sternly yet gently. 81 don't know what
the stakes are, but you are not going
to win them"
A white hand chung to my coat
sleeve. why do you say that?" she
cried, staring at me with affrighted
eyes.
l pointed silently to the card she
still held in her hand.
There is one factor to be reckoned
with"
She tossed her head in defiance.
OR. Starva has reckoned with him al
ready, my friend. Perhaps not in the
best way, but effectually at least. And
the other?"
We'll, there is myself"
She smiled ,on me wanly "If you
were an enemy that might be more Sc
rious, l admit. But | have reckoned
with you. You are to be my friend.
You are to help me-"
THAT remains to be seen. But the
third and most serious factor is treach-
cry" added quietly.
my God! Treacheryl"
do you trust DR.. Starva absolute
ly? Dare you tell me that the death
mask had as little meaning for him as
for you. until l showed you that sig
nificance?"
"But you understood its meaning as
well as he. Who are you that you
should have this knowledge"
Il know, perhaps, more than you
think, Madame de WARMER"
at is incredible" she cried passion
ately, that /. the Countess Sarahoff,
should be in the dark, while an Amer
Ican tourist"
The name had slipped out in her an
ger; she bit her lips.
"Oh, you need feel no CONSERVATION.
l might have called you by that name
several hours ago."
"Since you know so much" she said
in bitter disgust, perhaps you know
the service l expect to ask of you"
II might make a shrewd guess at
even that"
She sank back, her fingers inter-
locked supporting her head. She re-
NAMED some time in gloomy thought.
Suddenly door slammed. / heard
a faint shout; a tramping of feet. |
Then there was quiet again. glanced |
at my companion. She was listening |
her hands clutching the |
carved arms of the seat.
bah, / think | am a hysterical |
She shrugged her Shout |
ders in self-contempt Say that you |
know everything, monsieur, so much |
the better. Ii will save the trouble of |
explaining on the morrow. For ] shall |
go on with my plan. There is danger,
yes; but have expected danger. 1t is