Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-30
CHAPTER XII.

she had not wished SuCn SWllt
CHAPTER XII.
Tho clock was striking 10. and Jim was
waiting for Henry in the prayer closet. He
had arranged all the details of his depart
ure. 1t was as though he carried dead
soul, so calm and void had been his feel
ings for the past hours. He had stayed
away from the dinner party on some pre-
text, and his man had already started for
London with his luggage to be left at his
club. When the servant returned the fol-
lowing morning. as he supposed to accom-
pany his master back to town, he would
find him gone. BY the time the discovery
Of the deficit was made Jim would be
aboard the steamer that was to carry him
across the Atlantic.
Sounds from the drawing room told him
that dinner was over. He sat twirling his
travelling hat; on a chair near by lay his
coat. The chimes of the last notes of the
church bell were dying away as Henry hur-
riedly entered Jim looked up and STUDIED
his cousins face, and he saw by his man
ner that some word Of hope must have
reached him from Lady Elizabeth. Save
for a half suppressed exclamation from
Henry as he noticed Jim's travelling clothes.
neither of the men spoke. Henry flung him
self into a chair; he could feel JIM eyes
on his face.
On 1t, why don't you speak," he final
ly gasped, when he could no longer endure
the situation.
Jim quietly asked Have you made your
peace with Diana?'
What would be the use now?" He knew
that his mother had told Jim the truth
Why did Jim not refer to It? Perhaps
there was. as his mother suggested. way
out of this; IL so, why in heavens name
should the torture be continued. But Jim
remained silent You think OF nothing but
Diana-Diana-Diana." With the last call
a. l.. IIonr ho n
learned during the past hours what suffer-
ing could mean-he was beginning to know
what life tempered with discipline might
have meant for him. when l stand dis
for you to take her from me. Is that what
you are thinking?" He began excitedly to
pace the room.
mot exactly" Jim answered. without
moving from his bent position: Il was
wondering whether you can be trusted with
Diana's future. I believe you love her after
6. fashion,"
Henry stopped in his walk in front Of
Jim. "And / know that you love her.
Jim moved from the position that told
how spent he was, and raised himself to his
cousins height. Yes he said, but not
quite in the way you mean am about TO
show you how / love her"
Something in the simple directness of his
words made Henry lower his eyes. He
threw himself into chair, and with
averted head listened to what his cousin
Its too late for Diana to find out what
a blackguard you are. Henry" Henry
only dropped his head lower on his hands.
II wonder if you will enter into an honest
conspiracy to keep her In happy ignorance
to the end" Jim continued.
what are you driving att" Henry asked.
He almost knew the words that were to
follow. but he hardly dared believe that
what he surmsed could be true
II am thinking that under certain condi-
lions l will disappear-leave England; as
secretary of the fund my action would be
practically confession Of guilt"
Jim could hardy hear the strained ques-
ton that followed
your conditions?"
THAT you give up gambling OF every
kind that you drop your mistress. shut up
her establishment, and give up your other
liaisons for good and ALL that you make
q will leaving everything you have. except
what is entailed. to Diana. and that you
give me a written and signed confession
that you embezzled this money: that for
the above considerations l consented to as
sumo the appearance and responsibility or
the guilt. and that il you do not keep the
agreement you have made with me. 1 am
at liberty to appear at any time and make
known the truth"
Henry rose and stood looking silently at
Jim. Vaguely he began to grasp the ire
mendous power of Jim's loyal love. He
could find no word-the clock chimed the
quarter-hOur.S
'Well?" Jim asked.
IT'S for her. Jim-for her-I understand
that. and III try and have the future make
I'D for the past. so that you'll never regret
this" His voice broke-he leaned toward
Jim and tried to grope for the hands that
he could not see-"I was dog to say what
1 did. but. by God! I'll keep my part of the
agreement"
Jim nodded-he was beyond emotion.
Good: It's a bargain. Go to your room.
make out a paper such as L have indicated,
sign 1t and bring It to me here. Be quick.
y,o Cd ad I'll at once
This time it was Jim who dropped into
chair and averted his head to avoid seeing
Henry's outstretched. pleading hand. He
never raised his eyes until he heard the
door click then he went and unlocked
side entrance that led from the, prayer
closet to the other side of the garden. and
with his watch in his hand leaned against
the open door and waited. Henry must not
be. too long; he was to leave by the mid
night train, but before that he must make
his pilgrimage. Across the garden he could
calling him with the mysterious powers of
the night Yes, he would make his start
for the new life from the fairies corner
that led-whither?
assisted Sir Charles. followed by Bates.
Must you really go, father"
Yes. my dear. I must keep good hours.
you know. These two days have been a
great dissipation for me: but I've been well
repaid: can't tell you how much the de-
lightful episode of the loving cup pleased
me: So now. good night my love" They
had reached the entrance. mo. no." Sir
Charles protested as Diana started to walk
to the carriage with him, Bates will take
care Of me-" Then he gathered her close
In his frail arms as he kissed her. and
whispered. full of the pride he felt in the
honors done to the house of Kerhill. You
see. It was all for the best. my dear-all for
the best And Diana made answer.
Ever sincSshe had sent the note to Jim re-
vealing the truth of her tortured heart she
had seemed to gain a spiritual strength
that helped to calm the aching call of her
senses. She dared ask no question con-
corning Jim's absence, and her heart
Knocked her again with the truth that she
had not meant him to obey her so i'm
plicitly.
She saw Sir Charles drive away Dear
father" she whispered. ''he must never
know-never know-but it was all for the
worst, my dear. all for the worst" Tears |
began to stain her face: they were the first |
in many days. She tried to control the pas |
sion OF her grief, but 1t was impossible; |
quivering sobs shook her in a hysterical |
outburst- To escape from the possible eyes
rkn~ r.