Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-22
CHAPTER xL.

Therefore there was nothing to be DONE
Perhaps after the lapse of years Mark
might be told the strange sequel to the
story. Sir Charles might be visited from
time to time in the place where he would
choose to hide himself 1t would be by
no means an enviable fate for q man who
had lived and enjoyed the world as Sir
Charles had done. but he must lie on the
bed that he had made.
1T shall be exactly as you say" Beatrice
said. Zone moment and 1 will be with you
again. I have some friends downstairs
who will wonder at my long absence. l will
go and make some excuse for you. Perhaps
you had better come to the foot of the
stairs
At the foot of the stairs leading to the
great hall, Mark stood waiting. At the
sight of him Sir Charles drew back. NUT
tering something by no means compliment
airy to the young man, under his breath.
Il stay in the bed room till he has gone"
he said, as he stepped back
Beatrice hoped that her face did not be-
tray signs Of very much agitation. All the
same. she rather wondered why Mark
looked at her so very flxedly. Perhaps 1t
was an uneasy conscience that was trou-
bling the girl. Marks first words startled
her.
$50 you have been the first to find it out?"
he said.
Find out what?" Beatrice stammered.
II UOn understand what you mean.
MY dear girl, why try to blind me to the
truth? Field told me Bennington actually
knows that your father was concealed at
100 Audley place. And 1 know all about
that disgraceful city business, because my
father told me all about it. Sir Charles
has come back, he was with you just now;
he is going to make his way to the con-
tfnent."
Beatrice had no reply for the moment;
her face was red with shame.
Forgive me- she whispered at length.
You have guessed everything. I suppose
1t was your quick instinct that told you my
companion was my father. But, my dear
est Mark, cannot you see that he must fly?
He has the money from Sartoris--'
who gave it to him on purpose" Mark
said eagerly. who bought valuable
tune in his pocket, and getting Sir Charles
out Of the way for good and all, at the same
time. My dearest child, whatever your
father may think say. those ruby mine
concessions are of fabulous value. My
father has gone into the matter carefully,
and he is prepared to back his opinion by
large sums Of money. My father is never
wrong in these things. There is fortune
Decie. Let your father come out and say
that he has been the victim of swindlers
who had resolved to get his property from
him. Let him call on my father, who to-
times the amount required to get him out
Of all his troubles. 1 can guarantee that"
You mean to say, that your father is
actually prepared"
Certainly he is-on condition that Sir
Charles and he are equal partners. I'll go
and get my father to come round here now.
Only I'll see Sir Charles first
Beatrice. would have. dissuaded him, but
he would take no refusal He burst into
the bed room of the discounted baronet and
asked him to remove his disguise. Sir
Charles was too weak to do more than
demonstrate in a gentlemanly way but his
troubled face grew clear as Mark proceeded
with the argument. The sanguine side of
the baronet's nature came up again.
Really, my dear boy, this is exceedingly
kind Of you," he said. Fact is, I had not
the least idea that I was being treated In
a really scandalous manner. I regarded
Sartoris as a thoroughly good fellow who
was going out of his way to do me serv
ice. And If your father says that those
lieve him, for there is no shrewder Judge in
the city. AS Sartoris Is dead, that deed
that signed falls to the ground"
TT would fall to the ground in any case"
Mark said, seeing that it was obtained by
fraud. Now be SO good as to dress yourself
properly, and I will take a cab and go and
fetch my father. The whole business can
be settled on the spot"
Mark went off, Beatrice saying that she
must go back to Mary Grey.
She hung lovingly on the arm of Mark as
they crossed the corridor. The light was
low there and nobody was about.
Il hope you are gong TO forgive me,
dear" she said. II came very near to
paying a heavy penalty for not trusting in
you, Mark. But everything is going my
way now"
"Our way" Mark protested. II don't care
whether anybody is looking or not, I am
going to kiss you, dearest. You have al
ways belonged to me and to nobody else.
cannot possibly regard you in the light of
Stephen Richford's widow. If I were you
/ would not say anything to the others I'M
til after I have settled matters between
your father and mine. Let Mary Grey have
q good nights rest, and pack her off to bed
as soon as possible.
Mary was safely in bed and asleep before
Mark came back. Bennington stayed long
enough for Beatrice to tell him exactly
what had happened. The melancholy shade
that Beatrice had seen SO long on Berring-
toms face had vanished altogether.
my poor little girl is going to have peace
and happiness at last" he said, with a
deep thrill In his voice. 1--WE shall value 1t