The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-12-13
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brilliantly lighted up. Lord Raven
spur had been entertaining.
The genial smile was still on his |
face as his last guest departed.
Then he heaved sigh Of relief and |
turned in the direction of the stu
dio. AS he did so a slim, white |
figure came down the broad stairs |
and Vera Rayne stood before him..
She was looking her very best TO-
night. Ravenspur turned to her |
with a half affection, half sad ex-
preston.
''You did very we'll tonight" he
said, considering this is the first
time you have done me the honor
to act as hostess to my guests. You I
played your part quite to the man.
ner born, Vera. We shall have no
occasion to call in the services of
Lady Ringmar any more. You will
find yourself Photographed in the
papers now"
Veras beautiful face had grave
look upon it. She hesitated for q
moment before she spoke.
ut will not be for long, them"
. she said. my dear guardian, can
l have a few moments conversation
with you?"
"How grave you are" Ravenspur
smiled. 1--WE will go as far as the
library, if you like, and then l can
| weighty utterances. Come along"
In the library he lighted cigar.
Then he signified to Vera to pro-
| coed. Her lips were trembling now.
Something bright and diamond like
twinkled under her lashes.
"Of course, you may think me
ungrateful," she said. You may
say that am showing great deal
Of satisfaction"
"My dear girl, you are not dis
satisfied, surely?"
Il am afraid | am. Oh, don't you
see? All these years you have been
showering benefits upon me. You
have been treating me as if | were
your own flesh and blood. The
money alone that | must have cost
you is enormous; and, so far as
! know, | have not penny
| You will have when l die Ra
venspur said lightly.
ooh, you try me sorely," Vera
cried. And yet my path is quite
plain. Even at the risk of incurring
your displeasure, | cannot remain
here. And now come to the point.
Before | go l want you to tell me
who I am, and who my parents
are"
Yes, | think you have right to
know that" Ravenspur said
thoughtfully. But, if you don't
mind, we will not go into that to-
night; the story is too long. Be-
lieve me, you will be the happier
for asking no questions. There is
a dark tragedy behind your young
life which is now forgotten, and l
am perfectly sure you would bit
terly regret it if you tisrred the
scandal up again. Let sleeping dog
lie Vera. Be content to know that
you are of good family, and leave
the rest alone"
The girls face grew shade
paler Her eyes had a suggestion
of pain in them as she turned to
the speaker.
81 think l understand" she muir
INJURED. 'If my suspicious are cor
rect, this is a great blow to me;
but, having said so much. | think
must know the rest. And now,
now you see no wimpossible it is
that | can remain here much
longer"
1t seemed to Vera that if Raven
spurs words meant anything, it
meant that she was not even en-
titled to the name she bore. Every
drop of blood appeared to have
left her heart. She stood there,
white and breathless. Yet, amidst
all her storm of thoughts, one dom
inant idea possessed her. She must
stay here no longer under these
shameful conditions.
"You have spared my feelings"
she began. II almost wish now
that I had not asked you any of
these"
Vera broke off abruptly as the
door opened and Walter Lance
came into the room. He looked un-
easy and anxious. He started to
say something to Ravenspur then
, he paused, as he saw that Vera was
| standing there.
I'm just going" she said. 81 am
going as far as the drawing room.
When you have finished with your
uncle | should like to have few
, words with you, Walter"
you had much better go to
bed" Ravenspur said, with a sud
den stern infection in his voice. at
is getting late, and l am sure that
you must be tired, Vera
ITO be continued)