The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-05

conveyed nothing to her mind. Bufl the name Crawcour sent flush to her cheek, Tor John Shil had gone as agent | 10 the Earl of Crawcour, and 1t was possible that this young man might | him.
 This is an old friend of nine.' said Iankeriane, as they sat down by the open window. Piggy Portlinxton, We used to call him. when he was at Eton. Hes straight as die. and won't | split on us- have told him the req sons Tor our secret marriage" and hed iooked at his wife meaningly. She wondered what reasons he had given.
 am very pleased to meet Lord Portiington," she replied. eIt Is nice to have found friend in Paris. We have been a bit lonely"
 A shade of annoyance passed across Tankerlane's face, but the young man chuckled geniaIiy.
 "A very jolly sort of loneliness" he replied. Fl wouldn't mind changing places with Tankerlane--I mean, wish l were on my honeymoon, you know and he blushed furiously, as though he had said something highly improper. The other two laughed, and Mrs. Tank erlane looked at the handsome, boy- ish face with interest He was very
 
 great earldom of Crawcour. candour and honesty were written on his coun- tenance He was obviously fond of outdoor eSerchte and sport. His clear, keen eyes s,ud tanned skin spoke of a life spent Ia the open air. His hands were muscular and his movements in- dicated the strength and suppleness of the athlete.
 As she looked from this fine speci- men of clean living and open minded manhood to the dark. intellectual face of her husband, she wondered what strange freak of fate had made the two men friends. For never were two men more utterly unlike each other. That frank. easy going nature could have little in common with the subtle mind and indomitabIe will of William Tank, erlane. Yet she was glad that the two were friends, and that her husband had brought round the young man to see her. 7a
 Have you been fin Paris long?' she asked, after they had talked about various subjects.
 a'only a short while" he replied: less than a fortnight ago was at Crawcour. I've heaps to. see and do. It's only my second visit here. hope we'll be able to go to some theatres together. Let me book three seats for 4 the Colonnade tonight. There is new actress, an American. I've heard. but quite French in her accent"
 .I sAs..IsA ssee els esht ea :. Mrs Te E= eriane said, as though enraptured with the idea. But her thoughts were far away from the Theatre Colonnade. and she was waiting to turn the converse tion back to Crawcour.
 "Right you are.' said Tankerlane. "will you dine with us7'
 Thanks, and we'll make jolly eve ming of it. Supper afterwards at the Ritz, eh? It'll be great l suppose you don't go out much?'
 "Ch. yes,' Tankerlane replied coldly. Why shouldn't weY'
 'I thought perhaps-perhaps,' he stammered. and stopped. growing very red in the face. Mrs. Tankerlane came to the rescue.
 we didn't at first" she said with a smile; "my husband was afraid of being recognized. But we are braver now. You see, lots of people Know win, but none of them know me. He's met some of them, and they've asked questions, and. well--' she laughed merrily.
 you are the first of them I have introduced to my wife" said Tanker lane.
 Tt is a great honor for me-" Port lington replied simply.
 The words were spoken in such way that they seemed no mere empty compliment, but a genuine expression of gratitude for the favour.
 ..I suppose you find Paris welcome change after the quiet of Crawcour. she said, reverting to the subject stili uppermost In her mind. and introduc- ing 1t with commonplace remark.
 ssYes" he replied, flor week or two. couldn't stick 1t for much longer. | am very fond ef my home, though l believe it Is considered pad torm .o he so. I like a country life and Craw- cour Is really arsripping place. You mnst come down there when Tanker lane has made 1t up with hls guvnor. I'll take you out in my yacht.
 ..I have always heard Crawcour Is ,,a-v beautiful place. she said, and hone to see 1t some day-by the bye. will. if I'm going to the theatre TO- night. I should like the hairdresser 10 come round. You might go ana eeie- nhone for him at once.
 "Certainly. Laura. foui excuse me a moment. Piggy" and ne iett 'he room. ,,
 .aThere's a model husband for you" said Portlington gaily; some men would have runE the bell and told a servant to do 1t.
 we have not been married long. replied Mrs Tankerlane. with a laugh, hut we were talking of Crawcour. should so much like to see 1t. Now come to think of it. believe Sir Roo- art Tankerlanes agent Is managing your fathers estate"
 What John Shil. Why. yes. or course. I remember he was recommended oy DIT Robert, who is an old friend of my ta- tners.
 How does de get on?"