Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-24
CHAPTER VI.


morning his first thought was to reach thu
war Office, which he did almost before tina
dignided machine was prepared to receive
him. A rumor was af1oat that the 10th
Hussars might have to start shortly fol
South Africa. but he found that the gossip
had been greatly exaggerated. Even Il
troops were sent out, he was assured thai
the 10th Hussars were immune from active
service for long period. He rejoiced al
the news, for he was tired of foreign serv-
Ice. His long illness had left him shaken
and requiring a much-needed rest for re-
cuperation.
AT the war Office he learned that Henry
had resigned his regiment and was at the
head of the Surrey Yeomanry, with head
quarters near the Towers. This argued
we'll, he told himself; it meant work and
responsibility for Henry that would engage
his interest and surely win him away from
his Old reckless way of living.
The morning slipped away with it's many
hanson turned into Sloane street only as a
clock nearby struck 2. In q few minutes
the door Of the Pont street house was
opened to him. and he was ushered into
the library.
He dropped lightly into an arm chair
near a table heaped with books. Suddenly
a door opened as though at the end Of a
corridor. He distinctly heard voices raised
one sounded like Henry's; half-suppressed
oath followed.
IT'S no use." the voice went on. You
must do as l say. Don't preach" He could
not hear the words that followed. jim
wished 1t were possible to make known
his presence in the room. He crossed to the
farther window to avoid hearing the re-
mainder of the conversation. but the clear
and incisive words of the first speaker
this time Jim knew 1t was Henry-again
struck his ears sharply.
Il must have the money, Petre; make
what explanation you like. but send 1t to
me within a week. It's useless arguing.
I've lost heavily in speculation. Here are
the papers," The opening and slamming
Of several drawers followed. To Jim the
woros that he had just heard were like
a knell to his hopes of the past week for
Dianas happiness So this was the truth
Another mortgage! He knew enough of the
involved condition of the estate to dread
the possibilities Of that word.
AS Jim sat in the window seat facing the
street, he was SO absorbed In his reflections
that he did not hear the door open. With
a start he felt pair of hands -asped over
his eyes.
"Guess!" the low voice said.
He answered quickly, Dir
Yes, it's Di, Jim, and such happy Di
to see you again.
AS he turned he half expected to see the
tiny child he had last seen her, with the
puppy in her arms calling, Its Di, Jim. 3"
For a. moment they stood holding each
others hands, and only the eyes of the
two spoke. The thoughts of both involun-
tarily went back to their last meeting They
realized that unconscously they had taken
up their childhood manner. Slowly their
hands unclasped and Diana was the first
to speak
"Oh, Jim, 1 should hardly know you
You are 80 big, SO strong. and yet-you
look as though you had been very i'll; have
your
She studied Jims face closely, gaunt and
drawn. but with the eyes still like gray
pools Of suppressed fire. Jim forgot the
troubled thoughts that Henrys words had
aroused. He only knew that Diana stood
before him, young and beautiful. He threw
back his head and laughed; it was the
ringing, joyous laugh of boy.
And 1 almost thought, as 1 turned, that
could see my little Di:" he said.
The memory of the delicate child faded
into the tall. strong figure before him
Quickly he noted the complexities of her
face; its newly-acquired look of woman
hood seemed curiously incongruous with the
rest of her personality. He saw In her eyes
haunting expression of marked patience
The new acquaintance Of the grown man
and woman had adjusted itself.
"Oh, Jim, I'm 80 proud Of yoa,' Diana
said. gravely. You have really done some
thing with your life that is worth while"
Which means, l suppose, that the rest
Of US have not" voice sad.
Jim and Diana turned as Henry spoke
He was standing in the doorway. Jim
noticed with satisfaction that his eyes rest
ed on Diana in unquestionable graufica-
ton. Perhaps. after all, Henry's owe for
aunt, in her letter. had written OF her great
faith in this marriage for IIenry's 4appi
ness-indeed he we'll remembered chat the
letter seemed to insist upon the Dement'S
Henry would derive from the marriage
He wondered what it meant for Diana
Welcome to the hero Henry chafingly
said, as he crossed to Jim's side
An underlying nervous excitement, at
mn to cl,,y
manner. Other. Sc his greeting was more
than reassuring.
Did you finish your business interview"
Diana questioned. A shade of displeasure
showed on Henrys face as he answered.:
Yes, yes, l had more than enough of IT :"
We postponed luncheon" Diana explained
to Jim, because Henry found his solicitor
wished to see him about some repairs need
ed on the estate The request was urgent
Henry said, and knew you would not mind
the DELAY.
For moment Jim felt as If Henry must
read the thoughts that blazed SO fiercelv IN
his mind. So this was Henry's way Of de-
ceiving Diana. He tried to control his face
30 that it might give no sign Of the dis
gust he felt: Henry had turned away; Jim
could see him nervously twisting his mus
tache; Diana was smiling tenderly on
Henry as though in approval Of his morn
ings benevolent work. Jim, reading be-
tween the lines, saw Henry vince at the
dishonesty gained appreciation, and de-
cided that Henry was vulnera ole where his
desire to gain her respect was concerned
This was SO much in his favor, at ali
events.
An hour later, as they sat over their
coffee, Henry began explaining to Jim his
work with the Yeomanry. If Jim stayed at
home he wanted him to join In this splendid
service to England.
We shall need these men later, mark me,
The situation in Africa is threatenins'
Then followed discussion of their plans.
Henry's career as a soldier, Jim remem-
bered. had promised well, but he also re-
membered certain periods of riotous liy-
ing that had brought him tor a line under
the ban of the authorities.
AS Henry elaborated his scheme to per-
feet the Yeomanry in their county Jim ac-
knoWledged that there was nosquestion of
his undoubted. ability to be in command
He succumbed to the strong personal charm
of his cousin. Surely Henry would control
himself and make q worthy showing of his
life yet. In Jim's heart was the silent
prayer that 1t might be So and that per-
haps he could help him to attain this re-
suit. \i'0
Diana, listening, was happy In the appar-
ent new bond between the cousins She
hau been 80 eager for this, that Jim
should be with them as he had been when
he was boy Since her marriage. her life
had been full of pleasant days.. with only
here and there the pin-prick OF the old
frightened instincts. 1t usually occurred
when Henry was in one Of his black moods
Up to the present he had tried to avoid
her on these occasions. She strangely re-