The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-11-03
CHAPTER XVI.

with all the good viii in the world. was
utterly ignorant how 20 set about full
filing his hearts desire. knowing, as he
did. that Miss Densley was entirely under
the influence Of the LebIahcs, who might
or might not be her relations. but whom
she certainly looked upon not only in
that character. but as her best friends. he
felt sure that, If he We're 10 write her
such a letter as his heart dictated. she
would feel bound in duty 10 submit it 10
them before replying.
And if he We're 10 express in his let
ter his mistrust OF her guardians. it
seemed more than probable that she
would resent the accuse ton, and perhaps
refuse to see him again
While he was torturing himself with
doubts and qUestionings. however, and
feeling sure that the Leblancs wished
10 throw him over altogether in favor
Of Capt. Darnan who had shown such
a much higher degree Of generosity"
than he. St Quinun was surprised and
overjoyed 20 receive a letter from Nine
Leblanc inviting him 20 dinner on the
saturday evening.
A. ga 'tlr LiNiiltIL lie NrtaLeQ WltLleT ne
should consult Ince before accepting the
invitation But common sense told him
that his friend would strongly urge him
10 take no notice OF .he invitation, would
talk about putting himself again into the
lions clutches. and say other things IN
pleasant 20 hear.
So st. Quintn said nothing about IT,
and went down 70 Briar Lodge on the
day named after accepting the invitation
with alaCrity. He had provided himself
with huge box Of chocolates from Full
ers and with a bouquet Of flowers that
looked just Ike artificial ones from Ge-
rard's, so that Monsieur Leblanc might
not repToach him with coming empty
handed 10 the shrine
To his great delight, he once more had
a chance OF a tete-a-tete with Marie
whom he found alone in the drawing
room. She was very pale and seemed
timid and miserable and though she let
him kiss her he felt that she did il
under protest, and wondered what orders
she had received from headquarters as
TO her treatment Of him.
He soon found out
Mr.. St Quintin." she said. I've been
very unhappy on your account since you
were here last"
We'll, and I, rctorted he, have been
very unhappy on yours. When I saw
YOU monopolized by that fellow Darnau
l couldn't understand it. I wondered
whether you were nothing but a hirt
after all"
I hate him. said she. sharply.
Then its not true you're going to
marry him? That's What he saws"
"Of course its not true, How could
you think 1 should marry him when
when"
well, I know YOU accepted me. But
your uncle quibbled and wabbled so
much, and Capt. Darnal was so certain
that he was the man whom your people
had chosen for you, that I began to
think-weH. all sorts of things that I
hope aren't true"
Miss Densley, who looked years older
than she had looked before. as If. in
deed, she had been very much worried
and distressed since he had seen her
last, looked up earnestly into his face
I can't help what he thinks" she
said. and you ought not to believe anv
ones word against mine if you really
love me as much as you say YOU do
But I know who 1t is that has prejudiced
YOU. l know you would never believe
hard things of any one of your own ac-
cord. It's that Mr.. InCe, He hates my
uncle and aunt. and if he doesn't ex-
actly hate me- I am quite sure he'd be
delighted If YOU were TO give me up"
The suggestion was so Shrewd that St
Quintin. embarrassed, did not know
what TO answer Marie laughed a little
ever so gently.
"Ah-ha," she cried. you can't DENY
that, can yoT2 And now listen 10 me
han IL
Capt. DarnaIl, too I spoke to my uncle
told him I couldn't treat you again as I
had done that day, letting YOU think I
cared more for that horrid man than I
did for you. He had made me promise to
be civil to the captain. and that meant
that l had to listen to his silly talk. and
endure being looked at in a way I didn't
like. while all the time you were tuning
i could see you were-and thinking 7
was doing what I did To please myself
Ny uncle was quite surprised at me for
speaking out like that. because I'd always
been so submissive You see I'm bound
10 be obedient to them both, because Of
what they've done for me"
AID what did he say"
Pc said he quite agreed with me that
it was hard but that he was placed in
a difficult position by Mr.. Williams long
absence, and that he should try to get
him to~eome back TO England earlier
than he intended, to settle matters once
for ALL"
st. Quintin listened eagerly. and wished
he could believe in the rectitude OF Mon
sieur Leblanc's intentions. He wanted
to sound the girl as to the extent OF
her faith in her uncle and aunt. hut
every word she uttered proved 50 con