Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-04-04

arm.
Il could have no better escort" re-
turned Ellen. You will excuse me, I
am sure" She bowed to the rest OF
the company. The house is yours,
cards. music. all that IL has
Out in the hall Strathgate seized a
cloak and wrapped Il around her with
tender solicitude.
The night air Is chill" he said.
gently.
Theer was comfort to Ellen in his
anxiety about her. OF late Darlington
had left her 70 her own devices and
she missed the Iove--like attentions
OF the first part OF her married life.
She accepted the eaFl's courtesy
gracefully and the two stepped out
upon the terrace. II was a bright
moonlight night and the terrace was
almost as light as day. There was
no one on IT,
whittier have they gone. think
your" queried Ellen.
ITO the arbor, probably. Tis a IA
vorite haunt Of theirs. Shall We fol
Iow7"
My lord called me a spy last
night"
a woman is justified in every
thing" said Strathgate softly. when
her honor Is involved. and Carrin%.
ton"
DO you mean 70 say" burst out
Ellen. hotly.
He is in dangerous hands" said
Srathgate lightly. IF ne fan into
those OF Lady Cecily. Let US de
scend to the mall"
He led her gently down the flight OF
steps and piloted her into the shadow
OF the wall whence they could gain
the arbor without being observed for
at the southeast corner Of the ter
race upon which the castle was built
the arbor began.
You must be very quiet" said
Strathgate. taking her by the arm IN
| der the pretense OF guiding her I
have your interests at heart. / can
not bear TO see you sighted for one
so inferior 10 you in every way"
'"To-witi" said Ellen. riding to
{ hounds. dancing the minuet, playing
at cards.
Ny lady" said Strathgate earnest.
~. those are mere accidents Of cir
eumstance. In beauty, In Wit. in dar-
ing. in sweetness. Lady Cecily cannot
be mentioned with you. cannot IN
derstand Darlington. Were l."
Stop" whispered Ellen.
They had come 10 the edge OF the
terrace. Through a rift in the foil
age they had a fair view Of the cen
ter OF the arbor. Through the same
rift the moonlight fell and displayed
two figures one with his back toward
her was her husband. The other fac
ing the couple was Lady Cecily. They
we're close together talking earnestly.
Ellen clenched her hands and lncau-
uously stepped into the moonlight.
Lady Cecily caught a glimpse OF her
| before Strathgate drew her back Here
( was her opportunity. The distance
/ was too great GO enable the watchers
| 20 hear what was being said. but they
could see.
, Lady Cecily was commiseratlng
/ Lord CarrmEton on the rudeness OF
/ his wife and my lord was so hot
/ and mad with jealousy and ind;gna-
I ton. and So filed with anrout Co dig
nifty nd amour propre. that he was in
a tit mood to- Doe played upon by such
| consummate mistress of Coluetry
| and such a finished actress as Lady
Ceciiy Ny lord had some of the sim
( pucity OF the sailor sru left In him.
Lady Ceci,y laid HEY hand upon his
! arm.
My dear pernasd." she said. y
may can You that Tor old times
saSe?"
Eyes. yes" sa'G Darlington. would
that these ola times m.sht come
! araini"
III would phase me-" said Lady Ce-
: oily. u caarc, bar 60 see you
yoked with such "a ruie. uncuitured
hoyden."
] Darlington WINGED az this.
Nay, he began protestngly.
! Bat Lady Cecly did not stop.
And she played that game With
! StratLsate. IL was al matter OF pre-
arrangement 80 money was 70 pass
She hath no need 20 give Strathgate
money. His purse and all he has are
at her disposal"
This was a half truth and therefore
the more deadly Ellen had made
no prearrangement with Strathgatt
or anyone else, and the game on hel
part was honest and open. but it was
true that she could have asked moth
ing OF Strathgate that he would not in
stantly have acceded to. Lady Cecily
knew that Carrington's conviction OIL
the latter half OF her statement would
carry with it an acquiescence in the
first part
My lord gritted his teeth anC
clenched his hands
Il would like 20 kill him" he said
"and by heaven ! shall before long. OF
he me. and then she can take hin
with my blood on his hands"
Il would not have you die, Der
nard." said Lady Cecily tenderly. a
that moment catching sight OF tn,
other two. Don't think that you
life is wasted because a foolish, wick
ed woman has well nigh wrecked il
You are very dear tone"
| She laid her hand upon his arm
| She drOOped toward him She wa,