Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-24
! 2

formation which he had gathered in a few moments
was the fact that Logothetis yacht had passed
Cape St Vincent. going east owner and party on
board" The previous telegram had not escaped
him and if he had entertained any doubts to the
destination of the Erinna, they vanished now. She
was certainly bound for the Mediterranean. He re-
men1bered having heard that many steam yachts
coming from England put into Gibraltar for coal
and fresh provisions coal being cheaper there than
m French and Italian ports. and he thought it
probable that the Ernna would do the same; he
also made some deductions which need not be ex-
planned vet.
The only one worth mentioning here that
Logotheti would be likely to hear in Gibraltar that
his ruby had been found and on its way back to
England and he would know that Margaret
would be anxious about it. as he had already gwen
it her. he would hardly let the occasion OF COM
municating with her go by. As for writing from
Gibraltar any place whatsoever in the hope that
letter will arrive in less than week it is sheer folly
Van Torp had never tried it and supposed it pos
sible it looked: but he was tolerably sure that
Logotheti would telegraph first and had perhaps
done so already, for the of his passing Cape
St Vincent was already twenty -four hours old.
THIS was precisely what had happened When
L Van Torp opened his door he came upon Margaret
and Mrs. Rushmore on the landing, on the point of
going out for walk. and servant had just brought
the prirna donna a telegram which she was reading
aloud. so that the American could not help nearing
her.
Cruising till wanted she read quickly Ruby
found Address, Yacht Erinna Naples.
She heard Van Torp close the door, though she
had not heard him open it, and turning found herself
face to face with him Her eyes were sparkling with
anger. >, y
Its of no consequences for l should have told
YOU, Margaret answered briefly.
He argued we'll for himself from her tone and
manner; but he chose to show that he would not
force his company upon her just then when she
in visible rage and instead OF stopping 10 ex-
change more words he passed the two women. hat in
hand, and bowling rather low. after his manner
he went quietly down stairs.
Margaret watched him till he disappeared. :
like that man. she said. to herself but audlbly
Il cannot help it
Mrs Rushmore was more than delighted: but had
tact enough not make any answer to a speech
that had probably not been meant for her ears
Perhaps she said, you would rather not go Out
just yet my dear9
Margaret was grateful for the suggestion, and
they turned back into their rooms.
MEANWHILE Van Torp had reached the door of
AvA the hotel and found Lady Maud standing there
with her parasol up, for the sun was streaming IN
Il was waiting for YOU, she said SIMPLY as soon
as he reached her side. and stepped out into the
street Il thought you would come down. and
wanted to speak to you; for did not get a chance
last night They were both watching me. probably
because they thought i'll, and had to chatter
9ou @ I'D very we'll Van Torp said IF had
not seen your face at the window when got out OF
the automobile yesterday shouldn't have guessed
there anything wrong
But there is.-something very wrong -some-
thing | can hardly bear to think OF though must
until know the truth
They turned into the first deserted street;
Il dare say can give guess at what it is, Van
Torp answered gravely Il went to him alone
yesterday purpose before he started, and | must
say if it wasn't for the beard. I'd feel pretty sure
He had beard when married him, and it was
like that-just like that" Lady Maud's voice
shook audby for she felt cold, even in the sunshine
Il didn't know, Van Torp answered. That
alters the case. If we are not mistaken. what can
do to help you? Let's see. You had only that one
look at him. through the window; is that so?"
Yes. But the window open, and it's not
high above the ground. and my eyes good. He
took off his hat when he said good by to you, and
his face distinctly as see yours. When you