The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-09-27

been badly treated, Mrs. Britten. but I don't honestly believe you have any grounds for complaint; and now l wish you good bye"
 'T suppose I must not grumble." re- joined that lady, thrusting the fifty pound cheque into her glove: you have found out your own value-it had to come some day! Well, 1 suppose we part friends?"-and. with heightened color. she extended her emnty hand.
 Hester took it. and said: T will wish you goodbye now. and I hope you will have a pleasant journey; and as I am going out to lunch. perhaps we may not meet again."
 When she had departed Mrs. Britten made a close inspection of the room. but discovered nothing either remarka- ble or suspicious. Then she rang the bell, ordered up a recherche meal. in cluding a pint of champagne and black coffee. When she had disposed of this. and rearranged her hat and hair. she swaggered downstairs, stepped into a waiting victoria. and was driven away to the Negresse station. On her pro- eress through the streets she encoun- tered a few of her former acquaint- ances, who stared and nodded but did not seem particularly anxious to accost her. Old Mrs. Tudor had been talking. no doubt; the days of her popularity in Biarritz had evi- dently set. We'll. at any rate. she was not without resources. her friends al Pau were numerous. and there was always Sir Peteri Still. as she bowleo down the hill towards the station. the little widows heart was full Of amaze ment. anger, and spite; and if she ever found an opportunity to requite MISS Forde for her cool reception, and SUI cooler dismissal. she resolved that she would not let 1t slip.
 Subsequently,, Tn answer to the sym nathetic inquiries of the Admiral ana Mrs. Cox, she related her grievous ex- nerience. and presented herself In the character of the down-trodden worn' who had turned at last.
 CHAPTER xv.
 The Introduction.
 The day after Mrs. Briten had departed without social drum-beat or any speciai farewells. Mrs. Tudor resolved that she would take Hester eho" ner .,." charge, for a long tete-a-tete drive, probe her heart, admonish her, ana oe- liver a serious lecture!
 Hester. who happened to be free for the afternoon, accepted the invitation with aiacrity. and came down prepareo to start at 8 o'clock. The carriage they always employed was not im- mediately forthcoming, but in It's place an elegant landau, with pair or m . chestnut horses. dashed up unoer .ne porch. The driver wore the usual pc. coming coachman's dress tne siaIeu hal with white band, black jacket with whita braid. scarlet facings. cuffs and waistcoat ornamented with silver put tons: he looked particularly smart ana set-up. Hester could not see his race hut she noticed as she followed her friend into the carriage. that ne mace an impudent signal to two individuais who were standing close by; therefore she was less surprised than her com panion at his subsequent behavior. ihe Basoues are excellent drivers, and. on the whole, merciful to their cattle' put this Basque drove like Jehu. the son or N,nahi. he whirled round the street corners regardless of consequences; he crack ed his whip, and fled. so to speak, up the long hill leading out of Biar- ritz down the other side full speed to Negresse. where he thundered across the railway lines. regardless of how the two ladies were tossed as shut tlecocks in the carriage behind him. |, Look here, don't like this mans driving at alll" cried Mrs. Tudor, as they reached the open country; cer- tainly, the carriage is most luxurious hut believe our driver Is either mad or drunk"
 GOT both," suggested Hester. with . laugh. And. jokings apart, you need not be at all uneasy, dear; these coach men are really trustworthy, and nevei come to brief"
 But if this fellow is a lunatic? Did you see him taking off his hat to those ladies in the victoria"
 No! How dared her"
 How indeedl Well, watch the nex carriage" said Mrs. Tudor grimly. Sure enough, the next carriage the,