The Washington herald., 1908-01-22
CHAPTER XIV-Continued.

lhe CLOCK. 1t was a quarter 10 H. There
was ample time, although she would have
10 keep 20 the roads, because she did not
know any short cut. The idea that she
should be frightened amused her in
way
II anybody hits me- / shall hit back"
she said to herself, as she gripped her
umbrella and started forth.
It was not a dark night, though there
was no moon.
AT first the mere physical satisfaction
Of moving, of walking swiftly. carried
the girl along pleasurably. The fresh,
sweet cold in the air was like an en-
brace.
She skirted the village and ventured
across one held which she knew would
cut off a considerable corner. This field
was studded with sheep and lambs
The foolish creatures got up with
jerk and ran away. complaining and fear
ful, as she passed swiftly beside them.
In the faint. misty light the lambs looked
prettier than ever.
Once on the high road, Katherine push
ed on vigorously but by degrees that un-
conscious sense of exhiiaratiOn which had
possessed her when she had first started
fell away. and she felt heart weary and
indescribabiy sad as she realized the pur-
port of this solitary excursion.
How far she walked she never knew.
but her feet were getting stiff and tired
when at last she saw The lights Of the
Junction IN the distance. Nevertheless
she could not rest when Sit was i'm the
station. She spent the time waiting Tor
the train to come In restessly pacing the
platform
It was half-past when she reached
London and put herself into a cab. The
horse seemed as tired as herself. and the
Journey from the station interminable
but at last she had aIighted at the Ia
miliar little house
Her heart WAS in her throat as she rang
the bell.
Perhaps I shall have TO wait a little
while" she said to herself. They never
get up very early"
But strangely enough, the door was
opened 10 her almost Immediately by the
cook, whose face lit up when she saw
Miss Granger.
'Oh, miss. I am glad to see you" she
said I've had such a start He's up
stairs in the drawing-room. II yOuU be
lieve me. he's been here since d quarter
to g. Wouldn't be said no. But how
tired you look, miss, Come In and sit
down
Katherine could not get her voice for a
moment Vaguely she remarked a strap
ped poTtmanteau standing on one Of the
chairs. Then she asked:
Mrs Lancing, is she here?'
The servant shook her head
No, miss. she's not here. That's what
I've been telling Sir Samuel He won't
believe me. He says she's coming
HAra7T arHEaE Katherine
She stepped back and rested against the
hall wall All her strength went from
her for a moment, but she rallied herself
quickly and turned into the dining-room.
who did you say was UPSTAIRS" she
asked
Sir Samuel BroXbourne. miss Come
here at a quarter 10 6, as I told you. said
as the mistress had fixed him TO come.
There's only me and Anaie sleeping here.
Z lie rang the bell like mad, hardly gave
me time 20 put my clothes on, Of course
the missus amt here; she amt expected.
leastways not by G7- Did you come 10
meet heF2'
yes" said Katherine. but her tone was
weary and she closed her eyes.
''Well, I've no news of her miss. Most
like she'll be here directly. seeing as she
expects YOU Usual like she sends a mes
sage when she's comm, but we amt ad
word. But there. I'll go and get you a
cup of tea
At that very moment they heard the
stamp Of a heavy foot. and the drawing
room door was opened with jerk.
Now he's going to swear at me again.
Katherine got up. stood a moment witt
her eyes shut. then opened them with d
Jerk. and walked out OF the room. straight
up the stairs She took of her hat as she
went Sir Samuel BrOgbOurne was stand
ing on the top stair; he frowned as ht
saw her He was dressed as Cor travel
ms I'm a rough tweed suit
tt was the girl who spoke first
What are you doing here?' she asked
"Bv what right 10 you come to the house
at this time? win you please be so good
as e. so at once?'
He stared al her, and as she advanced
he moved mechanically on one side anC
let her pass. but he followed her into tht
jra Wing-rO0m
"I am here by appointment, he said
his tone was sUllen. his manner rude
Mrs. Lancing desires to see me.
you must have made "a mistake. NJ
person would give you an appointment
for o'clock in the morning said kath'
crime very coldiy.
Ordinarily people might not" he an
swered with n smile that was sneer
but this is not an ordinary house
Katherine walked into the dismantlec
GrawiHg-r00m.
AS Mrs. Lancing is not here. she
said. 1T is undesirable that YOU should
remain.
Il shall go when l choose" was Brox
b0Uruc's answer.
The girI shrugged her shoulders, and
returned at once to leave the room, bu
he stood In the way.
No he said. since you give order!
you must know what Is going on here
If Mrs Lancing is not here, why are
you hCTe2
II recognize no right on your part Il
question me-" said Katherine Granger
She was sWayed about by the most ex
traordinary feelings, prominent among
which was a sense of acute relief tha
almost amounted 10 Joy. Whatever Ca
milla had done. whatever she was, thI!
man at least was not with her II wa!
impossible 1OT Katherine to Try TO piece
ont what probable step the other woman
had taken, but at least the degradation
Of close association with this man was
not part Of her movements.
Sir Samuel eyed her with suspicion
and yet her quietness her tired, pail
face. and that wonderful dignity Whicl
sat upon her so naturally, impressed him
"I don't want to question you" he SAT-
surIly. Il only want 10 see her"
"She is not here and you have beel
told so. If you disbeleve this statemen
you can search the house.
Then, where is she? You think TT
lying when 1 tell you that I came her
by appointment; but I tell you that sh
fixed the hour herself II YOU don't be
lieve me, here's her note.
he held cut a crGmpled piece OF pa
per. Katherine put it on one side, bu