Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-19


of a very pretty comedy. which might do
no harm to either of the parties con-
cerned. and might do lot OF good to
Lady Gwendolen Gaunt.
But the fates do not view fraudulent
emotions with favor. and as there was
only one touch required to turn the
comedy into tragedy. they supplied H.
Lady Gaunt began TO notice that there
was certain understanding between the
two. and she was not altogether pleased
at the discovery. She fancied that her
son was remaining at Gaunt Royal not
from any desire to be with her. but be-
cause he was trying to fall in love with
Lady Betty.
But this feeling did not last more than
few days She thrust II aside as selfish
and unworthy. And she replaced 1t with
hope that Lady Betty Drake might save
Richard from the slough into which he
had fallen. Already there were traces OF
a new influence on his life. And II q
marriage could be brought about-a mar
rage in which there would be no sAcri-
fice-then II was possible that Sir Richard
Gaunt might yet become a credit to his
name.
1t remained for Henry Gaunt to throw
an unpleasant light on matters that had
far better have been left in obscurity.
This young gentleman. fresh from his
triumphs In gum arabic. and E15O.O0
richer than when he last set foot on
Welsh soil. precipttated himself on Gaunt
avalanche. He announced his intention
Of coming the same day that he arrived.
He might easily have given a weeks no.
tfce. but II was not his method to do
move like q motor car. and inconvenience
every one else on the road.
In appearance Henry Gaunt was a
sleek and self-satisfied replica OF his elder
brother. Both had the broad mouth and
long thin nose of the Gaunts. and they
nd
without an ounce OF superfluous flesh on
their bodies.
The two brothers disliked each other
This was inevitable where both were ut
terly selfish and regardless OF other peo-
pies feelings.
Before Henry Gaunt had been in the
house for two days he fancied he had ar
rived at the truth of his brothers rela-
tions to Lady Betty Drake. He thought
over the matter for scarcely as many
minutes as he would have given to a new
prospectus. and then decided that he must
act.
Three days after his arrival he was sit
ting in the smoking room with his
brother. The two ladies had gone to bed
and both men were smoking In silence.
Sir Richard was reading a sporting paper.
and Henry was studying a company pros
pectus which had arrived by that even.
sides Of the fire. and apparently were I'M
conscious of each others presence.
At last Henry carefully folded up the
prospectus and laid 1t on the mantelpiece.
Then he looked steadily at his brother
and lit a cigar. The trivial action was
characteristic OF the man. He did not
hurry himself. but his fingers moved
smoothly and accurately. The very strik-
ing OF q match became part of a well
ordered movement.
game of yours must come to an end
What do you mean?' Sir Richard
asked. without looking up from his news
paper.
mothers roof
"'Pon my SOUL Harry" exclaimed Sir
Richard. rising to his feet. this is . bit
too much. I've stood a good deal OF your
impertinence in the past. but this IL
bit too thick. You had better clear out.
This is my house. and I'm not going to
be lectured in it by any self-satisfied
prig. even II he IL my brother"
Pardon me. Dick" was the curt reply.
''but this house Is not yours. The use Of
i was left to mother during her lifetime.
intend to let you play any OF your tricks
under her roof. You can understand
that once for all"
WIN you kindly explain yourself?"
said Sir Richard. trying to keep his
temper.
you understand what I mean. You
are making love to Betty"
-. And II am. what has that got to do
Il do not intend to see you ruin that
woman's life. and I certainly do not in.
tend to let you do 1t In this house."
THAT is very kind OF you. I am sure
Betty would be flattered by your estimate
Of her character"
do you intend to marry herr"
For aught you know to the contrary
may be thinking of marriage"
But you still continue to pay for Miss
Paradines fiat in town.
"Oh. you have been ferreting out that
have your"
1.-The matter is public property after
that Crawshay case. But. look here
Dick. can't say for certain what game
you're up to. but can see trouble ahead
and I'm going to try and prevent it. II
would be crime to let Betty marry
man like you"
II suppose you would make a more
suitable husband.'' said Sir Richard, with
a sneer.. His face was white with anger.
living Henry was the stronger man OF the
two. he might have struck him in the
face.
you've got to clear out" said Henry,
doggedly. before you do any more mis-
chief. l can see your whole dirty game
You're playing on the girls pity. pronis.
ing to reform. telling her that only the
love of a good woman can raise you from
the slough into which you have fallen. J
can quite imagine all you've said to her.
But l intend to open her eyes, and &c
open my mothers eyes as well. unless yor
get back to London at once.
Perhaps you do not know that / an
staying here to be with my mother. She
asked me to stay, and Betty asked me &c
stay
$50 I understand" Henry replied. cold.
ly: mother was talking TO me about II
this morning. 1 did not d.sillusion her
thought I'd speak to you first"
VERY thoughtful Of you. Harry. But
I do not see how you're going to get rio
of me If wish to stay"
II appeal to your good feelings"
Sir Richard laughed derisively. you've
gone about it in a funny sort OF way
he replied. Now. look here, Harry.
you've said quite enough. I've not said
or say IL you continue the subject.
can't imagine how l have controlled my.
self SO far"
Perhaps the fact that I hold q mort.
gage on part of your property may have
to do with it,
Il intend to pay you of this week. II
Is only twenty thousand pounds"
Him." said Henry Gaunt. vainly rack.
ing his brains for some explanation Of
this sudden windfal1.
$50 you can't squeeze me-" continued
of this place. And I'd like to tell you
Harry. that for sheer impertnence and
bad taste you haven't your equal among
all the fellows of my acquaintance. AnG
I know q few rum 'unS, too.
You don't. intend to stop this game
them"
mo. Of course not. There is nothing to