The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1908-01-16
CHAPTER XI-COntinued.

q little While DtIOrc she ana Lady I'd
mela Bardolph had not been on speaking
terms, but money is a marvellous thing.
The settlement Of an old long-standing
card debt supplemented by a handsome
jeweled gift. had brought Lady Pamela
TO her arms again.
The people gathered to spend Christ
mas al Lea Abbey were on different
plane altogether TO those whom Mrs.
Brenton expected at Yelverton. They
were a rakish set. composed of all the
elements which Haverford held most IN
contempt.
Once she was in their midst, Camilla
flung conscience TO the winds She had
always been battered by men and envied
by women, but never so nattered or so
envied as now. She was the gayest Of
the gay, and believed herself 10 be abso-
lutely happy
When C'uthbert said to her once as
they were dancing: Don't go to-mor-
row; stay here with us-with me-" she
laughed and answered. Perhaps"
And. indeed Yelverton with its claims
Of duty seemed TO recede into the back
ground altogether. just for a while.
A chance word or two from Lady Pa
mela, however, brought Camilla back to
earth again. II was when they were
passing up the staircase to go TO their
rooms when Lady Pamela spoke about
Broxbourne
4 asked Sammy to come to US. you
know, and he promised. but Chris tells
me that he had a wire this evening say
ing that we are not to expect him. I
suppose you don't see much Of him now.
Camilla? How does he take your en-
gagement by the way? always thought
Sammy had a soft spot in his heart for
you, You know,
How ridiculous said Camilla with
laugh. Sammy has only one soft spot
in his heart, and that is for himself 1
haven't seen him just lately because he
has been abroad but ne wrote me an
aWfu!ly nice letter wishing me luck"
oh, we'll, then that's all right re-
sponded the other woman Il don't know
why, / had a sort of idea he might cut
up rough when he heard about your en-
gagement, and somehow, I don't know
how You feel, but / would rather have
sammy for "a friend than an enemy"
camilla passed on into her room and
telt all az once chilled tired. and un-
easy. She had been drifting Of late so
comfortably: all the old troubles seemed
10 have been left behind. and now I'M
eNpectedly and most unpleasantly she
had been recalled To the fact that though
Rupert HaVerfOTd had smoothed her pa tn
or all which signifled care I'm a financial
sense, there still remained one old trou-
IN haar
eVltable that she should turn with a
sense OF relief TO the thought OF the
strong man who now protected her and
YET az the same time remembrance of
Rupert brought a sense of fear.
If he were to know" she said TO her
self, he would soon make short work
OF Sammy but II would be the end with
me, too Oh, why did Pam speak OF
him tonight? / suppose she did il on
purpose TO try and upset me ] always
mink Pam has suspected that l was
afraid of Sammy. or course she is ieal-
Gus, they are all jealous, and my luck
has been amazing. 1 must be careful
OF IT, yes. ! must be careful" she repeat.
ed feverishly; he is awfuIly simule-
minded and he trusts me; but I NAV
go too far and then I shall lose him. and
L can't lose him; he means too much 10
me in every way"
She did not get into bed till morning
was close at hand, and even though she
was Wearied out, she insisted upon get
ting up when Dennis came into the room
The maid brought her some little gifts
and note. The letter was from Cu+b-
bert entreating her 20 remain: but Ca
mllla was now bent upon going; she
craved TO see her children. and conse-
fuehty an hour or SO later. when every
one was at church except Katherine and
Baby, who certainly was not quite her
usual brisk little self Mrs. Lancing ar
rived at Yeiverton. She went up AZ oncs
to the nursery, flung of her furs ana
sat down and took her baby in her arms
She is not really i'll, is she?" she guar.
led anxiOusly
Oh she is ever so much better this
morning said Katherine, hut I kent
her at home it Is so damp and the wind
IS so raw, and she always gets cold in
the nasty wind. don't you. Boobies. my
precious?"
The mother Rugged the little figure
In her arms. then stretched out her hand
to Katherine
"A happy Christmas" she said. apf
then In the same breath: How well vor
look and how nice. and Oh, Wbat >
wonderful lot Of presents. Why. Rabv
surely Santa Claus must have nearly
broken his back bringing all these
Things. With the child nesting in he,
arms she lay back and closed her eyes
have most awful headache" She
SAID YEARLY. I'VE were UP till any
heur this morning. Katherine. have Won
come strong smelling salts? Chris Bar
doiph brought me over here In the
fo r-rsFe
back with closed eyes for a while. then
she said: I thought the air would dr
me good, but I feel all cracked up. Where
is everybody she asked the next mo.
ment, languidlyi and she smiled when she
heard the whole party had migrated 70
church.
Has Rupert gomez" she asked. and
then she answered the question herself
But, Of course; I am sure he must sine
hymns most beautifully"
Then Katherine said:
Il don't think Mr.. Haverford went with
the others. he said he would take BETTY
and the maid who has gone with her 10
mass.
But he is not a Catholic" Mrs. Ian
cling observed quickly; there Is another
duty for me, 1 shall have to try Ia
make convert Of him. Oh. dear. NV
headi II reels as III u would come in
two Baby darling, mummy must 20
down and rest in her own room"
But Baby cluug to her mother, re-
fusing to be separated. and of course go,
her way.
Left to herself. Katherine Granger
stood and looked out of the window
thoughtfully. A shadow had gathered on
her face
She felt both panied and irritated, and
found herself hoping almost eagerly that
Mrs. Lancing would not speak of Rupert
Haverford TO others in that sighting
half-moCking manner.
From where she stood she could see