The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1909-05-20

ton. May l ask them of you?"
She bent her head slightly. still
gazing directly at me with widely open
eyes in which / read increasing be-
Wilderment. / believe she thought
me a crazed man, whom she must con
tinue to humor
What vessel is this?"
The steam yacht Sea Queen of Liv-
erpool, owned by Lord Darlington"
she announced, soberly. her face and
lips white.
How came you anchored off the
government docks?"
BY special permission of the presi-
dente. We were towed into that berth
early last evening, after the Esmer-
aida had been hauled up against the
quay to ship armament and stores"
| drew a deep breath. clenching and
unclenching my hands.
Gould you tell me if it was known
to others that you contemplated
anchoring there"
She hesitated, her lips slightly apart,
one hand pressed against her tenn
Pile
1T is most important that I learn
the exact truth ] urged earnestly.
i ask from no idle curiosity"
1 am not generally consulted in
such matters, senior" she admitted
but | believe We had been waiting
several days for the opportunity to
take that position. This is as have
been told"
She seemed TO be awaiting my ex-
PLANTATION, striving to be courteous. vet
with her Impotence slightly evidenced
by the continual tapping OF her foot
on the rug. But was not vet
through with my questioning.
We're no officers left on board last
night"
Her gray eyes widencd
Certainly yes; the first officer and
the engineer We're in charge when re.
tired. The others, with the majority
OF the crew, had gone ashore at sun
down TO enjoy the fun. But why do
you ask, senior? Are these not on
board now"
Il regret being compelled TO answer
no. Only the engineer, three of the
harbor watch, and some Kanaka fire
men have been found. l have discov-
cred no trace of the first officer"
"Then-then he must have rowed
ashore with two of the mem" she ex-
claimed.
How CHANGED you to be left here
aIone?"
She hesitated. her hands clasped
on the chairback her bosom rising
and falling TREMENDOUSLY. Yet finally she
forced her lips TO reply, as though thus
seeking the quickest way of clarifying
the situation.
We were all invited to the palace
Of the presidente to listen to the
speeches and view the fireworks Lord
Darlington was greatly interested,
and most DESTROYS of attending. The
unfortunate scene which occurred at
the hotel early in the evening left
me, however, with so severe a head
ache that | begged to be allowed to re-
main here alone with Celeste At first
both Lord Darlington and mamma re
fused to depart without me. but when
the presidente dispatched his own
steam launch TO convey the party to
the wharf. they decided it would be
most disCouTteous not to attend Lord
DarlingtOn's membership in the house
of lords gives him a certain official
recognition abroad which he does not
care to have lapse. The yachts cap
tain accompanied them, and no dream
of evil Detailing those left behind ever
occurred to any one OF us. o senior.
tell me. what does it all mean What
has happened"
Il presume ! must explain" said,
resretfully, although it is not an
easy task by any means You will
have confidence in me, Miss Doris"
Il shall endeavor 10 do so. she re
turned, an increasing coldness in her
voice. But l am Lady Darlington"
Your pardon; | supposed you to be
that gentleman's daughter"
The color swept in a wave OF rich
crimson into her cheeks, the gray eyes
becoming darker
Nevertheless, senior, am Lord
Darlington's wife"
Even in that moment of embar
rassment and perplexity, when | was
scarcely less agitated than herself
this unexpected announcement of such
relationship came 10 me as a shock
Why it should, what difference 1t could
possibly make ! did not in the least
realize, yet | was instantly conscious
of the disappointment. OF deep regret.
The revelation. thus calmly. proudly
made. was so unexpected so destruc-
tive OF all my previous conceptions. as
TO seem an impossibility Could this
young, cleareyed woman be indeed
the wife of that grim. inactive, ancient
peer OF the realm?
You apparently question the truth
of my words" she remarked, coldly
observant
1T was only the natural surprise Of
moment, Lady Darlington"
fastened to apologize The thought
of your marriage had never before oc.
Cured to me"
. She looked directly into my eyes.
her own plainly indignant yet her
words strove to overcome the blunt
ness OF my speech.