The independent-reporter., 1909-12-30
CHAPTER Xxx.
THE CHARITY BALL.


@lHEY were not long In finding
out what had happened to
Saunders. After luncheon.
IL while Browne and the three
ladies were completing the prepara-
tons for the entertainment, Miss Pei
ham appeared before Deppingham and
Chase In the formers headquarters.
She had asked for an interview and
was accompanied by Mr.. Britt.
"Mr Saunders has deceived me. :"
she announced steadily. Il leave 1t
to you II his attentions have not been
most pronounced. OF course, If
wanted to, | could show you tran
script Of everything he has said to
me in the last couple OF months. He
didn't know II. but | managed to get
most everything down In shorthand.
l did It at the risk. too, your lordship,
of being considered cold and unrespon-
sive by him. It's most difficult to take
conversation without the free use of
your hands. must say. But I've pre-
served In my own black and white
every promise he made and
I'm afraid 1t won't be good eyi-
dence," volunteered her lawyer. ut
will have to be substantiated. my
dear"
please don't call me my dear Mr..
Britt. Never you mind about 1t not
being good evidence. Thomas Saun-
ders won't enjoy hearing 1t read in
court Just the same. What | want to
ask Of you. Lord Deppingham, as a
friend is to give Mr.. Britt your deposi-
ton regarding Mr.. Saunders attitude
toward me to the best of your knowl-
edge and belief. I'll take 1t verbatim
and put 1t into typewriting free of
charge. IL don't see anything to
laugh at, Mr.. Chaser she cried, flush
Ing painfully.
my dear girl" he said, controlling
himself ~ think you are misjutging
the magnitude of a lovers quarrel
Don't you think 1t is rather poor
time to talk breach Of promise with
the guns of an enemy ready to take a
pop at US at any momentT
Its no worse than charity ball,
1.
ity begins at home. gentlemen, and I'm
here to look out for myself. No one
else will, let me tell you that. | want
to get the deposition Of every person
In the chateau. They can be sworn
to be fore Mr.. Bowles, who is a magis.
trate, I'm told. He can marry people
and
by Jovep exclaimed Deppingham
suddenly. Can he? Upon my soull'
His manner changed as soon as tina,
horrid little wife of Selim came to the
chateau. l don't like the way she
makes eyes at him, and l told him SC
this morning down in the storerooms
My. but he few up! He said he'd be
- If he'd marry me-" She began
to use her handkerchief vigorously
The men smiled as they looked away.
IL intend to sue him for breach OF
promise" she said thickly.
els 1t as bad as all that?" asked
Deppingham consolingly.
what do you mean by bad as all
thatT He's kissed me time and again
but that's ALL"
"I'll send for Saunders" said Dep
bingham sternly.
Not while I'm here" she exclaimed.
Just as you like, Miss Pelham. I'll
send for you after we've talked 1t over
with Saunders. We can't afford a
scandal in the chateau. don't you
know"
mo, should think not" she said
pointedly. Then she looked at Chase
and winked. with a meaning nod at
the unobserving Deppingham. Chase
followed her into the hall.
"None of that, Miss Pelham" he said
severely.
Saunders came In a few minutes lat
er, nervous and uncomfortable.
you sent for me, my lord" he said
weakly.
"Sit down, Saunders. Your knees
seem to be troubling you. Miss Pei
ham is going to sue you for breach of
promise"
Good Lordr
"What have you promised herr"
'That | wouldn't marry her; that's
all, SIR" fioundered Saunders. "she's
got no right to presume. sir. Gentle
men always indulge In little affairs
nirtations. might say, sir. It's most
common. OF course | thought she'd
understand"
Don't you love her, SaundersT
"Oh, l say, my lord. that's rather a
pointed question. My word. II is sir.
There may have been bit of-er-
well. you know-between us, sir, but
that's all, that's quite all. absurdly
all, pom my soul"
Saunders" said Britt solemnly. II
am her attorney. Be careful what you
say In my presence"
Britt" said Saunders distinctly,
"you are q blooming traitor. You told
IT, a.