Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-08-08

upon me at my rooms. did Myra eX
press wish to see me-"
She has done so on several occasions
lately. Only a week ago she said she
wished she knew where you were I
think. indeed. she sent a letter to your
club in London"
Then I must run over and see her-if
only for an hour or So, l said.
You'll excuse me while l go and
change. won't you?" cried the girl. mer-
rily, and then disappeared.
l looked out of the open French win
dows upon the level stretch of lawn, the
Enthusiastically cut, old yews and the high
box hedges. with the beautiful rosary
beyond. Though autumn. the day was
warm and sunny. and the peace of it all
impressed me after the storm and stress
of the GREATNESS days through which I
had just passed.
Mrs. Maynard was questioning me
upon my journey east, when suddenly she
remarked:
Il really don't know what has come to
Myra. She looks so pale and .haggard.
Only the other day l was remarking to
Elfrida that / feared she was going into
rapid decline She used to be such
bright, active, athletic girl.
/ was silent for a moment Well
knew the truth. alas! But l merely re-
marked that the air of Yorkshire might
not suit her.
But it's her native air. she protested
She's Yorkshire born and bred
Therefore | withdrew my theory rather
ANONYMOUSLY.
Presently my divinity returned, dressed
in short dark blue skirt and blouse of
cream silk, while on her head dark blue
beret was saucily set She looked the
picture of feminine daintiness
Later on she and | strOlled forth to-
gether into the old world garden. wan
dering up and down the well-kept grav-
eled walks. and past the gray, lichen-
covered sundial at the farther end of the
lawn.
At length. when we were quite alone,
at the farther end of the garden. and
out of the observation of any one in the
house. l suddenly turned, to her and
said. rather abruptly fear:
DO you reco1ect our confidential chat
in London. Miss Maynard Well, | have
come here today regarding it-or rather
concerning the position of Garshore.'
please don't mention that mans name
again. Mr.. Ralston.' she protested in an
instant growing serious.
But l am working strenuously in or
der to give you your freedom l said
looking into her beautiful eyes and try
ing TO read the great mystery there con-
ceaed.
That l fear YOU can never obi ain for
me. she answered in low voice of sor-
row.
You were present a that house in
Radcliffe Gardens on the night of the
tragedy 1 said slowly. And Granny
Cough was there also. Why he
there"
We had halted beneath a big cedar. and
were out of sight from the house.
He is my friend. Mr.. 42alston. as he
is yours but-but we went there armed"
she faltered. EARNED in order to commit
murder
ITO kill that woman?" I gasped.
NO: to kill Garshore-or rather. | sup
pose, TO defend himself from attack"
was Garshore present."
NO"
|, Are you quite certain of that-certain
that he was not the assassin l de-
manded. amazed at this reply.
HE was not present. tell YOU there
fore. he could not have killed her."
who actually did kill hero
~ don't KNOW she faltered. THE
by whom?
"By Garshore-and by me-
Then Coughs guilt is alleged by Gar
shore"' I cried quickly; which points
most strongly to the fact that he him
self is guilty.. I added.
How could he be guilty If he was not
present." she queried.
But surely Granny and yourself are
Coughs motives in visiting the house
on that evening: Therefore, there re-
mains Garshore.
.'Who was in another part of London
perhaps very fortunately for himself
with that woman Popescu.
"Then it was not the fair Rumanian
who died. / cried. excited at having
established at least one fact.
NO. 1t was the maid. Marie Lebas.
Then why was she dressed in gown
of her mistress'?" l demanded.
II cannot tell. That's mystery. I. of
course, believed her to be Lydia Popescu.
until a moment before the tragic affair.
But what caused you to go to that
woman?" I demanded. in the same breath
apologizing for my abrupt cross-examna-
ton.
II was induced to go therein secret"
she answered. lowering her gaze.
Induced? BY whom?"
She was silent for moment.
by Mr.. Cough she admitted in
hoarse whisper.
Why
But though l repeated my question
many times, she refused to respond. Her
eyes were downcast, her countenance
white as death.
- loved her with my-whole Sheaxt.s and