Evening star., 1909-08-28

himself. in his own way. within the limits
OF the law-and that I will not be inter-
fered with or harried by policemen and go
forth while I'm engaged. Do l do any
harm to anybody? It's preposterous,"
II suppose you're mad. really" she said.
thoughtfully.
"Then let's be mad together for Just b
little WHILE he suggested. Come. now
you're finding this quite enjoyable?'
What will Willie be feeling-and thing
ing?" She gave a slight laugh "Oh, I'm
so glad mammals gone to bed" she added
the next instant.
.She is beginning to enjoy herself the
Duke decided.
You will take me back?'
The duke looked at his watch. You
shall be at the vicarage not later than
half-past TO-
''Oh, but that's very late"
Earlier If you wish-but in no case
later. After ALL Mrs. Hordern has gone TO
bed-and Capt. Anderson is probably very
busy
Angela looked at him; her eyes twinkled
a little-or maybe that was only an i'm
preston of the dukes
I've always heard that it's dangerous
to thwart mad people" she said.
The duke has been heard to remark that
this young lady, whom he entertained that
night in a manner which may be termed
purely fortutous. was one Of the most
agreeable companions whom it had ever
been his fortune to meet There can be
tile doubt that Miss Angela Hordern, in
her turn. felt the attraction which the
dukes good breeding and intellectual
alertness seldom failed to arouse.
Il should love a motor sighed Miss
Angela.
You're going to have one," said the
duke But we must have something to
eat first"
You talk as If you were prince in dis
guise," she laughed.
The duke laughed, too. rejecting that,
as a matter of strict formality. he was en-
titled to the style she mentioned. In view
of this fact he did not feel called upon ex-
pressly to deny her suggestion. There can
be little doubt that his silence, to which,
perhaps. she attributed too much signif-
canoe, enhanced the pleasure of her ride.
I'm to know you, then. only by that
very funny name?'
In an examination of her profile-for
which the light still sufficed-the duke had
grown distracted. What name?" he
murmured. vaguely.
THE one you told mamma-Devil. That's
not really your name?"
Not exactly" concurred the duke
Il should think not" laughed the lady.
Herself somewhat addicted to colloquial
expressions, she failed to understand with
what accuracy the duke had phrased his
reply.
Il shall think Of you as the Prince of
Darkness. said she. with the kindliest
glance.
II doubt whether much of this is not
wasted on chief constable" thought the
duke.
Five minutes later they stopped before
the dukes small house in lane adjoin-
ing the Heath.
Monsieur Alphonse. here is your oppor-
tunity. A nice little dinner in a quarter of
an hour for mademoiselle and myself
1t shall be SO, Monsieur le-''
Quick, quick!'' interrupted the duke.
Excuse me one moment. Frank, show
Miss Hordern in and see to her wants. 1
must have a word with Ferdinand"
Angela Hordern entered the little house
full of pleasurable anticipation. All was
ready for them: fresh flowers bloomed
everywhere; the Observer and the Referee
lay on the table. She turned to Frank IN
a sudden surprise
He meant to come here all the time?'
NO, madam But this is always kept
ready by his gr-by my masters orders
He must be very rich.
Il am given to understand that the reve-
nue. has decreased slightly of late" was
Franks answer. given with an admirable
carelessness.
That's all settled" said the duke. en-
tering the room with a cheerful air. I'm
right, Frank. in supposing that Sir Gerald
Standish Is still in the Bahamas
Yes, your" He caught the duke 5
eye, and dexterously ended-"quite right.
sir
"Then his car will do capitally," said the
duke You have no idea he continued.
TO Angela, how convenient it is to per-
suade two or three friends to allow one TO
register a car or two in their names-es-
pecially when they chance to be leaving
the country. l don't happen TO be aware
whether the practice is legal"
frank brought in an omelet.
Pray be seated" continued the du xe
This particular car will take you home
in forty five minutes. Ferdinand has gone
to bring It here-and a most trustworthy
man to drive YOU"
.But-but what am to do with them ?''
1.-The man will remove the number of
the car, and himself return by train
There isn't any train at this time of
nieht-or rather at the time 1t will be by
them
oh, yes, there'll be train. Ferdinand
won't forget that"
You mean-a special?"
Really" said the duke. with the slight
est air of having been questioned enough.
they have so many different names for
trains, that l don't cucumber my memory
with them. There will. however, be a
train. AS for the car What's this,
Frank?"s
Monsieur Alphonse offers his sincere
apologies. But the design. at least, is
novel The way the truffies are ar
ranged"
Miss Hordern will excuse our shortcom-
ings Where is the champagne?"
ION the Ice. your"
Yes yes. AS for the car, Miss Hordern.
l venture to hope that you will accept 1t
as a token Of my regret-and as a remi-
niscence of an evening which has turned
out not. hope. altogether unpleasantly %
"Oh, couldn't