Evening star., 1909-04-25

interested in her. Can you tell me how l can
find out more of her history"
Some of the villagers may help" said Miss
Wragg. Shall we make inquiries? 1t IS
marvellous how one comes across things in the
most unlikely quarters"
Vavasour, whose stroll with pretty actress
had resolved itself into depressing quest into
the records of the local cemetery looked at his
watch. Times up" he announced firmly.
1.-The luncheon gong will go in a minute or two
-eh WHAT"
GO Millicent returned to the hotel. and when
- she entered the dining room she saw Helen
and Spenser sitting with the de la Veres. Edith
de la We're stared at her in particularly lrritat
ing way Cynical contempt bored amuse-
ment, a quizzical surprise that such a
vulgar person could be SO well dressed, were
carried by wireless telegraphy from the
woman to the other Millicent countered with
a studied indifference. She gave her whole
attention to the efforts of the head waiter to
find seat to her liking .h he cot offered se1f her the
she selected that which turned her back on
Helen and her friends.
She had just taken her place, when Bower
came in. He stopped near the door, and spoke
to an under manager but his glance swept the
crowded room Spenser and Helen happened
to be almost facing him, and the girl was listen
ing with smile to something the American was
saying But there was conscious shyness IN
her eyes, touch of color on her sun Drowned
face that revealed more than she would have
imagined.
Bower, who looked i'll and old, hesitated
perceptibly. Then he seemed to reach some
decision. He walked to Helen's side and bent
over her with courteous solic1tude hope
She started. She absorbed in Spen-
ser's talk, which dealt with nothing more note
worthy than the excursion down the Vale OF
Brepaglia which he secretly hoped would be
Al--x - L, ~1>e Don
approach.
Forgiven. Mr. Bower2 For what7" she
asked blushing now for no assignable reason.
For yesterdays fright and its sequel.
But l enjoyed it thoroughly. Please don't
think am only fair weather mountalneer.
mo | am not likely to commit that mis-
take 1t was feminine spite, not elemental,
that fancied might have troubled you Now
l am going to face the enemy alone. Pity me,
and please drink to my success.
He favored Spenser and the de la Veres with
a comprehensive nod, and turned away. well
satisfied that he had claimed condition of
confidence of mutual trust, between Helen
and himself
MILLICENT was reading the menu when
AvA she heard Bowers voice at her shoulder
Good morning. Millicent,' he said Shall
declare truce! May eat at your tablef
That at least. will be original. Picture the
amazement of the mob, if the lion and the
lamb split small bottle
He was bold; but chance had fenced her
with triple brass Il really don't feel inclined
to forgive you, she said, with quite forglvlng
smile
He sat down The two were watched with
discreet stupefaction by many.
Never give rein to your emotions, Milllcent.
You did so last night. and blundered badly in
consequence Artifce is the truest art, you
know Let us, then. be unreal, and act as
though we were the dearest friends :
I'VE are. l imagine Self interest should
keep us solid.
Bower affected momentary absorption in
the wine list. He gave his order, and the
waiter left them.
Now, want you to be good" he said
" Put your cards on the table, and will do the
same Let us discuss matters without pref
udice, as the lawyers say. And, in the first
instance. tell me exactly what you imply by
the statement that Mr. Charles K Spenser. of
Denver. Colorado as he appears in the hotel
register is responsible for Helen Wynton $
presence here to-day"
To be continued next Sunday.