, 1909-05-13

but | believe we had been waiting
~sveral days for the opportunity to
take that position. This is as l have
been told"
She seemed to be awaiting my ex-
r~lanation, striving to be courteous, yet
til her Impotence slightly evidenced
the continual tapping of her foot
a the rug. But | was not yet
trough with my questioning.
Were no officers left on board last
night?"
Her gray eyes widened.
Certainly yes: the first officer and
= = engineer we're in charge when re-
I.,ed. The others, with the majority
ct the crew, had gone ashore at sun
down to enjoy the fun. But why a.
WI ask. senior? Are these not on
nutrd now?"
Il regret being compelled to answer
no. Only the engineer, three OF the
uu'bor watch. and some kanaka nre-
la,n have been found. / have G-scoN-
cred no trace of the first officer.
Then-then he must have rowed
aa! ore with two of the mem" she ex-
O. med.
How CHANGED you to be left here
aIrle?"
he hesitated, her hands clasped
o. the chairback, her bosom rising
. falling TREMENDOUSLY. Yet finally she
50 I'd her lips to reply, as though thus
see ling the quickest way of clarifying
TIE situation.
Ne were all invited to the palace
o the presidente. 10 listen to the
So, ,ches and view the fireworks. LORD
10 ington was greatly Interested
.rq most DESTROYS of attending. The
fortunate scene which occurred at
he hotel early in the evening lett
ne. however, with SO severe a head
Gre that | begged to be allowed to re-
Uas,n here alone with Celeste. At first
bUth Lord Darlington and m re-
used to depart without me, but when
the presidents dispatched his own
stem launch to convey the party to
the wharf. they decided it would be
most diScourteous not to attend. LORD
Oar ington's membership in the house
Il lords gives him a certain official
ieCt Enition abroad which he does not
,are to have lapse. The yachts cap
tain accompanied them, and no dream
OF evil Detailing those left behind ever
occurred to any II of us. o senior.
tel lIc what does it all mean? What
has happened?"
4 presume | must explain" ] said,
fully, although it is not an
easy task by any means. You will
have confidence in me. Miss Doris? ."
&c ,ln1I A-Jo,,,or e., IL, 90 - che go
'urned, an increasing GOODNESS in her
ice. But | am Lady Darlington"
Your pardon; supposed you to he
tina ~gentleman's daughter"
Tie color swept in a wave of rich
erin son into her cheeks, the gray eyes
becoming darker.
nevertheless, senior, l am Lord
D~erlington's Wife"
Even in hat moment of embar.
rasslnent and perplexity, when l was
scarcely less agitated than herself,
this unexpected of such
a relationship came to me as a shock.
Why it should, what difference it could
possibly make, l 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
10 an impossibility. Could this
young, clear-eyed 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.
at was only the natural surprise of
a 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
wcr"s strove to overcome the blunt.
ness of my speech.
Il do not feel, senior, hat there
tam be any necessity for DISCUSSING
my private affairs with you at present
!'Iclsh that | am Lady Darlington,
ana mat / have patiently answered the
.'aer impudent questions you have
seen ft to ask. Now, Senior Estevan.
Kindly enlighten me as to the cause
ct Your intrusion into this apartment.
sad your presence on board the
T."
r tone had changed TO imperious.
rms was plainly a command,
back of the fair face fronting
/ read strength of character ana
}ld insistence long accustomed IN
ol 1t was not fear but disdain
darkened her gray eyes. Her
a ner begged nothing-it pictured
i"ant command, the attitude of
who addresses a servant, expect
e. Implicit obedience.
ady Darlington" | began. stand.
m directly before her, and revertine
TO he use OF English, so as to he
IN of making my meaning suft.
.ly clear, whatever explanation |
- : -nlLD G-IaaI L.