The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-08-02
(Continued.)


 with you. I little thought then that I should meet with partner in your famous firm under such circum- stances
 .aThe world is small" said Ricordo ouietly. For the last year l have taken but little active part in affairs; and I have come to England because of personal matters"
 And I am delighted to see you, signore-delighted. More than that, I cannot consent for you to leave Vale Linden soon. I hope you will come up to my house, Signor Ricor- do. I am now man of leisure, and shall look forward to seeing much of YOU. Olive, do you know that the great company of which Signor Ri- cordo is a partner is we'll known to me? It is very fortunate you met him yesterday. Yes, signore, I can take no refusal. I must insist on your coming up to Vale Linden to- night. for a smoke and a chat.' For a moment there was look almost like anxiety in the strangers eyes, but he spoke in his quiet, easy way
 'I feel greatly honored," he said; but we in the East have many what you call conventions. Before I enter into the delights of your house, I must prove that I am. what my card indicates"
 "Oh, nonsense, nonsense" said John Castlemaine heartily. "No one could carry such papers as you carry with out
 Excuse me, MT. Castlemaine, if l persist" said the stranger. "1f not to satisfy you, to satisfy myself" He drew a small piece of peculiar parch- ment from his case, and handed 1t to John Castlemaine. My people al- ways desire it, when we come into contact with the heads of great houses" he added.
 MT. Castlemaine took the parch- ment almost reverently and read that Abdul Ricordo was a responsible partner of the firm of Tripoli, Fozzan and Mourzouck, and the document was sYened py the firm.
 "Of course I do not need this, sig nore,' said John Castlemaine: "nev- ertheless, I thank you for letting me see this. 1t shows me the methods of your firm and from that stand point alone this document is exceed ingly interesting"
 He turned again to his daughter.
 will you not help me to persuade Signor Ricordo to walk up to the house with us, Oliver" he said. 'It is quite early yet, and, wonder of wonders, we have no guests at pres ent."
 Ricordo turned to Olive, who ex- pressed her delight at the thought of his accompanying them.
 Then I can do no other than gratefully. accept" said Ricordo; but I am afraid I am monopolizing your company, Signor Castlemaine.'
 He turned aside as he spoke, and made room for Purvis and Sprague, who had evidently been waiting for a chance to speak to them.
 T could not help making the most of the opportunity which you have af- forded." said Sprague. 'I am afraid The Homestead was not meant for such as Purvis and myself; but you will forgive me, won't you?"
 There was marked restraint in John Castlemaine's welcome Of the two men, still he greeted them civil ly. Perhaps he had partly forgotten the part they took in the painful drama of years before. As for Olive, she was evidently undecided what to do. She ended, however, by speak ing civilly to them both, but did not seem at all pleased that they should come and speak to her.
 "I see you know my late opponent on the golf links,'' said Sprague, turn ing to Ricordo.
 We have met tonight for the first eime, % said MT. Castlemaine, turning towards the stranger, and as he turn ed he saw look in his eyes that made him feel uncomfortable. There was such a sinister expression on Ri- cordo's face, that he wondered if he had done right in asking him, in spite Of his unquestionable credentials, to his house. For this reason he was almost glad that Sprague and Purvis were there. He had known them we'll years before, and although ht had no pleasure In recalling the past, he felt that he might seem churlish, and uncivil, if he did not extend his invitation to them. Acting on the impulse of the moment, therefore, a king which was very rare with him, he asked them both to, walk up to the house.
 ''Signor Ricordo is coming up," he said; you might as well join him if you care, and then you can all walk back together"
 Delighted, I am sure,' said sprague; but Purvis pleaded a head ache. and declared that he would be euch a dull companion that he would