The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1910-04-06

alone. Mr.. Deviher' She grasped his
hand and clung to It tightly.
"An right, all right won't leave
you Wen go together and flnd some
one. See: II isn't raining nearly so
hard as II was. think the shower
must be almost over Shall we start
nowY'
The countess was quite ready There
was livery stable Just across from
the station. she said Fortunately
they found a night host.sr doing In
the Office. 1t was with difficulty. how.
ever. that he could be induced to har-
ness a pair of horses. His chief de
sire seemed to be to gaze at the drip
ping clothes OF Mr.. Devine.
The drive back to Hewington Acres
was silent and uneventful AS they
neared the house they saw that It was
brightly Illuminated Out through the
open front doors streamed broad
pathway of light across which figures
were moving. One Of these was Mr.
Hewington.
"Adelew he exclaimed. with much
dramatic fervor as he saw the count
ess and stretched out his arms to re-
promptly began to sob on his shoul
der
Next appeared the soggily clothed
Cherub with the suit case "Whewr
he exclaimed. throwing down the bag
Then. turning to the gaping butler.
"Eppings. see II you can find me
dry cigar and a match"
Mr.. Devine, what does this mean.
sir?" thundered Mr.. Hewington. 81
demand an explanation"
well, what do you want me to ex-
plain-that the rain is wetP returned
the Cherub
This is no time for levity. sir.
Adele. please go upstairs" Mr.. Hew-
ington strode toward Mr. Devine
threateningly.
II want you to explain your astound-
ing conduct, SIR" repeated Mr.. Hew.
ington.
Father. father" pleaded the count
ess. IN tell you all about it,
"Silence, Adele! Go to your room.
will deal with this Mr.. Devine."
Nov, don't you be in a hurry, Mr..
Hewington. and well clear this little
mystery in no time" said the Cherub.
Little mystery, sir!' The tall fig
ure of Mr.. Hewington stiffened with
anger What do you mean, sir?
wake up in the middle of the night to
discover that my daughter has ned.
arouse Eppings to learn that he left
you at II o'clock waiting for her in the
library. | find the window open
discover that you are both gone. And
now. at this hour in the morning. you
come back in public carriage. You
are wretch. Mr.. Devine, a scheming.
villainous''-
stop. father, stop! This is too alb
surd," The Countess Vecchi had step
ped between the two men. 1T was all
my fault. | was running away. and
Mr.. Devine tried to stop me, and when
| wouldn't be stopped he went with
me and carried the bag. Then il rain
ed, and he got wet. He is splendid.
splendid, and he is very wet"
Sure. he is wet" assented Mrs.
Timmins solemnly.
In dazed manner Mr.. Hewington
inspected once more the obviously
damp condition of Mr.. Devines raj
ment.
''Yes, yes. Adele. suppose it is ali
right, but It is not yet clear in my
mind"
The Cherub was not inclined to con
unue the dialogue. "Oh. Wen straight.
en- that all out in the morning. Mr..
Hewington."
A moment later the chimes of a
French clock announced the hour of 3.
Three O'clock! exclaimed the Cher
ub, Il don't believe you'll catch that
7:30 train, will you, countess?"
She had started up the stairs. but
she turned TO smile and shake her
mead. 1t was friendly smile.