The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1910-09-15

land put into Gibraltar for coal and
fresh provisions. coal being cheaper
there than in French and Italian
ports, and he thought 1t very probable
that the Erinna would do the same;
he also made some deductions which
need not be explained yet. The csly
one worth mentioning here was tina.
Logotheti would be likely to hear IN
Gibraltar that the ruby had been
found and was on its way back to
England, and that as he would know
that Margaret would be anxious about
it, since he had already given 1t to
her, he would hardly let the occasion
of communicating with her go by. AS
for writing from Gibraltar to any
place whatsoever In the hope that a
letter will arrive In less than a week,
It is sheer folly. Mr.. Van Torp had
never tried 1t, and supposed 1t pos
sible, as II looks, but he was tolerably
sure that Logothet would telegraph
first, and had perhaps done so al.
ready, for the news OF his passing
Cape Saint Vincent was already "a
hours old.
This was precisely what had hap
pened. When Mr.. Van Torp opened
his door, he came upon Margaret and
Mrs. Rushmore on the landing. on the
point of going out for a walk. and
servant had just brought the prima
donna a telegram which she was read
ing aloud, so that the American could
not help hearing her.
Cruising till wanted" she read
quickly. RUBY found. Address,
yacht Erinna, Naples"
She heard Van Torp close his door,
though she had not heard him open II,
and turning round she found herself
face to face with him. Her eyes were
sparkling with anger.
Very sorry" he said. Il couldn't
help hearing"
Its of no consequence. for I should
have told you" Margaret answered
briefly.
He argued we'll for himself from her
tone and manner, but he chose to
show that he would not force his COM
pany upon her Just then, when she
was in visible rage, and instead Of
stopping to exchange more words he
passed the two ladies hat in hand, and
bowling rather low, after his manner,
he went quietly downstairs.
Margaret watched him till he disap-
peared
II like that man." she said. as II to
to herself, but audibly. II cannot
help it,"
Mrs. Rushmore was more than de-
lighted. but had tact enough not to
make any answer to a speech which
had probably not been meant for her
ears.
Perhaps" she said, you would
rather not go out Just yet, my dear"
Margaret was grateful for the sug-
gestion, and they turned back into
their rooms.
Meanwhile Van Torp had reached
the door of the hotel. and found Lady
Maud standing there with her parasol
up. for the sun was streaming in.
Il was waiting for you" she said
simply, as soon as he reached her
side, and she stepped out into the
street. II thought you would come
down, and l wanted to speak to you.
for did not get a chance last night.
They we're both watching me. prob
ably because they thought l was I'll.
and had to chatter like a magpis to
keep up appearances"
You did It very WELL" Van Torp
said. IF I had not seen your face
at the window when | got out of the
automobile yesterday shouldn't have
guessed there was anything wrong
But there is-something very
wrong-something l can hardly bear
to think of, though | must, until I
know the truth"
They turned into the first deserted
street they came to.
Il dare say I can give a guess at
what it is" Van Torp answered grave
ly. Il went to see him alone yester.
day on purpose. before he started, and
l must say. If it wasn't for the beard
I'd feel pretty sure"
"He had beard when I married
him, and 1t was like that-just like
that"
Lady Maud's voice shook audibly
for she felt cold, even in the sun.
shine.
II didn't know" Van Torp answered
That alters the case. II we're not
mistaken, what can do to help you?
Let's see. You only had that one
look at him, through the window, is
that so?"
Eyes. But the window was open,
and it's not high above the ground
and my eyes are good. He took of
his hat when he said good-by to you.
and | saw his face as distinctly as
see yours. When you've been mar.
ried to man"-she laughed harshly
you cannot be easily mistaken
about him, when you're as near as
that! That is the man / married. I'm