Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-24
CHAPTER VII.

Mr.. Gilbert Hannaway was on the
point Of cutting in for a rubber of bridge
at his favorite club when a paragraph
in the evening paper through which he
had been glancing attracted his atten-
ton. He read it through carefully.
1--WE regret to state that, owing to sud-
den indisposition. the Marquis of Filing
ham has been ordered by his medical ad-
wiser to proceed at once to the south OF
France. The announcement will be re-
ceived with very great regret throughout
all classes Of the community. especially
as just at the present time his lordships
work In the cabinet is of great impor-
lance. We understand that his duties
will be temporarily filled by the Right
Hon. Meredith Jones'"
Hannaway excused himself from the
projected game. He remained a few min
ances, and then left the club. In less
than a quarter of an hour a hanson de-
posted him at the door of No. II Caten-
dish square.
The butler was at first .obdurate. His
lordship would see no oney He was leav-
ing for abroad early in the morning and
his instructions were absolute. Hanna
way. however, was possessed of an i'm
presS1ve manner, and he succeeded so
far as to be shown into a small room to
tary. The latter, who was in very bad
temper, however, was not in the least in
clined to afford opportunities for any
more strangers to interview his master.
Il do not know you. Mr.. Hannaway."
he said, land my chief has been ordered
to take absolute and complete rest. He
cannot give personal attention to any
matter Of business, and social calls just
now are out of the question. 1 am sorry,
therefore, that I cannot help you
hall fox &c
Hannaway answered, land. incidentally,
you can also help the marquis, Of whose
indisposition / was very sorry to hear.
Tell him that the person who telephoned
him last night from the Altoona Hotel is
anxious to have a few minutes converse
ton with him.
The secretary's manner changed. With
obvious reluctance he turned to leave the
room. II will give him your message
he said. CURLY. You may wait here
The marquis had dined tete-a-tete with
his wife. She was very beautiful
woman. and very much in demand in the
social world, Of which she was one Of the
principal adornments. Tonight. however.
she had cancelled all her engagements.
In face of the statement which was ap-
pearing in all the evening papers her
presence at any social function was
scarcely to be expected. Apart from this.
she had an immense curiosity as to the
cause of her husbands sudden departure
ner, and were taking their coffee in the
smaller library. where the marquis was
accustomed to receive private visitors.
The marchiOness, who had had a IA
sofa, watching her husband through half
closed eyes.
You certainly. my dear Francis" she
remarked, do look a little l;,.a and
drawn. At the same time, should Sc ttce-
ly have thought that there was anything
n health N
departure necessary
Her husband shrugged his shoulders.
My dear Margaret he said, appear
ances are sometimes deceptive. l have
been feeling absolutely run down for
some time. To tell you the truth, 1 am
in a very delicate position politically just
now. I am absolutely opposed to our
chief on several important matters. l
have no following and I am not disposed
to give in altogether"
$50 1t is a political trouble, is it," she
asked.
II do not wish you to understand that"
he answered, taking cigarette from a
cedar-wood box upon the table and care
fully lighting it. AT the same time, If
matters in the cabinet were different
might perhaps have made more ener-
getic struggle against my indisposition.
Frankly, l think that l shall do myself
no harm whatever If 1 am away during
the next few months. 1t will obviate
my acquiescence in a certain policy which
/ feel sure, sooner or later, will turn out
to be DISASTROUS
AThe marchioness was distinctly inter-
sted. Yet she said, you leave the
conduct of affairs in the hands Of
man whose policy is, I believe. very diff
ferent from yours. Isn't Meredith Jones
one Of those who go through life SILVER
ing through fear of the Germans?'
Meredith Jones, at any rate" he an
swered, represents the popular feeling
In the cabinet. I am almost alone in my
views, except, as you perhaps know for
some very powerful influence outside the
cabinet. Single-handed I could do moth
ing. II remained I should have to
carry out another mans views. No!
am well content to be away for a short
time Apart from which," he added, with
little sigh. Il am really feeling shock
ingly seedy."
'You won't expect me out until after
Christmas. I suppose?" she asked
Certainly not" he answered. you
can come just when 1t is convenient. In
fact, although / have wired to have the
villa got ready. ! shall probably wander
about for some time and try to find a
quiet spot along the Italian Riviera. i
shall have plenty to occupy my thoughts.
There are some papers / have been WANT
ing to write for the reviews"
The marchiOness looked for a moment
or two thoughtfully into the fire. She
was not in the least satisfied with her
husbands explanation.
MY dear Francis" she said, presently
'.but for the fact that I interviewed Sir
Frederick myself, and know that he dare
not tell me downright lie. should come