The state herald., 1910-02-25

|
full attempt to divorce her on that
ground. too, and he knew the mum.
ber of her house In Charles street.
Berkeley square.
On the other hand, there were
many things OF when ne anew nv..-
ing, or pretended TO he ignorant. such
as the names of her brothers and sis
ters, her fathers fayorite pursuits
and the like. But she understood ve,y
well that il he thought she suspected
his identity under the disguise of his
beard, and If he wished to avoid re-
cognition, he was Just the man to pre-.
tend blank ignorance of some vital
matters, after admitting his acquaint-
ance with many others He had been
very intimate with Leven, to the last.
he said; Leven had always written
to him very fully about his life. very
wittily sometimes. but always without
balance! That was It. he had no bal
ance." Yes, he himself had been in
Petersburg when Leven was killed
and had seen him on the previous
day. Within week he had made n
rapid trip to New York, whence he
had now Just returned lie had
crossed on five-day boats both going
and coming. and he named them.
| Il am naturally interested in meet
ing any one who knew my husband 40
WELL" Lady Maud said, making a bold
dash at a possibility. I'VE had many
differences, as you seem to know. but
/ dare say that IL he could come back
to life and know the real truth. We
should forgive each other"
She looked up TO him with gentle
smile as she said this. for she had
often felt 1t; and In that instant
flash OF light came into his usually
rather uncertain eyes. Her heart stood
still; she looked at the sea again di-
rectly. for she was leaning against the
rail. then she drew breath, as II IRON
an effort. She had seen a look that
could only mean recognition. Levea
was alive and was standing beside
her. But she had the courage 10 70
on talking, after moment. and she
tried to change the subject. though
not very adroitly.
During the afternoon MIR. Van Torp
had a revelation. sudden and clear,
for he had watched Lady Maud and
Krallnsky all day and had thought
about them good deal, considering
how his mind was occupied with other
matters even nearer to his heart than
his best friends welfare As soon au
the revelation came upon him b. rang
for his own man.
"Stemp. see hcre," he began.
You've valeted around with all sorts
of different looking men. How long
does II take to grow q beard like
Count Kralinsky'sf"
"A year, sir. Not day less. and
longer with most gentlemen. II you
were thinking of II. sir"
You don't believe IL could be man
aged In three months, by taking an
expert around with you to work on
your face?"
That's out OF the question, sir.
Gentlemen's boards that have shaved
all their lives. as suppose you have,
sir. do grow faster. but should con
slider a year a short time for such a
fine one ms the counts. Indeed ]
| should, sir.
DO you suppose you could stick ~
on fresh every day. the way they do
for the stage?"
Not so that II wouldn't ,how In
broad daylight. sir"
We'll. that's all. I wasn't exactly
thinking OF trying beard ! was only
thinking--Just like that. What rang
for was cap. Got any more like thisf
You see I've managed to get q spot
OF Ink on this one. Had II on tho
table when ! was writing. | suppose.
That's the worst OF white caps. they
spot so"
A little later. Mr. Van Torp wns
looking out for chance TO spenk
alone with Lady Maud. and as soon
as he found his opportunity he told
her what Stemp had said. Strangely
enough. II had never occurred 10 him
that such n remarkable beard NJ Krn.
llnsky's must have taken q long limo
to grow. and that Lcyon, who hni
none. had not left London more than
three months ago. lilo watched tho
effect OF this statement on his friends
face. but 10 his surprise she remained
grave and sad.
81 cannot help H." sbo said in
tone OF conviction. "flo murt bs
Loycn, whatever stcmp tells yon about
his beard"
Well then MS n false beard. md
will come on" observed Mr. Van
Torp, with nt least equal gravity.
stomp says that's impoAalbln. bus hs
must be wrong, unless you are
IT'S real" Lady Maud said and
he IN my husband, Nv. talked to him
all day and he knows things Abou,
my life that no one else could. and ID
there nre others about which be- is
vague. that must be- bccaufo he Ia
pretending. and does not want 10
show that he knows everything
Van Torp shook his head. but 70
manned unrouNine.ds lady Mad afg