Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-18

head at once. Whatever happens. they
must not be allowed to leave London to-
gether. Good night. Mr.. Hannaway."
The marquis had touched the bell and
servant was waiting to show his guest
out. Hannaway made his adieu and left.
wholly unable to realize the success Of
his mission. The marchioness had given
him her fingers and a very gracious
smile. Lord Ellingham had hidden him
goodnight with the utmost goodwill.
There was not sign of tragedy in either
of their faces. And less than a mile
away Jacques Leblun was already crouch
ing for the spring.
Christine. almost invisible beneath a
heavy black travelling veil. came hurried
ly along the platform. followed by her
maid. In front of the open carriage
turbed: yet underneath his darkened face
some other part of the man seemed sud-
denly on fire. He had lost that look of
tender humility which had always shone
in his eyes as he followed her every
movement. He had struck his great
blow. Was it for this he had been wait
ing, he-wondered. through all the years?
She was coming back to him. and yet in
his heart he knew very we'll that it was
all a mirage, an apple of Sodom to his
eager hand. She was coming because he
had worked upon her fears but she was
coming with a new loathing in her heart
for him. He knew very well that the
barriers over which he had sometimes
the skies.
He stepped forward to meet her. but
at that moment Lord Ellingham, who
had just issued from the booking Office,
interviewed. He laid his hand upon Chris
tines shoulder
My dear Christine." he said, reproach-
fully.
She shrank back. as though terrified at
his touch. Ambrose stood quite still
The lightning shot from his eyes. Lord
Dillingham;. who had no notion of making
scene. glanced carelessly around and
nodded to Ambrose.
MY dear Christine he continued
this little excursion of yours cannot he
allowed to take place. Mr.. Drake will
excuse me. / am sure he continued
turning toward Ambrose. IF | point out
to him its impossibilty.'
She clutched at his arm. You don't
understand she murmured Don't
make him angry
Ellingham answered, indulgenty. He
is going to little wizened-faced man
named Jacques LebluD and he is going
to tell him all about me if you do not
go. That is also foolish. / have hurried
down here-excuse my reminding you of
il, but / hate to breakfast before 10
o'clock--on purpose to assure you that
Mr.. jacques Leblun already knows every
thing that your friend could tell him.
lis that true?" she whispered.
absolutely Lord Ellngham an
swered. your friend can carry out his
amiable intentions without a moments
delay, and he will yet find himself too
late. He knows nothing about me that
is not already known to Leblun. On the
other hand" the marquis continued. turn
ing to Ambrose. there is a little matter
of four million francs"
Not mine." Ambrose gasped. Not
for me. For years 1 have starved rather
than touch one penny of that money. It
is in her name. l am only her guardian.
1t is there waiting for her.
Il do not doubt your amiable inten-
tions, Lord Ellingham said. smoothly.
but you must not imagine for moment
that l could allow my stepdaughter to
profit by them. / have made many mis-
takes in trying to keep secret from my
wife, from the world. from every one,
events of which ! have every reason to
feel ashamed. That is over. / am going
to take Christine back to my house, and
of mind l shall be glad to and talk
with you. for. after all, Christine is very
much in your debt"
The guard came hurrying up. Take
your seats. please he ordered.
You, perhaps Lord Ellingham con-
tinued, may think ii worth while to con-
tinue your journey. The carriage is wait
ing outside for you, Christine"
He turned away, with his arm drawn
slightly through Christine's- There SEEM
ed to be nothing at all unusual in the
little scene. Even Ambrose spoke no
word in protest.
Take those things out, he oroered the
porter. Il shall go by the next train
Christine and Lord Ellingham passed
out i'm silence to the carriage which was
waiting.