The state herald., 1910-02-18
SH II DINA'S RIJBYN

land put into Gibraltar for coal and
fresh provisions, coal being cheaper
there than in French and Italian
ports, and he thought it very probable
that the Erinna would do the same;
he also made some deductions which
need not be explained yet. The only
one worth mentioning here was that
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
1t, since he had already given it 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 week,
1t is sheer folly. Mr.. Van Torp had
never tried it, and supposed it pos
sible, MS 1t looks, but he was tolerably
sure that Logotheti 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 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 it,
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 well 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 II 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
Il like that man. she said. as II to
to herself, but awlibly. Il cannot
help IT,"
Mrs. Rushmore was more than de
| lighted, but had tact enough not to
make any answer to n speech which
had probably not been meant for hex
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.
81 was waiting for you" she said
simply. as soon as he reached her
! side. and she stepped out into the
I street Il thought you would come
down. and wanted to speak to you
for did not get chance last night
They were both watching me. prob
ably because they thought ! was H.
and had to chatter like magpie to
keep up appearances"
you did 1t very WELL" Van TORI
said. III had not seen your face
at the window. when got out of the
automobile yesterday l shouldn't have
guessed there was anything wrong
But there is-something very
wrong-something I can hardly bear
to think Of though must, until
know the truth"
They turned into the first deserted
street they came to.
~ dare say ! can give n guess n,
what II is" Van Torp answered grave
ly. Il went to see him alone yester.
day on purpose. before he started, and
! must say. II II wasn't for the beard
I'D feel pretty sure"
ti' hhu NHtu u Iuuffltu
him. and 1t was like that-just like
I 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 ease. II we're no,
mistaken. what can do to help you
Lots see. You only had that one
look at him, through the window, is
that so!"
Yes. But the window was open.
and It's not high above the ground,
and my eyes are good, He took on
his hat when ho said good.by to you.
and ! saw hiA face as distinctly M
see Youra. When you've been mar.
rlcd to n mnn'-sho laughed hnfuhiy
you cannot be easily mistaken