Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1910-03-12
CHAPTER ViII.-Continued.


She bent her head slightly.
What vessel is this?"
1.-THE steam yacht Sea Queen OF Iiv-
erptol, owned by Lord Darlington.
she Announced, soberly her face and
lips,'Ihite.
How came you anchored off the
government docks?"
by special permission OF the presi-
dente We were towed into that berth
early last evening, after the Esmer-
aida had been hauled up against the
luay to ship armament and stores.
/ drew a deep breath.
Gould you tell me if it was known
to others that you contemplated
anchoring there?"
She hesitated, her lips slightly apart,
one hand pressed against her tenn
pie.
1T is most important that l learn
the exact TRUTH" l urged, earnestly.
81 ask from no idle curiosity"
II am not generally consulted in
such matters, senor," she admitted,
"but | believe we had been waiting
several days for the opportunity to
take that position. This is as have
been told"
She seemed to be awaiting my ex-
PLANTATION, striving to be courteous, yet
with her impotence slightly evidenced
by he continual tapping OF her foot
onVhe rug. But l was not yet
thro%gh with my questioning.
"Were no officers left on board last
night"
Her gray eyes w,dened.
Certainly yes; the first officer and
the engineer were in charge when re-
tired. The others, with the majority
of the crew, had gone ashore at sun
down to enjoy the fun. But why DO
you ask, senior? Are these not on
board now?"
II regret being compelled to answer
no. Only the engineer, three OF the
harbor watch, and some Kanaka lire
men have been found. I have discoy
cred no trace of the first officer"
"Then-then he must have rowec
ashore with two of the men!" she ex
claimed.
How CHANGED you to be left here
alone?"
She hesitated, her hands claspet
on the chairback. her bosom rising
and falling TREMENDOUSLY. Yet finally sh'
forced her lips to reply, as though thu
seeking the quickest way of clarifyin!
the situation.
Eve were all invited to the palac
off, the presidente, to listen to tn
spfeches and view the fireworks. Lor
Darlington was greatly interested
and most DESTROYS of attending. Tn
unfortunate scene which occurred a
the hotel early in the evening lei
me. however, with so severe hea6
ache that begged to be allowed to rt
main here alone with Celeste. At frs
both Lord Darlington and mamma RI
fused to depart without me, but whe
the presidents dispatched his owl
steam launch to convey the party
Ge wharf, they decided it would b
most discourteous not to attend. Lor
Darlington's membership in the hous
of lords gives him a certain offici;
recognition abroad which he does M
care to have lapse. The yachts ca
tain accompanied them, and no dreal
OF evil Detailing those left behind eve
occurred to any one of us. o seno
tell me, what does 1t all mean? VIII;
has happened?"
Il presume l must explain" l sal
regretfully, although it Is not a
easy task by any means. You VI
have confidence in me, Miss Doris 2"
81 shall endeavor to do So" she +
toned, an increasing GOODNESS in h
ytlte. But ! am Lady Darlington"
"Your pardon; supposed you to
that gentleman's daughter"
The color swept in a wave OF ri'
crimson into her cheeks, the gray ey
becoming darker.
Nevertheless, senior, / am Lo
Darlington's wife"
Even in that moment OF embs
rassment and perplexity, when l W
scarcely less agitated than herse
this unexpected announcement of SUI
a relationship came to me as shoe
Why 1t should, what difference 1t cou
possibly make, did not in the les
realize, yet l was instantly console
of the disappointment, of deep regr
The revelation. thus calmly, proud