Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-09-11

that what he said must be right because he
was Lord these excellent stays of self con-
ceit came to his help. and he snorted:
II refuse to meet either of them
THAT disposes of the whole difficulty for
the hour, )" said Medenham, turning to leave.
wait, George! | insist"
DERHAPS a clearer glimpse of a new and
: to him. utterly unsupported force in his
sons character withheld the imperous COM
mand that trembled on the Earl's lips. He
fidgeted with his collar, which seemed to
have grown tight for his neck.
Come, come, let us not leave friendly
argument in this unsettled state" he said
after an awkward pause. My only thought
is for your interests, you know. Your life
long happiness IS at stake, to say nothing OF
the future of our house.
Il recognize these considerations 50 fully
that am going now in order to shirk even
the semblance of quarrel between us.
why not thresh things out? Your aunt
will be here in a couple of hours
You refuse to hear word. You argue
with hammer, sir. | shall send note to
Lady St. Maur telling her that she has done
mischief in plenty without adding fuel to the
fire by coming here to-day-unless you wish
to consult her, that is.
The Earl already afraid of his sister, was
rapidly learning to fear his son. Dash 1t
all! Don't tell me you are off on this con-
founded motoring trip once more! he cred
passionately.
Medenham smiled, even in his anger.
See how wilfully you misunderstood me,
he said Il came away from Miss Vanrenen
solely because matters had gone far enough
under rather absurd conditions. She knows
me only as Fitzroy the chauffeur 1t is time
to drop masquerading; for none Of US can
afford to play knight Grant too long. So
when next | meet Cynthia it will be as a
man who occupies social position that rem
ders our marriage at least possible"
Lord Fairholme threw out his hands in a
gesture of sheer bewilderment. And do
you honestly believe that?" he exclaimed.
Il am quite sure of it. | may have to
Jump a very big fence indeed when she learns
the harmless deception have practised on
her; but | do hope most devoutly that she
will look at the facts more calmly than you.
The Earl took turn or two on the hearth
rug, from which wisdom had temporarily
taken flight. He thought now he could see
way to avoid open rupture, and ne be-
lieved, quite rightly, that his son was in no
mood to accept further disllusionment.
AT any rate" he grumbled, you are
cutting discred didn't quite mean
IlldL-yOu lOl dWdy iIOIil tcWH
again in pursuit Of the young lady?"
No"
when is she due back in London?"
ION Sunday"
And you will not see her before them"
Il believe not. In fact, Mrs. Leland joined
her at Chester last night; SO there should be
no curtailment of the tour"
The Earl started. Mrs. Leland! Not
the Mrs Leland Of Paris and San Remo?"
YES
Dear me, dear me! This is beastly mud
dle Look here, George, promise me you
won't do anything stupid for day or so.
| have been SO pestered by people, | don't
know which way to turn. Why not stay and
meet your aunt!
Because | might lose my temper with
her."
"Ah, she is somewhat trying when it comes
to family matters. Still, | may tell her"
That she ought to mind her own bust
nessl By all means. And oblige me too by
telling her that she would confer boon on
humanity if she persuaded Lady Porthcawl
to 90 to-Jericho- Tokio-or wherever
that fool Porthcawl may happen to be-"
well, wel-there's no accounting for
tastes suppose you realize, George, that |
am keeping back a good deal of the title
tattle that reached me during your absence.
| don't want to hurt your feelings"
Thank you. The absurdity of the pres
ent position lies in the fact that shall have
a IL