The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-08-27

ihtVhuCu W oSh you w uCIChu youi7
self against this chain of absurdi-
ties. l do not admire your assail-
ants methods, and | adopt my own.
would ask if both you and Dalmo-
row will be content with the evil
dence of witness who knew the
California Allards beyond dispute
Certainly, sire" he answered,
wondering, yet welcoming any
course that led them from New
York
Sire, if any Californian identl-
flies this man, of course my case
falls conceded Dalmorov with his
bitter smile. But. it will not be So
Pray ring the bell, Allard,
twice." directed Adrian.
They waited in silence. Adrian
moved to chair Stanief sought
Allard's eyes with the steadying
message of his own, an intensity Of
reinsurance and protection. In re
serve he was holding his own powe,
to ruin Dalmorov, and he fiercely
reproached himself with not having
foreseen and used it before this
could have happened.
But Allard showed no agitation
to his keen watchers. 1t seemed to
him that this had been closing
around him for days, that he had
felt the old things retaining him
as the unseen net drew and tight
ened. Now there was nothing he
could do: the moment balanced,
ready to fall either way at the light
touch Of chance. Away from him
self he laid the decision, before a
higher tribunal tran Adrian's, set
ting all his life against one error.
The speech of his thought was the
same as it once was on the wharf
before the Hudson prison: IF I
have paid" Quietly, with dig
nifty all unconscious, he awaited the
judgment.
| A rustic Of silken garments, sill
yer echo of southern voice as the
door opened. and Iria was in the
room, Iria, flushed, smiling, and by
her side girl in white whom two
of those present had never seen.
AS the duchess swept her graceful
salute to the emperor, Allard's cry
rang through the place:
Theodore. Theodora!'
His answer was given. The girl
held out her hands as he sprang
forward to clasp them; there ex-
! listed no one else for either during
| the long moment when they re-
manned gazing in each others eyes
with the hunger of years.
Smiling, Adrian moved forward a
chair for Iria, whispering a phrase
| in passing which sent the light
bushes to her forehead as she
glanced shyly at Stanief. Then,
Theodore slipping her fingers from
Allard's with confused recollection
of their situation. the emperor
claimed her attention.
"Mademoiselle Leslie, let me pre-
sent to you the Baron Sergius Dali
morrow, formerly of this court. And,
since he appears suffering under a
strange misconceptions, do me the
favor of informing him who IS the
gentleman whom you have just
greeted"
Evidently Theodore knew Adrian,
| lOT Sic dis W tlcu HlS WIN
trustful friendliness while acknowl-
edging the introduction.
Monsieur le baron, am
charmed she said in her pretty,
hesitating French. This is my
cousin, John Leslie Allard,. whom !
have not seen for many years. We
grew up together; and in the pleas
ure of meeting him again"
Thank you. mademOiselle,' in
terpoesd Adrian. Let me complete
the aid to your hating memory,
Dalmorov, and recall in Monsieur
Allard my loyal friend Of three
years trial, the gentleman who
bears the scar and the decorations
gained in defense Of my life and my
cousins. Several months ago you
first limited at this attack on him.
Knowing you very we'll. l obtained
the necessary details from him I'M
der a preteXt, and myself wrote to
Madame Leslie suggesting that she
bring mademoisells here for the cor
onation. A week ago they arrived
at the Hotel Anglais, where I had
the pleasure of visiting them one
evening" He looked at Allard In
cool amusement, but 1t was some
thing very far from amusement
that rose in the gray eyes In answer
to the memories of that evening.
1--WE explained few details to one
another; since then they have been
the guests of the grand duchess,
who promised me secrecy"
| II did not even tell you, Feodor,"
imurmured Iria plantively.
"Feodor will forgive you," as
lsured Adrian. Baron Dalmorov,
you have our permission to retire
from the capital at once; you are
not suited for court life. Unfor-
tunately, you have broken no laws.
i wish most sincerely that it were
lin my power to find some excuse
for furnishing you as should enjoy :;
III have no doubt at least one exists.
hut you may go. and in future avoid
the same city with me. That is all;
i have waited long while for to-
day"
Stanief turned to Allard, then ex-
moved almost gropingly toward the
door.
Shall I give the excxuse?" the
glance asked.
| And Allards impulsive gesture
answered.
zaa,,rb hod he