Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-04-08

erations for finding out just how much
he knew of her own life; she 1uoged
that IL he were not Leven himself, ne
must soon betray the fact by his igno-
rance.
That was the strangest day she had
ever passed. She found 1t very easy
to talk to Kralinsky. as it always Is
when there has been long familiarity,
even If It has been only the familiar
intercourse of domestic discord. he
knew many details of her life in Lon
dom. That was clear after half an
hours conversation. She alluded to
the idle talk there had been about her
and Van Torp: Krahnsky knew all
about that and had heard, as he said,
some silly story about Leven having
found her with the American In GER
tain rooms in the Temple, and about
an envelope which was said to have
contained over four thousand and one
hundred pounds IN bank-notes. He
politely secuted the story as non
sense, but he had heard 1t, and Lady
Maud knew that every word OF 1t was
true. He knew of Leven's unsuccess-
full attempt to divorce her on that
ground. too, and he knew the num-
her of her house In Charles street.
Berkeley square.
On the other hand, there were
many things Of which he knew moth
ing, or pretended to be ignorant, such
as the names Of her brothers and sis
ters, her fathers favortte pursuits
and the like. But she understood very
well that If he thought she suspected
his identity under the disguise Of his
beard, and II he wished to avoid re-
cognition. he was Just the man to pre-
tend blank ignorance of some vital
matters, after admitting his acquaint-
ance with many others. He had been
very intimate with Leven, to the last,
he said; Leven had always written
to him very fully about his life, very
witily sometimes, but always without
balance, That was it; he had no bal
ance" Yes, he himself had been in
Petersburg when Leven was killed
and had seen him on the previous
day Within a week he had made a
rapid trip to New York, whence he
had now Just returned. He had
crossed on five-day boats both going
and coming, and he named them.
II am naturally interested In meet
ing any one who knew my husband so
WELL" Lady Maud said, making bold
dash at a possibility. I'VE had many
differences, as you seem to know, but
I dare say that if he could come back
to life and know the real truth, we
should forgive each other"
She looked up to him with a gentle
smile as she said this. for she had
often felt it; and in that instant
fash of light came into his usually
rather uncertain eyes. Her heart stood
still; she looked at the sea again di-
rectly, for she was leaning against the
rail; then she drew breath, as if from
an effort. She had seen a look that
could only mean recognition. LeVen
was alive and was standing beside
her. But she had the courage to go
on talking, after q moment, and she
tried to change the subject, thought
not very adroitly.
During the afternoon Mr.. Van Torp
had a revelation, sudden and clear,
for he had watched Lady Maud and
Kralinsky all day and had thought
about them a good deal, considering
how his mind was occupied with other
matters even nearer to his heart than
his best friends welfare. AS soon as
the revelation came upon him he rang
for his own man
"Stemp, see herei" he began.
You've valeted around with all sorts
OF different looking men. How long
does it take to grow a beard like
Count KraIinsky's?"
"a year, sir. Not a day less, and
longer with most gentlemen. II you
were thinking of it, sir
You don't believe it could be man.
aged in three months. By taking an
expert around with you to work on
your face?"
That's out OF the question, sir.
Gentlemen's boards that have shaved
all their lives, as I suppose you have,
sir, do grow faster, but 1 should con-
slider a year a short time for such a
fine one as the counts. Indeed
should, SIR"
DO you suppose you could stick it
on fresh every day, the way they do
for the stage?"
mot so that it wouldn't show in
broad daylight, sir"
well, that's all. wasn't exactly
thinking of trying a beard. was only
thinking-just like that. What I rang
for was a cap. Got any more like this?
You see I've managed to get a spot
of ink on this one. Had it on the
table when I was writing, 1 suppose
That's the worst of white caps, they
spot So"
little later, Mr.. Van Torp was
looking out for chance to speak
alone with Lady Maud, and as soon
as he found his opportunity he told
her what Stemp had said. Strangely
enough, it had never occurred to him |
that such a remarkable beard as Kra- |
linsky's must have taken a long time |
to grow, and that Leven, who had |
none. had not left London more than |
three months ago. He watched the |
effect of this statement on his friends |
face, but to his surprise she remained |
grave and sad.
II cannot help It," she said in a