The state herald., 1910-05-13
CHAPTER vIiI.-continued.
She bent her head slightly.

She bent her head slightly.
What vessel is this?"
"The steam yacht Sea Queen of Liv-
erpool, owned by Lord Darlington"
she announced, soberly, her face and
lips white.
How came you anchored of the
government docks?"
by special permission Of the presi-
dente. We we're towed into that berth
early last evening. after the Esmer-
aida had been hauled up against the
quay to ship armament and stores"
| drew deep breath.
Gould you tell me II 1t 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 learn
the exact truth" l urged, earnestly.
Il ask from no idle curiosity"
Il 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 impatience slightly evidenced
jhy the continual tapping OF her foot
on the rug. But l was not yet
through with my questioning.
Were no officers left on board last
night?"
Her gray eyes widened.
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 Mt sun.
down TO enjoy the fun. But why do
you ask. senior? Are these not on
board now?"
Il regret being compelled to answer
no. Only the engineer. three OF the
harbor watch. and some Kanaka fire.
men have been found. have discov-
cred no trace Of the first officer"
"Then-then he must have rowed
ashore with two OF the men!" she ex-
claimed.
How chanced you to be left here
alone7"
She hesitated. her hands clasped
on the chairback, her bosom rising
and falling tremulously. Yet finally she
forced her lips to reply. as though thus
seeking the quickest way OF clarifying
the situation.
we were all invited to the palace
OF the presidente. to listen TO the
speeches and view the fireworks. Lord
Darlington was greatly interested.
and most desirous OF attending. The
unfortunate scene which occurred at
the hotel early In the evening left
me, however. with SO severe n head
ache that begged to be allowed to re-
Amain here alone with Celeste. At first
both Lord Darlington and mamma re.
fused TO depart without me. but when
the presidentc dispatched his own
steam launch TO convey the party TO
the wharf. they decided II would be
most discourteous not to attend. Lord
Darlington's membership In the house
OF lords gives him n certain Official
recognition abroad which he does not
care to have lapse. The yachts cap.
tain accompanied them. and no dream
OF evil Detailing those left behind ever
occurred 10 amy one OF uH. o senior.
tell me. what does Il nil meant What
has happcned7"
Il presume I must explain" | said.
rcgrctfully. although II Ia not nm
easy task by any means. You will
have confidence In me. Miss Doris7"
II shall cndcnyor to do so.' she re.
turned. nm Increasing eoldncss In her
voice, "But | am Lady Darlington"
Your pardon; ! supposed you TO be
that gen,ldman'a daughter"
The color swept In II wave OF rich
crimson Into her checks. the gray eyes
becoming darker,
Nevertheless. eonor. am Lord
DnflinRton's wife"
Even In that moment OF ombnr.
rnHsmcnt and pcrplosity. when | was
scarcely less asItatcd than herself.
this unexpected announcement OF such
n relationship came TO me as n shock,
Why II should. what difference II could
possibly make. | did not In the least
realize. yet | was Instantly conscious
of the disappointment, OF deep regret
The revelation thus calmly. proudly