Evening star., 1911-05-24
CHAPTER v.-Continued.

explanation" the girl said, fastening a
small diamond pendant round her white
neck. II know you and I know myself.
As to my gratitude. am fully aware of
what owe you and am ready to pay.
What do you want mo to DOR
Don't go against me-
II haven't done 30 yet. I don't mean
to. AS far as can recollect. Two pulled
US both out Of as many scrapes as you
have landed us into Beatrice replied.
II know. That's why want you to do
your best now
ITO do what?"
ITO keep Marut tolerabie for u.s.
IT can't prevent Mr.. Travsrs gossipins
If he wants to-
A smile fitted over Mrs. Cary's tat face
robbing 1t Of its good nature and leaving
it merely vulgarly cunning.
You could II you wanted to-"
"How?"
"Oh. you know! You have way with
men, You could shut his mouth"
Beatrice laughed outright
There are moments when you betray
your origin In the most painful way,
mother" she said, cruelty. "A remark
like that in Mrs. Carmichaefs hearing
and we should find Marut too hot for us
without any assistance from Mr.. Irav-
ers.'
humbiy. 1T slipped out What I meant
was, that am sure you could manage
him. And you know you could. Bea-
trice.'
Beatrice looked at her reflection in the
glass. There was little feminine vanity In
the gIance-rather q cool Judging and ap.
praieing, untempered with any personal
prejudice.
II suppose could" she admitted.
Would it make you very happy?"
.It would be my first moments real
peace since l saw Mr.. Travers at the
garden party"
well. TIL do my best"
You promise?"
Yes. I'll promise II you want me to-"
Mrs. Cary drew a deep sigh OF RELIEF.
That's one thing about you. you keep
your promises Beatrice she said.
1T is rather curious under the circum-
stances, isn't it?" the younger woman re-
turned, submitting to the mothers CRATE
full embrace with an Indifference which
seemed to indicate more than an indiner-
ence-rather a stole, smothered antipathy.
once more ensconced herself on the
lounge. Beatrice shook her shoulders as
though thrusting something intensely dis
agreeable away from her.
I'm any case. 1t may be too late." she
said. putting the finishing touches to her
toilet. III Mr.. Travers meant to tell he
has probably done so already. snail pe
able to Judge by Mrs. Carmichaers hand
shake tonight
I'VE must hope for the best" returned
Mrs. Cary. with pious resignation.
The two women relapsed into silence.
Beatrice hovered lightly about the room,
collecting her fan. handkerchief and
gloves. every now and again casting the
same curious. unloving glance at herself
in the long mirror. Presently she went
10 tha 1,3ndow and pulled aside the mus
lin curtain.
Some one 10 driving up the avenue" +"
she said. IT'S dogcart wonder who
II fs."
thoughtfully. Now. who has q dogcart
in Marut? Not many people. 1 fancy"
A dull flush mounted her coarse cheeks.
Why" she exclaimed. Il believe Mr..
Travers has"'
Beatrice dropped the curtain back into
''That would be a coincidence, wouldn't
it?" she remarked, with faint irony
from which her tone had never been
wholly free.
A minute later the ayah entered the
room.
.'Travers sahib is here" she announced.
HE asks II missy drive with him to the
Col. sahib in his cart. Travers sahib
waiting
Beatrice and her mother exchanged
very WELL" Beatrice then said. quietly.
Tell Travers Sahib 1 shall be delighted.
Paul need not bring round the carriage"
The ayah retired. and with an undis-
turbed calm Beatrice proceeded to slip
into her evening cloak.
"At any rate, he hasn't spoken yet, .
she said. Fate seems to mean well with
you, mother"
other returned, impressively.
"D0 Won think SO? Well, have half
an hours drive before me-tete- e-a-tete. l
dare say shall manage. Good night!
She patted her mother lightly on the hand
as she passed her on the way to the door
Goodbye. my dear. Do your best
won't you?"
Haven't 1 been brought up to do my
best7" Beatrice answered. with a laugh.
She hurried on to the veranda which
faced out on the drive. the ayah accom-
panying her with numerous wraps ana
shawls. Archibald Travers. who had re-
mained seated, greeted her with a cheer
full wave Of the whip.
please excuse my getting down. Miss
Cary" he said. my horse is In a state
ness. Can you trust yourself to his ten
der care?''
"I am not in the least nervous" she
answered. scrambltng UP to his Side,
land a drive through this lovely air is
worth a few risks. I was dreading the
half hour alone in our stuffy brougham.' -
I'm glad I came. them" he said. Il
heard that Mrs. Cary was Ill and could
not go, but I was not sure whether you
would care for It. There. are you tucked
in all risht9 Can We start7"
Yes. by all means
He cracked his whip, and Immediately
the impatient chestnut sprang forward
into the darkness. They swayed danger
ously through the compound gates on to
the broad. straight high road
Beatrice laughed with excitement
THAT was splendid" she exclaimed.
pulling her cloak closer round her. "How
we'll you driver'
you seem to enjoy dsnser.- he said,
with an amused smile.
''Yes. enjoy IT," she answered. more
gravely. "It is the only .havoring which
have hitherto discovered In life. The
rest is rather insipid. don't you think?''
You talk like q man." he said.
IT have been brought up to be inde-
pendent and fight for myself" she re-
turned. THAT sort OF thing does away
with the principal differences between the
sexes"
AS she spoke they dashed suddenly into
an avenue Of high trees through whose
branches the moonlight played fantastic,
uncanny shadows on the white road.
Travers' horse SHE'D violently, and for
some minutes his work was cut out for
him in pacifying the excited animal.
When they were once more bowling
smoothly over the open plain he glanced
down at the girl beside him.
She was smiling to herself.
You have nerve!' he remarked. ad-
miringly.
IT have lots more when 1t is wanted, -
| she answered. looking up at him The
| could read each others expressions as
clearly a. IL IL had hAen midday