New-York tribune., 1912-02-04

| realized in that moment the gOOd bargain
that Mrs. Cobb had made-also recognized
how nexorably was held by it, and at what
price.
HENRY drove me home. We didn't talk
IL very much but as we passed under
huge, castellated gate, and wound up a long
driveway, all new and raw and yellow IN the
fog, he leaned toward me.
$50, Mademoiselle, you are going to marry
Victor Cobb?'
"Ycs, | answered under my breath.
"And yet, Nademoiscllc-excu me; but
this is what has been puzzling me-you took
me for him.
Ive never seen him, | answered family.
| was ashamed. What would he think OF me,
this stranger who was already more to me
than any fricnd'
"Wcll, I'll be damned, Excuse me-but
how
at was Mrs. Cobb arranged the marriage.
And my aunt consented and 500 what
could | do,"
Before a huge mound Of building, dwin-
ding off in the mist with Norman turrctS
and Moorish domcS and who knows what
else beside, the car came to a stop My new
friend jumped to the ground and held out
his hand to me. As descended with his aid
he bent suddenly toward me.
"Tcll me, NIadcmoiscllc-you took me for
your new fanct Supposc-suppose you
had been right. after all, would you have
been very much diSpleased:'
His blue eyes laughed at me, but with
something behind them that was not laugh
ter at all. And all at once into my own eyes
came something that blinded and Stung.
Hcnry's image blurred and swan before me;
but | heard his voice saying, quick and
brcathlcsS:
"What? What"
The chauffeur had disappeared on the
other side Of the car. The house was a grim
blank in the fog. And suddenly as Henry
stopped toward me had the impression that
he was going to kiss me. Just for a minute
the sweetest. most terrible instant OF my
lifc-the impression touched me: only the
impression, however, and nothing more; for
the next instant the great door swung open
in blaze of light, and footman began
lcisurcv march down the steps. And the
next minute Mrs. Cobb came tearing after
him.
as it herr Is it YOU, Lili?"
Yes. was touched in spite of everything
| was touched by her affection as she seized
me and kissed me and exclaimed over me.
What a scare YOU have given u.s. Oh, it's
been perfectly terrible, They found the car
with nothing but the servants in it and you
kidnapped by a perfect stranger! We've
been tclcphoning all over the island"
Henry stepped forward with explanations
and apologies. Henry. what right had to
call him Henry. even in my thoughts As
SAW him standing there beside Mrs. Cobb,
realized how far had let myself wander in
the land OF dreams. The gentleman that
saw before me was stranger, a courteous
stranger behind the door waited my
husband my huybdHH
Mr. Stuart touched my hand. said few
polite words The next moment the fog had
swallowed him up. Mrs Cobb dragged me
up the steps.
"Comc, my dear, he's here! Come"
We entered the hail. blaze OF electric
light. of gliding, and OF many coIorcd mar
blcs My eyes, daZzcd by the brilliance,
were aware only of tall figure that adj
vanccd 10 meet us.
Darling boy, come! This is Elise! And,
Lii, this is Nictor.'
CHAPTER VIII
THAT evening, at the beginning of the
splendid dinner served on gold plate
and handled by gold-embroidcred walters, |