Evening star., 1912-11-10
CHAPTER XVII.
Wherein The Waverton Case Col1apses

TWO things were immediately dscernble from Mrs.
Delamars demeanor,-she did not recognize Doris
Waverton, because she had seen her, and the
portraits published in the press at the time OF the divorce
proceedings would Doris eXcellently either as
disguise to prove abi; and she was quite unpre-
pared for the presence of another in the room.
But she in wise disconnected. An adventures
of the front rank accustomed to carry herself
well in society," she advanced without furry or percep-
tible lack of
"Sorrv if am intrudng, CloClo," she said, osenta
tiousy disregardng Doris after the first glance OF sur
prise THE fact is rushed here from Albany in an
auto, as | felt had to have long chat with you
very important business. came away soon after
daybreak and stopped only near Lake George for
snack while my chauffeur was repenshng the gaso-
lene tank. Would you mind ordering me some break
fast? Anything will do We can talk while eat"
Determined to carry Waverton by storm, she ev-
IDENTIFY meant to hold out her well goved hand but she
had the sense refrain when she looked into his eyes,
at sounds rather inhospitabe, but would suggest
that you into the town, he said. ut is only
mile away and you will find very fair hotel there
O'Hara's." -
Mrs. Deamar only smiled. She of her
quarry; but her sharp scrutiny had detected resen-
bance between the halted and veed lady seated near
the window and the photograph on the table. The dis
covery induced a certain war1ness.
IL don't wish to disturb your household arrange
ments, she said sweetly and can wait tor meal TIL
minutes private talk with you first 1t IS absolutely
mperatvei' s-
"Have YOU something to say that you do not wish
Mrs. Waverton to hear?"
Mrs Delanar almost started So her half-forrned
suspicion correct,-the woman whose tace was IN
the shadow was really Doris Waverton Well the po
sition brised with difficulties but she would not with
draw Why should she! Ii Mrs. Waverton had
been egregousy deceived the fact only rendered her
position all the impregnabe.
THAT is exactly as you choose Clo-Clo, she sud;
then she added apparently as atterthought, Per
haps you don't like to that name before-betore
Mrs. Waverton! What shall l call you, then! Not
Claude, surely?"
"Am to understand Claude, that this person is Mrs
Kyre alias Josephine Deamar? broke in Doriss voice.
calm and we'll moduated as if this chance rencounter
was the preliminary to a luncheon party
"Yes, said Waverton, secretly amazed at this girl
widows attitude; though he had sense enough to play
up to it vaantly "You see for yourself, Doris that
Mrs Delamars visit was unexpected, and it rests
wholly with you whether not you care to hear what
she has to communicate.
Mrs Waverton flashed look of unutterabe scorn at
Mrs Deamar Il prefer to remain she said Then
she turned nonchalant gaze on her adversary VIII
you be good enough to explain yourself briefly to Mr.
Waverton and then leave us?'
Mrs Deanars urbanty was mistaken by this direct
attack 1t would not serve her purpose to unmask her
batteries before Doris though she would have dearly
loved to tumble her rivals citadel of dlsdan in ruins
about her feet AS it was she disregarded her, with
deliberate indifference that intended to gall and
certainly well assumed. When all was said and
done the pretty little fool would have to abandon
any dream she might harbor of reclanng her divorced
husband
Il can only urge the expediency of private conver
sation, she said, looking calmly at WaVerton Il am
actuaed solely by regard for your own interests; in
this matter, at any rate. Aterward you can decide
whether not you care to share condolences with
third party
Clancy would have reveled in this play of innuendo,
this clawing of soft flesh beneath fine raiment but
Waverton fearful Dorss account, looked and felt
profoundly uncomfortable. He knew, of course what
Law behind Mrs. Delamars self-imposed mission, and
that he must have Mrs Wavertons active help if that
mission were fall but he could not bring himself to
seek the cooperation he needed and actually the
point of suggesting the ranserence of this unwelcoe
visitor to the drawing room, when Doris sprang the
rescue.
Have you come here, Mrs Kyre," she said, ito