Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-12
CHAPTER XII.
Shall a Man Escape His FateP

On the way to the Danish legation Col.
Harris asked Luke what his plans were
for the evening.
nor Square. I may find Uncle Rad. or
Philip. or both at home. I mean to have
a good tussle about this wintering abroad.
It's really most important"
ct call it criminal retorted Col. Har-
ris. keeping a man in London who has
been used to go south in the winter for
the past twenty years, at least"
Uncle Rad is still fairly we'll now.
though I do think he looks more feeble
than usual. He ought to go at once"
But" suggested Louisa, "he oughtn't
to go alone"
mo. He certainly ought not
Would Mr.. de Mountford go with
him.
'I don't think so.''
madness. The man is really drunkard."
But somebody ought to 60"
''Edie would be only too willing-if she
is allowed
Elder exclaimed Louisa.
And she added. with a smile:
What will Reggie Duggan have to say
to that?''
Nothing" he replied. quietly. Reggie
Duggan has cried off,
HE has given up Edie, who has little
or nothing a year. and become engaged
to Marian MOntagu, who has eight thou
sand pounds year Of her own
Poor Edie!" murmured Louisa. while
Col. Harris exclamation was equally to
the point and far moro forcible, and more
particularly concerned the Hon. Reginald
yes" rejoined Luke, lit has hit her
hard. coming on the top Of other things.
THAr go Hvaoo y{ney fhA 70 nt Co thnR
Col. Harris, that we four brothers and
sister owe something to Uncle Arthur's
son?''
1.-THE handle Of riding whip" came
from out the depths of Col. Harris fur
coat. Stupid way parsons have Of say
ing that to wish a man dead Is tanta-
mount to murder. l am committing MUIR
der now, for matter OF that. for wish
that BLACKBOARD were buried in one Of his
native earthquakes"
would to God" added Luke, that
wishing alone would do 1t"
There was so much wrath, such hatred
and contempt in those words. that Louisa
instinctively whispered:
Hush, Luke! don't talk like that"
And Col. Harris somewhat ostentatious-
ly cleared his throat and said:
Don't let us think Of that COMPOUNDED
Philip"
Luke took leave Of Col Harris and of
Louisa at the door Of the Danish lega-
beneath the awning until he saw her
white evening cloak disappear in the
doorway.
The fog had become very dense. Just
here, where number Of carriage lamps
threw light around. one could distinguish
faces and forms Immediately close to one
but as Luke turned away from the bril-
liant lights he realized how thick was the
pail which enveloped London tonight. He
| looked at his watch: it was close upon 8
The next few minutes brought him to the
door Of Lord RadcIyffe's house.
He rang but obtained no answer. He
| rang again and again. and finally came
| to the conclusion that his uncle and
cousin were as usual dining out, and that
| the elderly couple who did perfunctory
| service in the house were either asleep OIL
| out Of earshot, or. had taken the oppor-
| tunity OF seeking amusement In q neigh
boring public house.
| But Luke was worried about Lord Rad
! clyffe; moreover he had made up his
mind that he would speak to him and tc
! Philip tonight. with regard to the i'm.
| perative wintering abroad for the ole
man.
| The Veterans Club was unknown to
Luke, but Shaftesbury avenue was not
| He turned into Oxford street. and as
taxicabs were now forbidden luxury he
hailed q passing omnibus and jumped into
| 1t, and thus was rapidly conveyed into the
very heart of the fog. which had found
| its haven around Piccadilly circus.
(To be continued tomorrow.)