The Washington herald., 1912-11-03

gested with courtly grace. Pegg,
beamed on him
TT wouldn't be the first time, Sii
Robert" she reminded him.
Nor viii it be the last Mrs. Ad-
mastou," he returned instantly with q
graceful bow. The next moment you
would have sworn he had never smiled
in his life.
However, We must pass on" he
said. "You finished your supper al
last, and about 1850 yod went to
bed. Your maid Joined you and you
tor. "Have you the plan of the botel?'
sumed- "Mr. Collingwood, suppose.
left by the door leading into the hall!'
"Yes."
you had no idea that ne was occu-
pying the room communicating with
yours"
None"
"You then sent your maid to bed?"
"Yes."
And it was shortly after that that
the telephone rang-the call from Cha
lons?"
every shortly after" nodded Peggy.
And you went to answer it"
will you tell my lord and the jury
what happened?" he asked. Peggy
turned to face the president and the
jury box.
"While was speaking" she began,
Il had my back to the door. sud-
denly heard Mr.. collingwood's voice
behind me-"
"You were surprised-startled!" sug-
gested Sir Robert
Il was-vey!" exclaimed Peggy,
earnestly.
Had he knoeked?"
NO If he had | should not have
let him come in." she replied promptly.
you were hardly dressed to receive
gentlemen" pursued the lawyer.
Hardly" admitted Peggy, with 4
slight blush.
You were angry?
81 was angry" she declared.
Now" said Sir Robert, straighten-
ing back, "how did you show your
anger"
by telling him to go back to his
room,' was the prompt reply.
Did he go?" came the next ques-
ton instantly. Peggy hesitated.
NO. she said, uncomfortably.
Laughter swept the benches once more.
That no doubt made you more an
CRY" went on Sir Robert ironically.
Didn't it make you more angry he
demanded, as Peggy did not reply. The
imp of mischief in her came to her
,.I ,nI he ~,..>l L>r L>,I v-vstt h.
witching smile.
Il never remain angry very long"
she said.
But you were angry?" he insisted.
Il wanted him to CO." she replied
But you allowed him to stay" he
added sternly. Peggy twisted her
gloves in her fingers and looked down
at them.
I'VE were very old friends" she
said. gently; Il saw no particular
harm in it"
IF you saw no particular harm in
it why did you not care to speak to
your husband when he rang up?" he
instantly.
Well said Peggy. defensively,
"one may do perfectly harmless things
and not dare to tell every one about
them"
And this was one of those perfectly
harmless things that you did not care
to tell every one. or even your hus-
band. about" asked Sir Robert, with
withering sarcasm.
There was no harm in it." main
tanned Peggy, with something ap-
doggedness
so little that you permitted Mr.
Collingwood to remain with you for
quite long timew He shot the
words at her like a volley of mus
kerry.
Not very long"
Until the message came through
from your husband?"
The nervous movements of the fin
gers that gripped the rail began again.
Yes. l suppose so,' the girl replied.
Nov, up to that time had he shown
any signs of leaving" persisted her
relentlessly.
"No; / don't think So" Peggy re-
piled. in lowered tones. There was a
grieving. strained note in her voice.
What were you doing"
I'VE were sitting on the sofa," she
said. her eyes down and her voice low.
AIc-lc "dS SiiiONlIlS, l UCllCNS-
Sir Robert leaned toward her, look
ing like the embodiment of the wrath
Of justice in his black gown and white
wig.
SHOULD I be right in saying that
during most of that time he was max
ing violent love to you?" he cried. dra-
There was another general
sitting up all over the court. Peggy's
hand clutched the rail until the blood
less fingers showed white against the
dark wood.
"He-he was very fond of me-" she
stammered.
"Passionately in love with you," Sir
Robert shouted
IL think he was very fond of
me-" Peggy admitted. She could not
lie. and she dared not tell the truth.
Have you any doubt that he was
in love with you?" de-
handed Sir Robert.
"He told me so - rep1;ed paoo,, SL>