Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-07

of strength the sick man slowly but
steadily drew himself up. away from the
pillows, until he was almost sitting up
in bed. There was understanding in the
eyes now, understanding and an awful
look Of horror.
1T is not true.' he murmured
''It is true" she said. Luke was known
to have quarreled with Philip de Mount
ford, and the dagger stick with which
the crime was committed was found in
the park-stained with blood-the dagger
stick which belonged to Luke
Luke didn't do it, murmured the sick
man.
I know that he didn't" she replied.
firmly but he pleads guilty. He owns
that the stick was his. and will give no
himself the crime of another
1T is not true. once more murmured
the sick man.
Then he fell back exhausted against
the pillows.
There he lay once more, with that aw-
full stiffness Of death: the hands rested on
the quilt If modelled in wax. The eyes
were closed, and from between the pale,
parted lips not the faintest breath SEEM
ed to escape. Helpless and anxious,
Louisa looked round her. On a table close
by stood an array of bottles. She went
up to it. trying to read the labels, Won
dering if there was anything there that
was a powerful restorative. She found
small DOIlle ldDeleO DTdHuy dflu LOOK
it up in her hand but as she looked up
again she saw Dr. Newington standing in
the doorway of the boudoir. One of the
nurses was with him, and he was armed
with his most pompous and most profess
siOnal manner.
What are you doing here?" he asked,
sternly
II think" she replied, trying to master
her excitement, that Lord Radcliffe has
tainted. l did not know what to do
oh h;y,Jy Sr1a t,n cni1
land why did you not ring for the nurse?
and why are you here?'
II wished to see Lord Radcliffe my
SELF she replied.
Without my permission?''
You would have refused it,
Certainly I should. And [ must re-
quest you to leave the sick room at
once"
Baffied and miserable she stood for a
moment hesitating, vaguely wondering If
she could rebel. Indeed, she had no op-
ton but to obey The doctor was we'll
within his rights: She, utterly in the
wrong
She turned toward the door ready to 20.
but in order to reach 1t from where she
stood she had to go past the foot Of the
bed.
The nurse was busy administering re-
storatives. and DR.. Newington had taken
up the attitude dear to every Emglishman
his stand upon the hearth rug and his
hands buried in the pockets of his trou-
sers. He was treating Louisa like a dis
obedient child. and she had no one to ap-
peal to in this moment of complete help
leSsneSS
One moment only did she debate with
herself The nurse just then had gone to
a side table to fetch some brandy. The
patient, SO Louisa heard her tell the doc
tor, had not actually tainted; he was
merely in a state of exhaustion.
Swift and furtive, like some small ami
NAL in danger Of its life Louisa slipped
in between the screen and the bed and
before the doctor or nurse could prevent
her, she had bent right over the sick man
ana whispered close to his ear:
Lord Radcliffe. unless you make an
effort now, tomorrow Luke will be stand
ing in the dock-branded as felon. Make
an effort for Luke's sake!"
And the spirit which had gone wander
ing in the land Of shadows came back to
earth at sound of that one name.
"Luke." he whispered, Luke, my boy.
1 am strong 1 can help you.'
Miss Harris interposed the doctor
sternly.
But the sick mans words had put new
strength into her. She was ready to fight
the doctor now. The conventional woman
of the world was transformed into just q
mere woman fighting for the thing she
loved-child lover or husband, 1t is all the
same when that womanly instinct Of COM
bat is aroused.
DIR. Newington would have had to take
Louisa Harris by the shoulders now II he
meant to eject her-for until the patient
spoke, here she meant to remain.
Doctor" she said, quietly, you have
watching over your patient. An innocent
man is accused OF a terrible crime. Lord
Radcliffe, though very weak, is fully con-
scious. II he can save his nephew by q