The Washington herald., 1914-08-16

she had been a governess. Who could
tell what entanglements she might not
have formed at that time? The prince,
who had been dead for little more than
a year, had left her a wealthy woman.
Her place in society semed assured. 1t
was supposed that she was ambitious.
She was indeed a splendid victim for
the intelligent bIackmailer. Mrs. Poyn-
ton grew weary of explaining how little
she knew of Mr.. Lyndham. He had
corle from nobody knew where. Arthur
had taken a fancy to him, it was true,
but she herself had mistrusted him from
the first. Then there was a sudden
hush. The princess and Mr.. Lyndham
we're coming down the steps and across
the lawn.
Dear Mrs. Poynton,", the princess
murmured as she joined them, my
rooms are perfect. But one of them, /
think, has a history. Is it true that Sir
Knowles Philton was shot from the win
dow Of my sitting-room.
Mrs. Poynton was a little perturbed.
Il am afraid that it is true" she ad-
mitted. 1T is many years ago, how
ever, and l thought that every one would
have forgotten. l hope you are not
afraid OF ghosts"
The princess smiled brilliantly.
ALREADY" she confessed, q have seen
one"
There was little murmur Of amuse-
ment. Then every one suddenly real
lied that she was in earnest. She had
something to say to them.
Il want to tell you something about
that murder, Mrs. Poynton." the prin-
cess said. Sir Knowles was shot as
he walked upon the terrace, was he
not, by some unseen person? Was the
mystery ever cleared up?"
Mrs. Poynton shook her head.
Never positively" she answered
Never in the courts, that is to say. OF
course, all the evidence pointed to Ger
vase Phiton, Knowles brother; and al
though they never arrested him, he had
to leave the country"
Was there any quarrel between them,
them" the princess asked.
No open quarrel" Mrs. Poynton
answered, but it came out afterward
that there had been great deal OF i'll
feeling for some time. Very fortunately
for Cervase, no word of this transpired
at the inquest"
Dear me" the princess murmured
And the cause of the ill-feeling, was
that ever known"
Mrs. Poynton shrugged her shoulders.
The one eternal cause. She was a
governess to Lady Morrey's children
Lady Morrey was their sister, you know,
and she was living here while her hus-
band completed his term in India They
say that both brothers were in love with
her, and Gervase was supposed to be
horribly jealous"
There flashed between the princess and
Mr.. Lyndham an iIluminative glance
which was a source of wonder to Mrs.
Poynton.
Anyhow" Mrs. Poynton continued,
"one night Sir Knowles was shot as he
walked upon the terrace, and the shot
was fired from his brothers window.
Some workmen were taking down
picture on the landing Just outside. and
they saw no one but Gervase himself
come out OF or enter his room. So, you
see, as far as the negative evidence went,
it was fairly conclusive. Gervase re-
mained in England for several months
then he went abroad, and no one has
ever heard OF him since. We took the
place a few months afterward, and for
my own par: can't help saying thas
hope Sir Gervase never comes back. We
could not possibly find another place to
suit US so we'll"
The princess smiled. Mr.. Lyndham,
wonderful to relate. followed suit.
81 am afraid that there is a disap-
poir:ment in store for you, Mrs. Poyn-
ton" the princess said. "Sir Gervase is
back in England now. He is sitting by
my side"
"Mr. Lyndham!" Mrs. Poynton al
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