Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-09-13

lDAY MAGAZINE FOR SEPTEMBER Is.
evidently an extension cut off from the main line
At length Lydia yielded to the inevitable, sat down.
composed herself to the best of her ability and
to fit reasonable explanation to this atrocious and
high-handed act. There was but three
She the victim Of nightmare.
Mrs. Ellsworthy was insane.
Or else Crapen had meant her to restore the neck
lace to Mrs. MerrHeesl
Bending forward an elbow digging into her knee, her
chin clipped between knuckles and palm, her mouth
mutinous, her eyes snoderng hot spot in each cheek
motionless, Lydia brooded.
CHAPTER XIV
A KEY grated almost inaudibly in the lock. Lydia
started; but before she could move the door swung
open far enough to admit Craven, and at once
slammed behind him.
pace two from the wall the pulled up and
stared at his daughter his face dark with temper.
Slowly Lydia and confronted him, hard eyes
challenging his relentlessly.
3What's this, he demanded abruptly in ugly
voice, whats this hear about your bringing Peter
Trait here in taxi?"
4What does this mean,' the girl retorted 3that you
send here to be locked up as though were thief
to be held for the poce?"
He ignored, if he sensible to- the stressed pro-
Il want answer to my question:" he said
threateningly.
Il demand answer to mine,' she returned,
yielding.
With an impatient gesture Craven advanced as if
meaning to seize her and enforce obedience. But half
way he paused let his hand fall with obvious effort
laxed mustered Pickering and uncertain smile, meant
to be ingratiating; moderated his tone. ooh, come
now!' he said in strained indulgence ave can't go
forever quarreling, you and l, Liddy.'
Il agree she replied coolly. 3Any explanation you
can make
aIt's all mistake. Mrs. Ellsworthy, most Jealous
woman in-ah-our service, misinterpreted my mes
sage, believed it imperative you should be detained,
and when you showed temper committed unpar-
donable error. I'll she apologies; meantime /,
your father, express my sincere regret"
Briefly Lydia analysed words and tone and found
both hollow with insincerity. She shook her head
YEARLY. you're not telling the truth. I've learned
too well to know when you re-inventing. you mean
what you say, you wish to prove you didn't instruct
that to lock up, open that door and let me
leave this house at once
Craven sighed, shrugged tolerantly. 4Very WELL he
agreed. @Tve wish to detain you. Just one thing
and we'll go together. Be good enough to give me
that puzzle box
aNo!' Lydia cried out in round full voice
3No!n
whats that?" he said, incredulous.
II said no. Lydia told him. Il will give you the
puzzle box. 1t belongs to Mrs. Merrees
In breath his face was suffused with blood. $50
that's your style, is t?' he stormcd, advancing. well
we'll have this out here and now, my lady! I'm your
father-I order-I command you to hand over that
box! Unless, of course you prefer to take it by
force"
He had come within two feet was menacing her with
face and gestures of uncomfortable wrath But she
didn't yield step.
@You can't she said evenly.
what the devils to PREVENT
Because Mrs. Merrilees has it now"
THE man fell back as though she had raised shape
of horror between them; stammering and aghast