Evening star., 1914-04-05

embarrassing as it may be for us both, that
there should be no wedding at all.
Cvnthia-you can't mean that! You
don't believe me. Let me send for my
brother-he will tell you of the passion for
gambling in our family-he will tell you
that love YOU too He moved toward
the telephone.
@No use, said Cynthia Meyrick, shaking
her head. at would only prolong painful
scene Please don't, Allan
I'll send for Minot too" Harrowby cried.
"Mr. Minot??' The girls eyes narrowed.
"And what has Mr.. Nlinot to do with this!"
Everything. He came down here as the
representative of Lloyds. He came down
to make sure that you didn't change your
mind. He will tell you that love you"
A queer expression hovered about Miss
Meyrick's lips. Spencer Meyrick inter
rupted.
"Nonsensel' he cried @There is no need
aOne moment" Cynthia Meyrick's eyes
shone strangely. "Send for your brother,
Allan, and-for-Mr Minot.'
HARROWBY stepped to the telephone.
IL He summoned his forces. A strained,
unhappy silence ensued. Then the two men
entered the room together.
"Minot-George old boy Lord Har-
rowby said helplessly, Miss Meyrick and
her father have discovered the existence of
certain insurance policy about which you
both know. They have believed that my
motive in seeking a marriage was purely
mercenary-that my affection for the girl
who is-was-to have become my wife can
not be sincere. They are wrong-qulte
wrong. Both of you know that. I've sent
for YOU to help me make them understand
| cannot"
George Harrowby stepped forward, and
smiled his kindly smile. "My dear young
lady," he said, Il regret that policy very
deeply. When first heard of it | too sus-
pected Allans motives; but after l talked
with him, after | saw you, was convinced
that his affection for you was most sincere.
thought back to the gambling schemes for
which the family has been noted. l saw 1t
was the old passion cropping out anew in
Allan, that he was really not to blame, that
beyond any question he was quite devoted
to you Otherwise I'd have done everything
in nv power to prevent the wedding.
"Yes?" Miss NIeyricks eyes flashed
dangerously. "And-your other witness,
Allan?"
The soul of the other witness squirmed in
agony This was too much-too much!
"You, Minot,' pleaded Harrowby. "You
have understood
Il have felt that you were sincerely fond
of Miss Meyrick," Minot replied. 4Other-
wise | should not have done-what l have
DONE
sThen, Mr. Minot," the girl inquired,
"you think | would be wrong to give up all
plans for the wedding?'
"I-I-yes, l do!' writhed Nlinot:
"And you advise me to marry Lord Har-
rowby at once?n
Minot passed his handkerchief over his
damp forehead. Had the girl no mercy? 81
do" he answered miserably.
Cynthia Meyrick laughed, harshly, mirth-
lessly Because that your business-your
mean little business" she said scornfully.
Il know at last why you came to San Marco.
understand everything. You had gambled
with Lord Harrowby, and you came here to
see that you did not lose your money. Well,
you've lost! Garry that news back to the
concern you work for In spite of your
heroic efforts, you've lost! At the last mo-
ment Cynthia Meyrick changed her mind."
Lost! The word cut Minot to the quick.
Lost indeed Lost Jephson's stake-lost
the girl he loved! He had failed Jephson-
failed himself! After all he had done, all he
had sacrificed! A double defeat, and there
fore doubly bitter.
"Cynthia- you don't mean"
Lord Harrowby was pleading.
II do, Allan" said the girl, more gently.