Evening star., 1914-08-16

Mrs Merrilees became once more completely mistress
of herself: and if her tone cried scorn upon pre-
sumptuous girl her look demanded explanation of the
But Craven had needed no more time to make good
his recovery. 1t his familiar self who stepped into
this breach, amiable unrufled. perhaps shade too
devil-may-c care; but balance that there not
unbecomng ring of Difference in his voice I'm afraid
he said, 3my surprise knocked me silly for moment
Lydia, I'd no idea you on board but you seem
already to know Mrs. Merrilees Betty, permit to
present my daughter
4Your daughter Tad?" There was unpropitious
raillery in the wonans tone.
Craven replied only by bow.
aDo you realize this is my first intimation that you
asking become stepmother?'
"I've much to tell you Betty Craven answered
with grave simplicity; then, turning to his daughter,
Lydia, Mrs Merrlees has just done me the honor to
promise to become my wife, and-the truth is
ITO come out.' Mrs Merrilees supplied incisively.
He laughed little awkwardly. Exactly! l mean
to say all quite unprecedented. 1t isn't fifteen
minutes since found we-ah-loved each other;
since when have been rather preoccuped to ad
wise Mrs. Merrees of all my affairs In another hour,
of course she would have known. As it is, if the fact
of my prior marriage"
3Tad." Mrs Merrlees nteriected with spirit that
commanded his Difference. "Were neither of us fools.
Don't ovcrdo things You're talking stupdly-quite
unlike yourself. don't to hear until you've
found your bearings; and want time to find mine, into
the bargain. That's fair, isn't it9"
4Nothing more so, he affirmed cheerfuly.
@Then I'll leave you to your-family reunion.'
Fugtvey Craven's eyes conveyed what was at once
a demand and appeal But before Lydia could
spond Mrs. Merrilees anticipated with quick
crossing drop her hands lightly upon the girls
shoulders
3My dear Miss Craven" she said with odd little
catch in her voice 3I'm sure yet l ought to call
you Lydia; but I'm awfully fond OF your father. and
and if 1 get what doesn't unfair
pcion that he's kept me too long in the dark about
you, shall probably marry him.
@I can't wish him greater good fortune" said Lydia
quietly.
sYou are dear. And so beautiful-Im jealous.
Do you think Tad, it is wise to have two bonds in
family? Don't answer, please. It's riddle must
solve to my satisfaction before l listen to you
again. But-I'm serous-think it over"
With transient tightening of her grasp Lyda's
shoulders pressure that conveyed hint of friendli
ness the woman turned away.
4No!" she insisted when Craven promptly ranged
himself at her side. 4Let go for tonight, Tad.
I'd prefer to be alone think things out. Tomorrow,
perhaps.
Her smile flashed uncertainty toward Lydia as she
disappeared round the shoulder of the deckhouse.
Craven delayed, however, barely long enough for
word, @Wait here-I Sha mt be long
YDIA said nothing; but watched him go with eyes
confused with pain, she who found herself suddenly
reegated from the status of well beloved child to that
of stumbling block the path of her fathers ambition,
who could longer doubt that he had planned to keep
her existence secret until his marriage to this Mrs.
Merrilees of the fabulous fortune should be
mated fact.
She stood desoate amid debris of illusions, who had
known a mother and now had lost father. Her
eyes filled He hadn't kissed her after five years
separation! Resting arms upon the tafra she turned
forlorn face to the nght-cad sea, her mood fraught
with vast disconsoation.
football sounded behind her, and she wheeled sharp
ly about to join issue with her father.