Evening star., 1914-07-05

nerS. mere was IRE Sllll ullueI tIc lCc.
Then, as quickly as it had leaped to life,
said.
"How can prove that I'm speaking the
truth' But perhaps you don't care to have
me prove it?'
Al did care God-how 1 cared ten min
utes ago! l don't think care now. Some
thing has changed.
Nothing has changed really" the girl
humbled herself to plead. THAT is, every
thing has changed-in me. At first it's true
l tried in any way | could to soften you
Why not? Wasn't it fair game-my wits
You re man. I'm only a girl. began to
pity you for being hard, and having no kind
softness in your heart. Then, when found
was mistaken, that you were human after
all, couldn't go on playing the game in the
same way 1t didn't seem like game. 1t
was-serious for me too. l couldn't help
feeling attracted by-something in you
perhaps the very strength wanted to break.
That's all. That's the whole truth. Now
do you believer"
The blood had drained away from his face,
leaving it stone pale and grim as mask.
Il shall perhaps know a little better whether
to believe you or not when | have seen
George Conway" he answered.
"Very WE'LL" she exclaimed desperately.
@Then let us go to his room together, you
and I-now"
she had pang of horror lest he should
- refuse her company; but he did not.
He accepted it stolidly; and, cold with fear
of failure that would indeed be irreparable,
Daura walked in silence by his side through
the many intricate ways that separated the
Green Dragon room from Lord Gorme's
study. When they reached the door the
girls knees were trembling. Her hands
shook so that, though she wished quickly
to turn the handle and make haste to speak
Troy,,s name aloud in Georges hearing, she
fumbled helplessly. Then, without apology,
Troy put her away, opened the door, and
linked her arm in his. Thus he forced her
to enter by his side.
Daura did not resist The one hope now
lay in making the best of things as they
were. She prayed vaguely that Providence
might have sent DR.. Macdonald to look at
his patient The old mans presence would
mean comfort, even if it offered no protec-
ton against danger. But the doctor was
not there; neither was Angus, nor one of
the assistant nurses. 1t was Annira who
watched beside George, and Daura knew
not whether to be glad or sorry. She could
only ask herself duly, what will hap
penn"
Much depended upon George If he was
fully conscious, there were ten chances
against one that, hearing Troy's voice, and
realizing Annira' nearness, he would betray
himself. But, even if he did not, even if by
miracle he kept his self control and deceived
keen ears and eyes, was Troy in the mood to
spare Annira?
This new fear knocked at Daura' heart -
that to punish one sisters sin against him
he would tell the other, here in her lovers
presence, the secret of his errand at Dunulm
tell her that he was not Georges friend, but
his remorseless enemy.
Annira was kneeling beside Georges bed
but, unashamed, she remained upon her
knees, when turn of the head showed her
Troy and Annira coming in together. @Do
you know" she said. in low, soft tone
that yet was not whisper, u believe he
is little better! Isn't that good, good
news? Once, when l spoke to him, l
thought his eyelids quivered, as if he rec
ognized my voice. from some far away
place where his dear spirit is waiting. Oh,
Mr.. Troy, you knew him well! You are
his friend. Come close and look at him
now, and tell me if you don't think there
is change!"
Troy felt Daura's arm, which he still
gripped, start and tremble under his