The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1915-02-11


each stone. his lips pursuing to vent a
little whistle OF awe and admiration
every few moments.
where did you get this necklace.
miss? 1 presume you realize some
thing OF it's ;value:" >.
"I-I really don't know exactly
where. 1t was Oh savage island.
where l was cast away--an island just
eight days out of Manila
a savage island-froar Manila. A
bit of the incredu1ity bad left his man.
ner already. Once mofc he stopped to
examine the necklace. Yes he NUT
tered; 1.-The cutting of the stones is
different from any have ever en-
countered-old Asiatic undoubtedly. -
Again he turned to her. How long
ago was this. miss?' What is this
story Of being cast away2 I do not
recollect any wrecks
THE Empress" Lucille quickly ex-
planned.
''WeIl. we'll. welI'-he rubbed his
hands together in frank amazement-
Ito think that any one escaped from
the wreck Of the Empress! Once more
his lips pursed. But why have you
not reached friends?"
Il am Lucille Love-" she said quiet
". II cannot go back
Lucille Love, daughter of General
Love?" He studied her keenly, nod
ding his head from side to side. yes.
yes: your father and l were quite we'll
acquainted when he was stationed at
the Preside here, and you will not go
back because Of the disgrace that
caused you to leave when the orders
from Washington were stolen?"
There was no. Disgrace Lucille
said. her tones fairly chilling. 1.-THE
papers were stolen by an outsider, sir.
That was why boarded the Empress.
That is why I am here. That is why
l seek money; why am still search
ing"
But my dear Miss Love-" he smil-
ed. you must realize that there is not
money enough in the establishment to
purchase such wonderful necklace as
the one you own. A few stones. pos
sibly, or" he added as an afterthought.
Il might purchase an option on the
necklace for, say. as much of rea-
sonable sum as you desire at present
and will then look about for -pur-
chaser"
Lllcilie's face showed her relief.
Il will give you $4,000 for an OPP
ton to sell the necklace within six
months" the man continued quickly.
Meanwhile will keep 1t here and
give you receipt for it in order that
l may show it to possible customers"
Ten thousand dollars!" I.ucille's
eyes were wide in wonderment. 1t
was not ten minutes later. with mu-
tual promise to say nothing of the
transaction. that She left the shop with
q certified check for the sum mention
ed in her tightly clinched fist, accom-
panied by 4 clerk.
A strange shadow seemed to have
fallen upon her. one which took Il large
aart OF the amusement she anticipa ted
getting from her shopping away. She
could only ascribe it to meeting with
one who had known her father. who
unwittingly showed her what the
Judgment of the world had been in
regard to the missing orders. the ne
Loubeque.
AS she left the bank with the roll OF
banknotes in her hand and warming
from the clerk still ringing in hep ears
she thought no longer Of adjoining her
self. had forSssten her shabbiness and
her fear of meeting her sweetheart.
Her thoughts were still upon clothes.
MI nd
thoughts were also upon Hugo Lou
beque. the interna donal spy. the man
who stood between her and the fru-
ition of all her hopes, the nla1l-a1ld q
warm flush suffused her cheeks. which
she fought down swiftly-who- was
constantly proving himself but mere
man. after all; a man susceptible to
woman's charms.
Her head was high. her cheeks
| ionable shop she came to: her manner
such that the crowding. jostling wo-
men made way for her rs for queen
in regal attire instead Of young cir;
with habiliments torn and disheveled
And always. alongside the doors OF
al the establishments she entered.
waiting-pat1ently whiting. furtiyely
waiting-a rather servile appearing
man stood. respectful. quiet. contained.
Lucille's return to her apartment at
the hotel was greeted with an appar-
ent respect that spoke plainly Of the
arrival of the food of packages she
had ordered sent Immediately that she
might prepare herself for the conquest
Df Loube1ue.
It was several hours later that she
looked at herself in the long cheval
glass. frank, admiration and wonder
tingling within her, mantling her
cheeks with roses that no ruby neck
laces could have purchased. For the
first time she realized that she was
wonderfully beautiful. And even as
she stood there came q clear tapping
upon the door,: With smile upon
her. lips she moved toward it. allow.
ing it to open the slightest fraction at
a time.
Hugo I.oubeque stepped within, i'm.
maculate in his evening clothes. and
bowed gravely, his eyes fixing her in
! from head to toe, frank admiration
| glowing in them.
"You Will dine with meY His man.
ner was courteous, as ever, vet there
was change. Something already was
lost between them. some of the strands
which bound them fOpofhor al,oy,opo19