The evening world. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 1915-01-16


know. They have believed that my
motive in seeking q marriage wa
purely mercenary-that my Affection
for the girl who is-was-t0 have be-
come my wife cannot be sincere. They
are wrong-Quite wrong. Both OF you
know that. I've sent for you to helr
me make them understand-I can
not
George Harrowby stepped forward
ana smiled his kindly smile.
my dear young lady" he said. 81
regret that policy very deeply. When
I first heard Of II l. too. suspected
with him-after saw you'll waa
convinced that his affection for you
was most sincere. I thought back to
the gambling schemes for which the
family has been noted-I saw II 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 my power to
prevent the wedding"
"YesT Miss Aeyrick's eyes flashed
dangerously. "And--your other Wit
ness. Allanf"
The soul Of the other witsesa
sQuirmed In agony. This was too
much--too muchi
You, Minot"- pleaded Harrow
by. "You have understood"--
Il have felt that you ware sincerely
fond of Miss Meyrick." Mtnot replied.
, Otherwise 1 should not have done
what l have done"
"Then, Mr. Nflnot," the girl Inquired,
"you think would be wrong to give
UP all plans for the weddtng"
T-I-yes, I DO" writhed Ainot.
And you adv!:: !. me to marry Lord
" Mr.. Minot passed his handkerchief
over his damp forehead. Had the
girl no mercy7
II do" he answered miserabiy.
Cynthia Meyrick laughed. harshiy.
mirthlessly.
because that's your business-your
mean little business" she said scorn-
to San Marco. l understand every
thing. You had gambled with Lord
narrowly, and you came hors to see
that you did not lose your money.
Well, you've lost! Carry that news
back to the concern you work fori
In spite Of your heroic efforts. you've
lostl At the last moment Cynthia
Meyrick changed her mind"
Minot gasped. then he said:
1T may interest you to know--and
II may interest Lord Harrowby to
recall-that Ave minutes before no
took out this policy he signed an
power TO bring about the wedding.
And he further promised that II the
wedding should be called of because
q any subsequent act OF his, he
would forfeit the premium"
by CAD" said Lord narrowly.
THE taking out of tho policy was
a subsequent act" continued Minot.
THE premium. I fancy. IL forfeited"
Hes got you, Allan" said George
Harrowby. coming forward, and I
for one can't say I'm sorry. You're
going to tear up that policy now
and 20 to work for me-"
"Thanks." And Harrowby went
out with his brother. Spencer Mey-
rick followed.
Minot stood for . time. not daring
to move. Cynthia Meyrick was At
the window: her scornful back was
not encouraging. Finally she turned,
saw Minot and gave a start OF sur
prise.
"Oh-youre stan hereT'
Cynthia. now you understand" no
said. You know why acted a. I
did. You realize my position. waA
In a horrible nx"---
She looked at him coldly.
Yes" she said. II DO understand,
You were gambling on me. You came
down here to defend your employers
cash. Well, you have succeeded. IL
there anything more to be said7"
Isn't there? On the ramparts of
the old fort the other night
please do not make yourself any
moro ridiculous than II necessary.
You have put your employers money
above my happiness. Always. Really