Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-07-25
w,~, .NI1z1RD N4NNEXE


then and paced the floor in nervous
fashion
"Of course. it's easily proved that |
was not in BRIGHTON" Ethel continued.
"Georgy seemed to think you and
| Well.--you can imagine what
she must have thought Oh, why must
there be this secrecy? | loathe it."
She sank upon the settce and stared
modify at the iloor--a most unhappy
picture Of a pretty bride
Streetman reused himself and bent
over her.
my dear. We must wait until |
can arrange matters with my family"
he explained in his most plausible man
ncr. Until can come into my own
again we should starve. Soon 1t will
all be arranged" And once more he
turned away from her--this time with
an air of fnality---as if there were
really no argument against his vague
protestations.
Soon? You have said that for n
month";" Ethel reminded him. you've
said 1t ever since we were married"
Next week, them" he agreed in des-
peration. Il promise! And you will
learn tonight about the heet?" he
added in The same breath.
but, Henry. if do ask Sir George
and he tells me- isn't it rather Il shah
by thing to do then to come to you
and"
mo. no, no--as I've often told your'
he interrupted. 1t seemed to him that
her objections were interminabe.
And under the stress of the urging
from lis superiors his forbcarance was
fast reaching its end. To hide his
anxiety and his irritation, he stepped
to the window ana looked out.
'But Sir George trusts me-" Ethel
resumed. Streetman stifed a mouth
filling German oath while he listened
to her. when he answers my ques-
tons" she continued, "he does so be-
cause he thinks I'm Just idly curious.
He never dreams I'd repeat what he
SAYS to anyone. 1t all puts me in a
beastly position. Sir George is IA loyal
Englishman, and If he thought"
Strcetnan would not let her finish
He wheeled about and said sharply. to
forcstall even the mercst mention Of
such a thing as an informer-let alone
spy
And you are loyal Englishwoman
and | am loyal to--France.'
"1hen why do you pass yourself off
as an EnglshmanY
because it is the wish of my en-
ployers, the French secret service. It
Is the wish of France" he declared in
a grand manner, which he intended to
carry conviction with it,
Ethel shook her head.
ITS all quite beyond me-" she said
with a hopeless air They had had
many such discussions. And never
yet Ind she been able to understand
the reasons that Streetman put forth
with unyarying gibness. "Why should
France wish to know about our ticet?"
"Ah, that | TO not know" he re-
piled, "Thc secret service gives me
their instructions. IT Is for me to fol.
low, not to question them. II is my
work-my future He drew nearer
to her. and his masterfu eyes gazed
full into hers. 1T is our future,
Ethel" he cried with apparent emo
ton.
"But isn't France Eneland's ally?"
she asked II can't understand why
she should need this information"
IN times like these it is best for
each country to know all possible
about every country" he explained
"You will be doing no wrong to Eng.
land when you get me the facts |
desire" He sat down beside her. and,
placing his arm about her, he drew her
close to him. You will find out to.
night about the neetf' he pleaded
But there was something about his
persistent whcedling that made Ethel
I Wiloughby--or Mrs. Streetman-sus.
plcious.
II can't help feeling that there is
something behind all this--somethng
you are not telling me-" she said
slowly.
Despite his confident air. Streetman
could not easily look into her search
Ing eyes. He was uncomfortable.
And be rose abruptly and took a few
quick. restless steps about the room.
WHY what m imngluation,' he
exclaimed. forcing laugh at last.
REALLY. Ethel. you're quite ahsurdr'
But qlwavs. 'cforel "" were mar.