The Washington times., 1918-11-04

his manner seemed to have Depart
ed. His eyes glowed.
TN search of new things" he an
swered.
Gums? Fortihcations?"
Neither"
A spirit Of mischief possessed her.
Lessingham's manner tvas battling
and yet provocative. Fer a moment
the political possibilities Of his
presence faded away from her mind.
She had an intense desire to break
through his reserve.
wont you tell me-why you
Gamer"
"I could tell you more easily" he
answered in a low tone, why II
will be the most miserable day OF
my life when I leave"
She laughed at him with perfect
heartfness
"Ho7T delightful TO be nirted with
again." she sighed "And I thought
air German men were so heavy. ana
paid elahnrate. underdoHe compli-
meRts Still. your secret. please
SIR That is what want to know"
'If YOU will have just a little
patience" he begged, leaning So
close to her that their heads al
most touched. 'T promise that l will
not leave this place before I tell it
70 vou-
PhiIippa's eyes for the first time
dro5ped before his. She knew per-
fectly well what she ought to have
done and she was singuIarly indis-
posed to do IL. It was a most
piduant adventure. after all, and II
almost helped her to forget the
trouble which had been sitting so
heavily in her heart. Still avoiding
his eyes. she called the others
we are quite ready for bridge"
she announced.
They played four or FIVE rubbers.
Lessiucham WIS by far the most ex-
pert player. and he and Philippa in
the end were the winners. The two
men stood together for a moment or
two. at the sideboard. helping them
selves to whiskey and soda. Grif-
fiths had become more tacfturn than
ever. and even Philippa was forced
to admit that the latter part OF the
evening had scarcely been a success.
do you play club bridge in town.
Mr.: Lessingham?" Griffiths asked.
Never" was the calm reply.
You are head and shoulders
above our class down here"
''very good OF yop to say So"
Lessinghsm replied courteously. 81
held good cards tonight"
II wonder" Griffths went on,
dropping his voice a little and keep
ing his eyes fixed upon his COM
panion. what the German substi-
tute for bridge is"
"T wonder Lessingham echoed.
'As q nation" his questfoner pro-
ceeded. they probably don't waste
as much time on cards as we do"
Lessingham's interest in the sub
ject appeared to be non-existent.
He strolled away from the sideboard
toward PhiIippa. She, for her part,
was watching Captain Grifhths.
So many thanks, Lady Cranston,"
Lessingham murmured, "for your
hospitality"
And what about that secret?"
she asked.
you see. there are two" he an
swered. looking down at her. zone
shall most surely tell you before
leave here, because IL is the one
secret which no man has ever sue
ceeded in keeping to himself. As
for the other"
He hesitated There was some
thing almost like pain in his face.
She broke in hastily.
II did not call you away to ask
about either. I happened to notice
Captain Griffths Just now. Do you
know that he is watching you very
closely?"
''I had an idea Of IT," Lessingham
admitted indifferently. "He is
rather a clumsy person. IL he not?"
- 4aH =
earnestly. Remember, won't you,
that Helen and l are really in a
most disgraceful position II any
thing should come out"
Nothing shall" he promised her.
'T think you know, do you not.
that, whatever might happen to me,
should ind some means to protect
you"
For the second time she felt
curious Lack Of will to fittingIy re-
prove BIS boldness. She had even
to struggle to keep her tone as
careless as her words
You really are a delightful per
SOM" she exclaimed. How long is
It since you descended from the
elouds?'
Sometimes think that am
there STILL" he answered, but
have known you about seventy
six hours"
what precision she laughed.
ITS a national Characteristic. isn't
#? Captain Griffiths," she contin-
ued, as she observed his approach.
'if you really must go, please take
Mr.. Lessingham with you. He is
making fun OF me. don't allow
even Dicks friends to do that"
Lessingham's disclaimer was in
quite the correct vein.
You must both come again very
soon." their hostess concluded. as
she shook hands, 81 enjoyed our
bridge immensely"
The two men were already on
their way TO the door when a sud
den idea seemed to occur to Captain
GriIiths. He turned back.
by the way, Lady Cranston." he
asked, "have you heard anything
from your brother?"
PhilippA shook her head sadly.
Helen. who, unlike her friend, had
not had the advantage OF q distin-
guished career upon the amateur
dramatic stage, tHrned away and
held a handkerchief to her eyes.
mot . word" was Phllippa's sor-
rowful reply.
Captain Griffiths offered q clumsy
expression OF his sympathy.
bad luck" he said. I'm so
sorry. Lady Cranston. Good night
once more"
Ito Be Continued Tomorrow J
Cog NEht. 1913. Little. BrOva q Co.