The Washington times., 1919-09-21
CHAPTER Xxx
''It D ths Star0ed Wol0e1 That
DeDour ths VHages."

DeDour ths Villages"
= ORD EsTCoURT had turned
the corner; the critical stage
~ was over. The oculist who
was attending him under Max
Bernhardrs Instructions gave him
the hest report he had had yet
Unless anything unforeseen Oc-
Cured, all danger was past
How long win she wait nOwT
Nsrah asked herself when she
hsard che good news. she knew
that the last ordea4 she had to face
-Ehe last battle she had TO fight
of the long, weary contest-Would
not Be the least Olga Lethbridge
WIS not the woman to take her
defeat Mghtly; to foregO her v5nge-
aucs without a fierce struggle
The suspense did not last many
days. Fortunately. Lady Sarah,
Who knew that the blow might fail
e any moment Is there was moth
ing 20 wait for now, was with Norah
ct the time. They were alone to
esther one afternoon, having tea,
when the door vas opened sharply,
and Estcourt came IN.
HIS face had 3 curious, stramed
look It W the look Of 8 man
upon whom q sudden horror leaps
our Of the darkness, nsezing his
blood. while he yet wonders what
It Is. with the first glance the
two women knew what had hap
pe7ed.
aNiss Lethbrldgs is n the a.
brary," be said, in a voice that sug-
gested danger under ell its self
control. ~she says she has some
thing Of great Importance 70 tel
me IN which you are concerned"
looking at his wife. $50 wish you
to be present WIN you come?"
ana be held open the door.
Tor a moment, as he ceased
speaking, there was absolute sil-
ence; q silence that cOuid be felt
Then Lady Sarah got up.
"YOu have & cold, she said, turn
ing to Norah. "Put this on before
you 60 out Of the room" and she
threw the fur cape she had taken
OF round the girls shoulders. As
she did so she whispered:
ct has come; don't be frightened.
Bite on the bullet, child = for
Heavens sake, bite on the bulIet!"
She had seen the careless emile
on Norah's face stamped ont by q
sudden mad fear. which seemed to
paraIyze her. She sat white and
stiu As a statue, as though her
senses were ebbing away, but at
LAZY Sarah's words she breathed
again, and her face relaxed.
"What wonderful story has Miss
Lethbridge got 20 tell this timer"
Lady Sarah asked, lightly, anxious
that Norah should have a few min
utes to recover. "She is always
finding some mares nest. That is
the worst Of having an active mind
and no occupation.
Il should not call her an idle talk
er myself" EstcoUrt answered, in
the same curious repressed tone.
'In aRy case, the statement she has
now made demands my serious at
tention, and must be thrashed out
once for all. Are you ready.
Norah?"
why should Gomez Lady
Estcourt asked, slowly. q do not
IKE Miss Lethbridge, and / have
no wish to take part in any dis
cussion with her. II she has any.
thing to say which it is necessary
for you to hear-thOugh cannot
imagine how that can be-why ,
should you not hear it alone?"
Bravo" Lady Sarah said, under
her breath. "she has courage"
The careless, disdainful tone was
almost perfect
because It concerns you" Est
court said. gravely, "and you have
the right 70 hear and TO answer any
accusation made against you. II
It had been . man, I should know
what to say, but with a woman
and an old friend whom / have
liked and trusted-it Is different"
$50 Miss Lethbridgs has been