The Washington times., 1919-08-24

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Embassy. Norah had carefully
watched the posts, and she knew
that no letter had come for her
husband from Olga Lethbridge,
neither had she called at Belgrave
Square. What did it mean?
1--WE shall see her tonight. She
is sure to be there" she thought.
What will she do-what will she
say" She tried not to think of
the ordeal that lay before her more
than she could help. She knew it
would tax her strength and nerves
to the uttermost.
On their way to Albert Gate she
said:
81 feel rather tired and stupid
tonight. Don't leave me for long,
Ralph. am not in the humor to
talk nonsense and make myself
agreeable"
$50 l must bear the burden Of
your ladyship's fractions mood" he
said, laughing. Very well, l am
resigned"
81 wonder who will be there?
All the world and his wife, l sup
pose. BY the way, have you seen
Olga Lethbridge since you came
homer
"No; am rather surprised |
have not had an answer to the wire
sent her from Wiesbaden. She
was so anxious to hear that prom
ised to send her word as soon as
I had seen Bernhard. ! am sure
she would rejoice at the good
news"
"You thought of her before me,
she said, jealously.
81 wanted to have the pleasure
of telling you myself" he replied.
Besides, you did not even know
had gone abroad or for what pur-
pose, so a telegram would only
have alarmed you. What an un-
reasonable young person it is
sometimes" drawing her hand
through his arm and patting it.
Ralph, l hope you won't think
me a very horrid, jealous creature
if / ask you not to make such a
friend and contidante Of Olga
Lethbridge in future Frankly,
don't like her, and l know she
doesn't like me. / don't trust her,
either. / am always half afraid of
her making mischief between US"
He laughed contemptuously.
do you know your own power
so little, my dear? Do you think
any one or anything could harm
you in my eyes, except YOU your
self? And even you could find it
dinicuIt."
A lump rose in her throat and
for a moment she could not speak.
"Still. don't like her." she per-
sisted, in a pretty, spoilt tone, not
wishing him to see how much in
earnest she was. "She has taken
you too much away from me of
late"
"Youswill make me vain. had
no idea l was in such request" he
laughed. We'll, darling, you shall
find me in constant attendance in
future. l am only afraid you will
soon have too much of me. You
know you like to be amused and
I haven't much to say"
You must think me very frivo-
lous and empty-headed, but per
haps l can understand more than
you think. Won't you try me,
Ralph?" wistfuIIy. Won't YOU let
me be your companion and take
an interest in your work? l want
to be more to you than | have
ever been before"
"And you shall be-" he said, his
hand closing over hers. Dear
heart, l think / understand. 1
shall be wiser in future; ! shall
remember that you are not afraid
Of the serious side Of life. Do you
think / shall want any other com
panion wher can have you?"
AS they made their way slowly
I'D the crowded staircase at the
embassy a soft, insidious perfume,
that seemed curiously familiar, at
tracted Lady Estcourt's attention.
She looked round sharply. The
staircase was festOoned win smi-
lax caught up with punches of
crimson roses. II was the "Reine
d'Amour," the same rose that Paul
DeIacouT had chosen for his fateful
gift. She shuddered at its luscious