The Washington times., 1919-09-14

about way, for which she could not
be made responsible.
Meanwhile, Norah was making
the tour Of the roorls at Delaeour's
side, afraid every minute that she
would meet her husband and OF
what he might say and do. She
knew that he was stiIl jealous and
suspicious Of Delaeour. though the
matter had not been mentioned
again between them.
How can I escaps?" she asked
herself, helplessly. She looked up
IN Delacour's face, where she could
read the signs Of passion and sx.
citement under the smiling surface.
and wondered whether an appeal to
his pity would be Of any use. He
was making an exhibition Of her;
nothing less. Her anger rose.
/ am tired" she said, abruptly.
I wish to SIT down"
Not just yet. think" he said
still smiling. Il am sorry. but
when you dismiss me I shall have
to 90, and I do not want to leave
too early. do not want anybody
to think am running away
"Bpt there are other people-you
have other friends" she objected
Il hope so, but after to-night's
episode I have to find out who is
my friend and who is not. and I do
not feel equal to any more expert.
ments now. ] know I can always
rely on you. You cannot wonder
that, under the circumstances, I
should cling to my faithful friend"
you are cruel" she murmured
I did not think you could be so
hard. You know what you are ex-
posing-me to-"
Il think I have read somewhere
that a friend is born Of adversely.
50 now is the opportunity to show
the world how sincere our friend
ship is. I could not well be in
worse straits than am now.
need scarcely ask" he added. a
vicious snarl in his voice, whether
you have heard that I have beer
cut by the Duchess Of Exmoor?"
'Yes. 1 saw her do Il"
"Ah! That makes it still more
pleasant. I am afraid / did not
show to advantage; but you will
acknowledge that the circum-
stances were a little trying"
81 am sorry, Paul." she said,
gently. SIT was horrible. I don't
wonder you are upset. Why did
she do it? Can't something be
done to stop her?"
Il am afraid not. You see, my
hands are not as clean as they
should be for the role Of virtuous
indignation. I must grin and bear
it. But you can help me, you are
helping me now" he said, with a
touch Of malice.
Il suppose she has heard Of that
affair in Parish
Il suppose so. That and other
things, no doubt. The road to he'll
is easy, you know, and when one
once begins to go downhiII it is
difficult to STOP"
DO you want to drag me to ruin
with you?"
L have no fancy for going alone"
he said, brutality. eff everybOdy's
hand is against me, why should
spare any who are unlucky enough
to fall into my clutches? You
credit me with too much Christian
chere enfant."
He was a different man from the
Paul Delacour who had skated with
Felicity on the lake at Wimbledon.
The softer and better side Of his
nature was uppermOst then; she
to all that was good in
him. The experience he had just
been through had brought every
evil passion to the surface. He
was savage and relentless. Al
ready he felt a pariah. at war with
the world.
Felicity was not present tonight.
but the thought of her came to him
once, and he thrust it back fiercely.
What had he to do with her now?
Had not to-night's work raised an
barrier between
them? Must not even she look at
him henceforth with cold, doubling
eyes? Would they let him ap-
proach her?
Curse it," he muttered in his
throat. md but for this l might
have had a chance, I might have