The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1920-05-13
LADY
LARkSPUR| |
By
MEREDITH
NICHOLSON
1855 IS IS SsAa,
=" " " " " " " /" "
Copyright BY Charles 5cribners Sons

because I knew Aunt Alice wouldn't
mind. She knew just what l meant
to do; really she did. Mr. Terrence!
In fact, have her written permission
to use the house; which should
have shown you II we had got In
pinch. But It seemed so much more
fun just to let matters take their
course. It's pet theory Of mine that
life is dull affair unless we trust
to luck a little. After my brothers
death was very unhappy and had
gone out East to visit Aunt Alice,
who Is great roamer. I thought Il
would be nice to stop here on the way
home. Just for lark. without telling
papa, who was frantically cabling me
to hurry back to England. This isn't
the first time I've played hide-and-seek
with my family. I was always doing
that as child; and II 1t hadn'. been
for my general waywardness I should
never have known you. Constance
Why. I shouldn't have known you.
gentlemen 1t has all been so de-
lightfuli"
This naive confession amused
Raynor greatly, but Terrence was
seeing nothing In 1t but dangerous
escapade.
''In the name of the Bainbridge
Trust company, must notify you"
ne bsyac. "that by representing your.
self as another person. entering into
possession Of large property"
"But we've been paying all sUr
own expenses; we haven't taken any
money from yOu," pleaded Alice.
"Of course you wouldn't do such a
thing" affirmed Raynor. My in
structions are to give you any sum Of
money you ask. In fact, the govern
ment of the United States is instructed
70 assume full responsibility for you
until your father arrives"
May go on and clarity matters for
these gentlemen. for Mr.. Terrence at
least Is entitled to full eNplanatlon?"
Constance" said Alice, turning
with little shrug to her friend, 1--WE
have been caught! Our story is being
spoiled for us. Please go on. Mr..
Raynor. Just what does the Amer
lean state department have to say
about us7"
THAT you are endowed with
very unusual personality" continued
Raynor, his eyes twinkling. "You are
not at all content to remain in that
station Of life to which you were born;
you like playing ut being all sorts OF
other persons. Once, so your friend
the ambassador confided to me, you
ran away and followed band OF
gypsies. which must have been when
you were very little girl"
II was seven," said Alice, "and the
gypsies were nice to me-"
"And then you showed talent for the
stage"
"A dreadful revelation" she ex-
claimed.
But you don't know that It was
really your father who managed to
have Mrs. Farnsworth. one of the most
distinguished actresses In England
take charge of you"
mo! Alice never knew that" said
Mrs. Farnsworth. laughing. 81 was
her chaperon as well as her precep-
tress. but Alice's father knew that il
Alice found 1t out 1t would spoil the
adventure for her. Alice must do
things her own way"
You are fraud" said Alice. "but
I always suspected you little"
speaking Of the stage" resumed
Raynor. ut is also part of my in.
structions that the Honorable Miss
Seabring shall be discouraged from
any further adventure in that 1irec-
ton; she's far too talented; there's
danger Of her becoming great lu-
minary. In other words. she is not to
grace the boards again as Violet Dew
ing"
Alice's brow clouded, and she turned
to me. THAT was settled when you
mailed that letter for me. 1t was
to make an appointment with an Amer
lean playwright who wants me to ap-
pear In most adorable comedy"
"His name is Dick Searles," I said,
"and he's my most intimate friend"
She professed Indignation when
told OF my eavesdropping In the woods,
but when I explained that / knew all
about the play and Searles' despair
ing search for her she was enormously
pleased.
"How wonderful !" she exclaimed.
you know told you. Constance, that
If we really threw ourselves In the
path Of adventure mystery would come
out to meet us In silken sandals"
"But you will not appear In this
play?" asked Raynor anxiously. "It
is the business of the government Of
the United States to see that you com.
NIT no further indiscretions. There is
another matter which hope you can
clear up. You are not only a subject
Of concern to the British embassy, but
the French ambassador also has ap-
pealed to us to assist him in trifIng
'The French ambassador" Alice
with a surprise I knew to-
be unfeigned. 81 thought the dear
was an Italian?"
1--WE will continue to call him Mon
tani, but he's a Frenchfhan and one
Of the keenest men In the French
uarraf caruioa Vn,, haua aoneaI btoD