Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-06-04
THE
SECRET
HOUSE
BY
EDGAR WALLACE
Author of 1.-The Clue of the
Twisted Candle" kate Plus
TO-" 1.-THE Man Who
Knew" etc.
CHAPTER VI.

At precisely 10 o'clock, as the cur
tain came reefing slowly down upon
the first act of The Strand Girl, Lady
Dinsmore turned with outstretched
hand to greet the first of the two
men who had just entered the box.
my dear count" she exclaimed. u
am disappointed in you! Here have
been paying you really quite tremen-
dous compliments to these YOUNG
people. l presume you are on Greg
ory's 'business'?
II am desolated!"
Count poltavo had a way of look
ing at one gravely, with an air OF
concentrated attention, as If he We're
seeing thru the words. into the very
soul of the speaker. He was, indeed
a wonderful listener. and this quail
ity, added to a certain buoyancy OF
temperament, accounted perhaps for
his popularity in such society as he
had been able to penetrate.
"Before I ask you to name the
crime, Lady DinsmOre," he said
permit me to offer my humblest
apologies for my lateness.'
Lady Dinsmore shook her head at
him and glanced at Harrington, but
that dour man had drawn a chair to
the edge of the box, and was staring
moodily down into the great audi
forum.
''You are an incorrigible!" she de-
clared, "but sit down and make your
excuses at your leisure. You know
my niece, and think you have met
Mr.. Doughton. He is one of our flu
ture leaders of thought"
The count bowed. and sank into q
chair beside his hostess.
Frank. after a frigidly polite ac-
acknowledgements. resumed his CONVEX
sation with Doris, and Lady Dins-
more turned to her companion.
.'Now for the explanation" she ex-
claimed, brislsly. II shall not let you
off! sunpunctuality is q crime. and
your punishment shall be to confess
its cause" ..t
Count Poltavo hant toward her
with bright, smiling eyes.
"A very stupid and foolish busi-
ness engagement" he replied, (which
required my personal attendance,
and unfortunately that Of Mr.. Far
rington."
Lady Dinsmore threw up pro-
teating hand.
"Business has no charms to soothe
my savage breast! Mr.. harrington
she lowered her voice confidentially
''can talk OF nothing else. When hi
was staying with ua no was for eyel
telssraphing. cabling to. America, o.
DECIDING messages, There was ne
peace In the house, by day or bs
night. Finally l. made q stand
Gregory said, YOU shall not per.
vert my servants with your odiou,
tips. and turn my home into q pub,
lie stock exchange. Take your bull.
and bears over to the Savoy and
play with them there, and leave
Doris to me- And he did" she con-
cluded triumphantly.
Count Poltavo looked about. az Il
noting for the first time Earring
TOMS preoccupation. rs he quite
well?" he inquired, in an undertone
Lady Dinsmore shrugged hel
1.r 80
FRANKLY. / think he had a slight
indisposition. and magnificd 1t in or
der to escape small talk. He hates
music. Doris has been quite distract
ever since. The child adores hel
uncle-you know. of course. that ahe
Is his niece-the daughter OF my sis-
ter. Gregory was her fathers broth
er-we are almost related"
Her companion glanced across to
the aubject Of their remarks. The
girl sat In the front Of the box, slim
and elegant, her hands claaped loose
~ In her lap. She was watching the
brilliant scene with q certain air OF
detachment, as II thinking Of other
things. Her usual lightness and Say
banter seemed for the moment to
have deserted her. leaving a soft
brooding wistfulneas that was
strangely appealing.
The count looked at her.
''She il very beautiful" he muir
INJURED under his breath.
Something in his voice caught
Lady Dinsmore's attention. She
eyed him keenly.
The count met her look frankly.
isis she engaged to her young
fr1end?" he asked quietly. Believe
me, It is not vulgar curiosity which
prompts the question. IL amin
terested," His voice was as COM
posed as ever.
Lady Dinsmore averted her gaze
hurriedly and thought with lightning
rapidity.
II have not her confidence" she
replied at length, in low tone; "she
Is q wise young woman and keeps
her own counsel She appeared tC
hesitate. "She dislikes you," she
said. IT am sorry to wound you. but
1t is no secret
Count Poltavo nodded. II know"
he said. simply. "Will you be my
good friend and tell me why?"
Lady Dinsmore smiled. II will do
llIlff/////DI ~