Evening star., 1923-07-27

(Contlnued from yesterday Star)
IT know that your father killed
Oliver Hilditch."
She suddenly broke out into a
stream of words There was passion
in her tone and in her eyes. She
was almost the accuser.
MY father was right. then" she
exclaimed. He told me this morning
that he believed that 1t was to you
or to your friend at Scotland Yard
that Walter had told his story. But
you don't know-you don't know how
terrible the temptation was-how-
you see 1 say it quite coolly-how
oliver Hilditch deserved to die. He
was trusted by my father in South
America and he deceived him, he
forged the letters which induced me
to marry him. 1t was part or ms
scheme of revenge. This was the
first time we had any OF us met
since. l told my father the truth that
afternoon. He knew for the hrst
time how my marriage came about
My husband had prayed me to keep
silent. 1 refused. Then he became
like a devil We were there, We
three, that night after you left. and.
Francis. as l live, If my father had
not killed him. / should have"'
There was a time when believed
that you had" he reminded her. 1
didn't behave like a pedagogic up
holder of the letter of the law then.
did -"
She drew closer to him.
You were wonderful" she whts-
pered.
Dearest, your father has nothing
to fear from me-" he assured her.
tenderly. "On the contrary, / think
that l can show him the way to
safety"
She rose impulsively to her feet.
He will be here directly" she said.
He promised to come across at half
past IL. Let us go and meet him.
But, Francis"
For single moment she crept into
his arms. Their lips met, her eyes
shone into his. He held her away
from him a moment later. The
change was amazing. She was no
longer a tired woman. She had be-
come a girl again. Her eyes were
soft with happiness the little lines
had gone from about her mouth, she
walked with all the spring of youth
and happiness.
TT is marvellous" she whispered.
II never dreamed that 1 should ever
be happy again"
They crossed the rustic bridge
which led on to the lawn. Lady Gym
thia came out of the house to meet
them. She showed no signs of fa-
tigue. but her eyes and her tone were
full of anxiety.
Margaret" she cried. do you
know that the hall is filled with your
fathers luggage, and that the car Is
ordered to take him to Southampton
directly after lunch?"
glances.
sir Timothy may change his
mind,' the latter observed. Il have
news for him directly he arrives"
a. = . t1ox
heard the whinnying of the old
mare, the sound of galloping feet
from all directions.
Here he comes" Lady Cynthia ex
claimed. II shall go and meet him"
Francis laid his hand upon her arm
Let me have word with him
first" he begged.
She hesitated.
you are not going to say any
thing-that will make him want to
70 away
I am going to tell him something
which I think will keep him at
home"
Sir Timothy came through the
postern gate a moment or two later.
He waved his hat and crossed the
lawn in their direction. Francis went
alone to meet him and, as he drew
near, was conscious of little shock.
His host, although he held himself
bravely, seemed to have aged in the
night.
L want one word with you, sir, In
your study. please" Francis said.
Sir Timothy shrugged his shoulders
and led the way. He turned to wave
his hand once more to Margaret and
Lady Cynthia, however, and he looked
with approval at the luncheon table
which a couple of servants were lay
ing under the cedar tree.
wonderful thing. these al fresco
meals" he declared. Il hope Hedges
won't forget the maraschino with the
melons Come into my den. Ledsam."
He led the way in courtly fashion.
He was the ideal host leading a VAL
ued guest to his sanctum for few
moments pleasant converse ton. But
when they arrived in the little beam
ed room and the door was closed his
manner changed. He looked search
ingly, almost challengingly, at
Francis.
You have news for me?" he asked.
"Yes." Francis answered.
Sir Timothy shrugged his shoul-
ders. He threw himself little wear
lily into an easy chair. His hands
strayed out toward a cigarette box.
He selected one and lit 1t.
Il expected your friend, Mr.. Shop
land" he murmured. Il hope he is
none the worse for his ducking."
"Shopland is a fool" Francis re-
this affair, anyway. 1 have something
to give you, Sir Timothy"
He took the two papers from his
pocket and handed them over.
II bought these from John Walter
the day before yesterday" he con-
tinued. Il gave him 200 pounds for
them. The money was just in time
T-SS-GIzS IzSEii1EzG<S--6