The Dolores star., 1923-08-17
CHAPTER xxVl-Continued.

bad believed was lacking-the touch of
the original Adam. But Lord Scroope's
tace hardened.
"You!" he said grimly. You also
knew the truth? The action of the
others, can understand. But-a
Churchman cannot lend himself to such
4 conspiracy as this
"Under correction, Lord Scroope,"
said de Jussac gently; "a gentleman
cannot betray woman's confidence
without her consent
Lord ScrOope WINGED perceptibly. He
turned TO de Jussac and bowed.
Am l receiving instruction from a
iayman?" he inquired.
at Is the last thing l would dare"
replied Bertrand humbly. 1T is l who
seek instruction. Does not the Church
respect the seal Of the confessional"
~ make no claim. and no excuses !"
said Alexander suddenly. II have only
this to say. 1 loved Georgina Berners
from the day l saw her. When
learned the real position l loved her
more. Her loyalty and devotion only
increased my esteem. She is the only
woman living that care for; require
you to remember that she Is my prom
Lsed wife. And nobody In this room"
said Alexander notly, 'shall address
one word Of reproach to her -
swell done :" cried Aimee. "Alexan-
der, you're Il man. I'm proud of you,
cousin !"
THANK you. Aimee" said Alexander
at is for me-" said Lord Scroope
sternly. Ito apportion the blame. Geor-
gina Berners is here under"
He was interrupted by the volcanic
arrival of Billy through the window,
painting and eager, the tuft Of hair on
top Of his head erect like the crest of
cOckAtOO.
i've been looking for you every
where :" he cried. YOU"
go out!' said Lady Erythea fierce
ly.
pardon me-" said Billy. advancing.
"but | guess my paN-. is mere. What
ever blame is, l take it. Lord ScroOpe,
know that what I've done is past
apology, but"
"Shut up, Billy" exclaimed Aimee.
I've told them verything-Tve said
all there Is to say. And" she added,
under her breath, for once l think I've
made a better hand Of 1t than you
could"
Before anyone could reply, Georgina
rose, sObbing, and made a dive for the
door.
Let me goi" she said brokenly. 81
want to go away. I want to go"
Billy, glancing quickly from her to
md
fitted out again through the window.
No one noticed him. All eyes were on
GeorGtna.
Alexander intervened-but It was
Lady Erythea who, with an eXtraOrdi-
narily determined movement, overlook
Georgina. Passing a supporting arm
round the girls waist, she turned and
faced to stupetied company.
Lit ne remind you ALL" said Lady
Erytnea, In i voice that compelled
silence, "of one thing that is in danger
OF being overlooked. l am mistress
here at Jervaulx | have listened with
an uneXampled patience. Hold your
tongue, Anthony! | have welcomed the
alliance of GeOrgIna with this family,
and Alexander will have such wife
as | myself would have chosen for him.
Georgina, your only fault is your Ce-
votlon to the mad creature there, and
Tor that | give you absOlutIOn. re-
quiTe direction from no One-yOur mar
riage with my nephew shall take place
IS soon as possible"
Aunt exclaimed Mr.. Lambe joy
ously, Il
do not interrupt me, Alexander "
said his aunt. She turned to Aimee.
"As for YOU" continued Lady Ery-
thea, icily, 81 really find myself in your
debt. / can never be sufficiently thank
full that you did not come here as my
guest, and that Alexander was spared
your authorized companionship, One
shudders to reflect on the possibilities
You appear to have enlisted the
terviceS of everyone but me to shield
your disreputable escapade, and to
have enrolled many simple-mlnded per-
Sons In your defense. You may have
leluded these men," said Lady Ery-
thea. with Il scOrnful wave of her hand
towards the company, but you do not
delude mel I find in you no qualities
sut selfishness and decelt-and | am
kihi liidl Jul rDJouiu III IIDuSe llHS
been confined to the servants hall,
though I dread to think what your in.
auence may have been on my domes.
tics, from whom l require honesty and
5ecency."
Aimee, very white, suddenly broke
into flood of tears. The next moment
Lord Scroope had his arm around her
and held her to him.
mot another word, Erythea !" he
said sternly. "You have had provOca-
nOn-but you have said enough and
much more than enough. Gentlemen, |
thank you for what you have done on
ny daughters behalf. And you, too,
Deorgina. Come, Aimee, little girl Let
~ 30 home"
He led her away; Aimee clung to her
father, sObbing as she went. Before