The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-05-31

my cousin, Georg!na Berners. I made
her take my place here, because I
thought 1t would be dull, and Dad In
sisted on my coming. So now call the
police. Cousin Alick, and let's get 1t
over"
1t seemed to Alexander that he had
suddenly been transported into Bed
lam. He. stared from Aimee to the
gently sobbing Georgina. And then,
as the door began to open. Mr. Lambe
turned swiftly and caught the handle,
preventing the intruder from entering.
did you ring. miss?" inquired Mr.
Tarbeaux's voice.
"A mistake" said Alexander, quick
ly. 81 will ring if 1 want you" He
closed the door, and peered searching
ly at Aimee.
II do not understand what this
MEANS" he said coldly, but 1t does
not seem an occasion for the intrusion
Of servants. We are alone. Will you
| explain?"
Aimee felt a sudden relief; a twinge
almost of gratitude. She had not ex-
pected Alexander to do anything SO
sensible.
an make it clear If 1 can," she
said, and, looking Alexander In the
face with an angelically simple express
sion, she told him the tale from the
beginning, briefly, yet comprehensive
ly. As she was speaking, Aimee
watched Mr.. Lambe's face. The waves
of emotion that passed over his usu-
ally serene features made them inter-
esting. suggesting some delicate in
| strument subjected to shocks for
which it had never been designed.
AT the end he was gasping family, like
stranded but still dignified fish.
"And so," concluded Aimee, 'you see
it's piece of my skirt the police have
got. And it was 1 who tripped you
up the stairs. Pm sorry-Cousin."
Mr.. Lambe passed n somewhat un-
steady hand across his forehead. He
looked at Aimee, and then turned
slowly to Georgina.
Miss Berners-" he said
Georgina's answer was a sob. Imme-
diately Aimee stepped across, raised
her from her chair and, with an arm
round her waist, faced Alexander.
"Stop Not word from you to
Georgina !" she said defiantly. There's
no one to blame but me. Everything
she's done, l made her do. She want
ed me to own up. All this, she's done
to try and save me. Georges the best
thing that ever happened"
Alexander looked ut Aimee.
my dear child" he said gently, 81
| Iau nr1 trfrrt, hot to, InI,
you"
Aimee's lips parted; she stared at
him incredulously. She saw the most
human sympathy in the clean-shaven,
priestly face; the kindliest light in his
large eyes.
Miss Berners," said Alexander,
still more gently, will you leave me
with your cousin? l should like to
| speak to her alone. l will see you
presently, if you will give me an OPP
portunity."
Georgina nodded brokenly, and
moved to the window
"GeOrgie" whispered Aimee quickly,
as she passed, meet me by the little
arbor down the gardens in half an
hour-it won't be safe hereafter
this"
Aimee and Alexander were left to-
gether, facing each other There was
an embarrassed pause.
"Tell me. Cousin.' said Alexander.
quietly, "why have you done this mad
thing?"
WELL" said Aimee, for once at
loss, 'I-you see-I was afraid of you,
Alexander" She glanced up at him
almost shyly. Il didn't want to come
to Jervaulx. thought it would suit
George much better than me-"
| Alexander's firm lips twitched very
slightly.
81 got fed up at home" continued
Aimee, desperately. Everybody was
so solemn. They drove me to it, l
just did it on the impulse. And then l
things sort of happened-I-"
She made an impatient, hopeless
gesture with her hands.
'Oh, what's the use of talking about
| it? It's done, and here l am in this
wretched mess. Police after me. and
! everything! You've found me out
you can give me away. What are you
| going to do?'
There is only one thing to do said
Alexander. MAKE a clean breast of
it,"
Aimees lips tightened.
Come with me to Aunt Erythea,'
said Mr.. Lambe soothingly. 81 win ac-
company you. I'll do everything
can for you. There is no other way.
For | can see" he said, that you have
courage"
NO" said Aimee decisively, at is
impossible"
AleXander's eyes became keener. He
looked little contemptuous.
"Are you afraid?" he said. '''Do you
not see that you must face the conse-
| quences of this foolish thing you have.
done? Once the truth Is told, you
have nothing to fear from the police"