The Dolores star., 1924-12-12

against others. She had fancied MIN
in parliament. a cabinet minister later
in life, perhaps. She had thought with
happiness of the many ways in which
she could further his career; had
dreamed with pleasure of playing
hostess for him in a joint establish
ment She had known that the con-
summation of her wish was Inevitable.
unless something should come be
tween. And something had most un-
expectedly come between-this peasant
girl, this birth OF a spurious sentiment
nothing. in man like Gerald. but
very much to be dreaded In person
OF ChristOpher's poise and steadfast-
ness. She was a proud young woman,
for all her gracious ways, and, al
though she refused to find anything
final in his attitude. the pain that she
suffered in those few moments was not
only of the heart.
Christopher and his host, In the In
tervals OF their game, talked of the
latest suicide With the usual amaz-
ing secrecy Of the local press. not one
word had appeared in any paper pub
lished in the vicinity.
~ feel grent deal OF sympathy for
our neighbors." Lord Hinterleys re-
marked. "Old Colonel Husklnson,
whom met on the terrace this morn
ing. told he that the man was bringing
them money for some estates he had
sold. which were practically their only
means of subsistence"
Lord Hinterleys picked up his cards.
Mary came in from the terrace and
seated herself by Gerald's side. The
Quietness Of the evening, however, was
almost Immediately disturbed. The
butler threw open the door announcing
guests.
''The Ladies Victoria and Mlllicent
Cromwell. Mr.. james Cromwell. Lady
| ESseden."
They all trooped in-Intimates Of
the young people of the house.
1--WE want you to come down to the
club for an hour or two," Lady Vic
tOria, who was always the leading
spirit. suggested. Dads just paid my
dress allowance. and I'm dying TO lose
1t, and Jimmy's going to give us supper
and take us to dance somewhere after
ward"
added to which," her sister. Lady
Millicent, went on. 1--WE have brought
you news. We know all about the man
who committed suicide the other
night"
There was dead silence. a most
effective background for Lady Vic
toria's announcement
They tried hard to keep It secret"
she said, but an English journalist
discovered the truth. The mans name
was Zubn. and he was the steward OF
two unfortunate ladies who live near
you. He had just arrived from Russia
with large sum of money for them,
went into the rooms, gambled with 1t
and lost the lot. They say that 1t was
was every penny those poor women
had in the world"
Christopher and Gerald were taking
an early morning stroll and displaying
an almost feminine partiality for the
shop windows, when the former sud-
denly felt his friends hand tighten
upon his arm. They had paused to
look through the plate-glass window of
a jewelers. shop in the Rue de Paris.
What is it, old chap" Christopher
asked.
Gerald pointed TO pearl necklace
which hung in the window.
You see that?' he exclaimed trag-
ically. THAT belonged to Pauline
TO Mademoiselle de POniere. And that
fnarquise ring below-I am perfectly
certain her aunt was wearing. Wait
n moment, old fellow"
Gerald entered the shop hastily. A
very suave Frenchman came forward
to meet him.
Can you tell me anything about
that pearl necklace and the rings be-
low?" Gerald inquired
But certainly, SIR" the man replied.
"One moment"
He unfastened the window and
J brought out the stand on which the
necklace rested. The color of the
pearls was wonderful. They were not
large, but they had an almost pink
glow.
Il have no doubt monsieur Is n
judge and | need say little about these
pearls the shopman began. 81 would
point out to you, however, tha; they
were matched for royalty itself, and
the quality of each one Is superlatlve
If monsieur is a purchaser, could
quote him seven thousand pounds. and
for that sum there Is not such another
necklace in the world"
Il recognize the necklace" Gerald
admitted. 81 might, under certain cir
cumstances, be induced to buy it. I
came in, however. to ask you how YOU
obtained possession of 1t. and the rings
below?"
The mans manner changed
Monsieur" he said, 81 am not able
to explain exactly how this jewery