The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-06-06
CHAPTER Xxx

garden on the following morning.
Their conversation was little dis
jointed, as the conversation Of lovers
In secluded and beautiful spot
should be. but they came back often
to the subject of Sir Timothy.
IF have misunderstood your IA
ther," Francis declared. land I admit
that have, it has been to some extent
his own fault. To me he was always
the deliberate scoffer against any code
Of morals, rebel against the law even
IL not criminal in actual deeds.
honestly believed that the Walled
House was the scene of disreputable
orgies, that your father was behind
Fairfax in that cold-blooded murder.
and that he was responsible in some
sinister way for the disappearance Of
Reggie Wilmore. Most Of these things
seem to have been shams, like the
fight last night"
She moved uneasily in her place.
II am glad did not see that" she
said, with a SILVER.
II think" he went on, shat the rea-
son why your father insisted upon
Lady Cynthia's and my presence there
was that he meant it as sort Of allie
CORY. Half the vices in life he claims
are unreal"
Margaret passed her arm through
his and leaned little toward him.
IF you knew just one thing have
never told you." she confided, II think
that you would feel sorry for him. l
do, more and more every, day, because
in a way that one thing is my fault"
Notwithstanding the warm sunshine,
she suddenly shivered. Francis took
her hands In his. They were cold and
lifeless.
II know that one thing, DEAR" he
told her quietly.
She looked at him stonily. There
was questioning fear in her eyes
"You know"
II know that your father killed
Oliver Hilditch."
She suddenly broke out into 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 it was to you
or to your friend at Scotland Yard
that Walter had told his story. But
\ You don't know-y0u 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 of his
scheme of revenge. This was the first
time we had any Of us met since.
told my father the truth that after
noon. He knew for the first time how
my marriage came about. My hus-
band had prayed me to keep silent. I
refused. Then he became like 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 I believed
that you had" he reminded her. 81
didn't behave like pedagogic up
holder of the letter of the law then.
did IT.
She drew closer to him.
"You were wonderful" she whis-
pered.
Dearest, your father has nothing
to fear from me-" ne assured her ten
derby. ION the contrary, think that
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 twelve. Let us go and meet
him. But, Francis"
For a single moment she crept into
his arms. Their lips met, her eyes
shOne into his. He held her away
from him moment later. The change
was amazing. She was no longer a
tired woman. She had become girl
again. Her eyes were soft with hap
piness. the little lines had gone from
about her mouth, she walked with all
the spring of youth and happiness.
1T is marvellous" she whispered.
I never dreamed that 4 should ever
be happy again."
They crossed the rustic bridge which
led on to the lawn. Lady Cynthia
came out Of the house to meet them.
She showed no signs of fatigue. but
her eyes and her tone were full Of
anxiety.
Margaret" she cried, "do you know
that the hall is filled with your ia
theirs luggage. and that the car is
ordered to take him to Southampton
directly after lunch?"
Margaret and Francis exchanged
glances.
"Sir Timothy may change his mind"
the latter observed. II have news for
him directly he arrives"
On the other side of the wall they
heard the whinnying of the old mare,
the sound of galloping feet from all
directions.
Here he comesl" Lady Cynthia ex-
claimed. Il shall go and meet him"
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