Evening star., 1924-04-21

interests of his majesty. We were
working to discover this plot"
(which, no doubt" put in Trench
ard slyly. lis the reason why. having
got the letter, your friend Air. West
macott locked il in a desk and you
kept silence on the matter
'lou see" exclaimed Albemarle,
how your lies do but serve further
to bind YOU ir the tolls. 1t is ever
thus with traitors
i do think YOU are q damned
traitor. Trenchard," began Blake, "A
But what more he would have said
was checked by Albemarle. who thun-
dercd forth Az order for their re-
muyal. And then scarce were the
words uttered than the door at the
far, end of the hall was opened. and
through it came :. sound of womens s
voices. Richard started, for one was
the voice of Ruth.
An usher advanced. May it please
your grace. there are two ladies here
beg that you will hear their evidence
in the matter Of Mr.. Westmacott and
Sir Rowland Blake"
albemarle considered moment
Trenchard stood very thoughtful
Indeed" said the duke at last, Il
have heard as much as | need hear,
and Sir Phelps nodded III token OF
concurrence.
Not SO, however, Col. Luttrell.
still" SAID he, lin the interests or
his majesty. perhaps, We should be
doing well to receive them.
AlbemarIe blew out his cheeks like
a man wcaried and stared an instant
at Luttrell. Then he shrugged his
shoulders.
Admit them, then" he commanded
almost peevishly. and Ruth and Drama
We're ushered into the hall. Both
were pale, but whilst Diana was Ilut-
tered with excitement, Ruth was calm
and cool. and il was she who spoke
in answer to the dukes invita- alton.
The burden of her speech was clear,
succinct recitation, in which she
spared neither Wilding nor herself, of
how the letter came to have remained
in her hands and silence to have been
preserved regarding it. Albemarle
heard her very patiently.
IF what you say is true, mistress,
said he-"and God forbid that I
should be so ungallant as to throw
doubt upon a lady's word-it GER
tainly explains, although most
strangely. how the letter was not
brought to US at once by your brother
and his friend Sir Rowland. You are
prepared to swear that this letter
was intended for Mr.. Wilding?'
Il am prepared to swear it," she re-
piled.
This is very serious said the
very serious" assented Sir Ed
ward Phelps.
Albemarle, a little flustered, turned
to his colleagues. s"What do you say
To this? Were it perhaps well to or
der Mr.. Wilding's apprehension and
to have him brought hither|
1T were to give yourselves useless
trouble. gentlemen" said Trenchard,
with so much assurance that it was
plain Albemarle hesitated.
Beware Of Mr.. Trenchard, your
grace" cried Ruth. "He is Mr.. Wild
ing's friend, and il there is a plot he
is sure to be in it,
Albemarles startled. looked at
Trenchard Had the accusation come
from either of the men the duke
would have silenced him and abused
him, but coming from woman. and
so comely woman, IL seemed 10 MS
grace worthy at least of considera-
ton. But nimble Mr.. Trenchard was
easily master of the situation.
(which, of course" he answered
with fine sarcasm, lis the reason why
| have been at work for the past
four and twenty hours to lay proofs
Of this plot before your grace;
Alben3a rle was ashamed OF MS mo-
mentary hesitation.
For the rest" said Trenchard. sit
is perfectly true that / am Mr.. Wild
ing's friend But the lady is even
more intimately connected with him.
1t happens that she is his wife"
His wife, gasped the duke,
whilst Phelps chucl<led and Col. Lut-
trelfs face grew dark.
Trenchard's wicked smile flickered
upon his mobile features. There are
rumors current of court paid her by
Sir Rowland, there. Who knows?"
he questioned most suggestiyely,
arching his brows and tightening his
lips. wives are strange kittle-
katie, and husbands have been
known before to grow inconvenient.
Upon reflection, your grace will no
doubt discern the precise degree of
faith to attach to what this lady may
tell you against Mr. Wilding.'
"Oh," exclaimed Ruth, her cheeks
flaming crimson. But this is mon
strousr
.'Tis how L should myself describe
it, answered Trenchard without
shame.