Evening star., 1925-07-17

The trial was over by half-past IL,
and when they reached the Joyces'
house grand luncheon was awaiting
them. Cocktails were ready-Mrs.
Joyce's million-dollar cocktail which
was celebrated through all the Malay
states-and Mrs. Joyce drank Leslie's
health. She was a talkative, vivacious
woman, and now she was in the high
est spirits. 1t was fortunate, for the
rest of them were silent. She did not
wonder; her husband never had much
| to say, and the other two were nat
urally exhausted from the long strain
to which they had been subjected.
During luncheon she carried on a
bright and spirited monologue. Then
coffee was served.
Now, children" she said, in her
gay, hustling fashion. You must have
rest and after tea I shall take you
both for a drive to the sea-
Mr.. Joyce, who lunched at home only
by exception, had, of course, to go back
to his office.
I'm afraid I can't do that, Mrs
Joyce" said Crosbie. I've got to get
back to the estate at once"
mot today?" she cried.
Yes, now. I've neglected it for too
long and 1 have urgent business. But
l shall be very grateful II you will
keep Leslie until we have decided what
to do"
Mrs. Joyce was about to expostulate,
but her husband prevented her.
IF he must go, he must, and there's
an end of it,"
There was something in the lawyers
quickly. She held her tongue. There
was moments silence. Then Crosbie
spoke again.
IF youm forgive me I'll start at
once so that l can get there before
dark" He rose from the table. viii
you come and see me off, Leslie?"
"Of course"
They went out of the dining room
together.
II think that's rather inconsiderate
of him." said Mrs. Joyce. He must
know that Leslie wants to be with him
just now"
I'm sure he wouldn't go If it wasn't
absolutely necessary
We'll, III just see that Leslie's room
is ready for her. She wants a COM
plete rest, Of course, and then amuse-
ment."
Mrs. Joyce left the room and Joyce
sat down again. He lit a cigar. In a
short time he heard Crosbie start the
engine of his motor cycle and then
noisily go over the gravel of the gar
den path. He got up and went to the
drawing room. Mrs. Crosbie was
standing in the middle of it, looking
into space, and in her hand was an
open letter. He recognized 1t. She
gave him a glance as he came in and
he saw that she was deathly pale.
He knows" she whispered.
Mr.. Joyce went up to her and took
the letter from her hand. He lit a
match and set the paper afire. She
watched it burn. When he could hold
! it no longer he dropped it on the tiled
floor and they both looked at the paper
curl and blacken. Then he trod 1t into
ashes with his foot.
What does he know?"
She gave him a long, long stare and
into her eyes came a strange look.
Was it contempt or despair? Mr.
Joyce could not tell.
HE knows that Geof was my
lover"
Mr.. Joyce made no movement and
uttered no sound.
He'd been my lover for years. He
became my lover almost Immediately
after he came back from the war. We
knew how careful we must be. When
we became lovers I pretended I was
tired of him and he seldom came to the
house when Robert was there. l used
to drive out to a place we knew and
he met me. two or three times week,
land when Robert went to Singapore he
used to come to the bungalow late.
when the boys had Some for the night.
We saw one another constantly, all
the time, and not a soul had the small
est suspicion of it. And then lately,
year ago, he began to change. 1 didn't
know what was the matter. 1 couldn't
believe that he didn't care for me any
more. He always denied it. l was
I fra rtic 7 made him scenes Some
times I thought he hated me. Oh, If
you knew what agonies I endured.
passed through hell. 1 knew he didn't
want me any more and 1 wouldn't let
him go. Misery, Misery. 1 loved
him. I'd given him everything. He
was all my life. And then 1 heard he
! was living with that Chinese woman.