Evening star., 1926-05-04

effectually until the day when she
herself, knowing everything, and not
judging me by one unfortunate incl
dent, sends for me. There need be
little gossip and no scandal. II Is our
affair exclusively. Let US keep it in
our own hands"
Never was fairer offer made by any
man whose bride wanted to desert
him almost at the church door. But
Eileen's soul was like Il mirror which
had been tarnished by some destruc-
tive acid. Its smooth, bright surface
was not to be restored by few plaus-
ible words. Deep down in her con-
seriousness she knew she had been de.
ceived, was still being deceived, and
that Alistair was incomparably the
greatest offender Of the three.
''It is for me to dictate terms" she
said coldly. Lord Oban. why do you
not do as my father asks-tell the
truth, and the whole truth?"
The mans pinched, pallid cheeks
flushed, and his worn eyes sparkled.
BY. and so shall"' he cried.
almost shrilly.
"Cncle." broke in Panton. Il advise
you most strongly to. let this unhappy
incident end here and now"
ITO the devil with you and your
advice" came the fierce defiance,
"You would not listen to me yeSter-
day-neither you nor Grant-why
should / give In to you again? Now,
Eileen, mark my words, because /
pray God I may never be called on TO
utter them again. My son, Capt. John
Bridgnorth Panton, a Highland gentle
man of unstained lineage. was dis
missed from His Ma1esty's service for
cowardice in the field. 1t was only
by a miracle he escaped being shot
bv the mistaken kindness, In fact, of
a general officer who happened to be
a cousin Of his and mine. There was
a second charge, that Of drunkenness.
| bad enough, but not wholly unpardon'
able. The other I shall never forgive
or forget. I love you dearly, as you
well know, but II you were to marry
my son now ! would endeaVor never
| 10 hear your voice or see your face
| again in this world. There are Of
f, fenses, I am told, which women are
| reader than men to condone, but
| cannot believe that q woman reared
| in the traditions of our people Is
prepared to overlook conduct of that
sort in any man, be he husband, lover,
| or SON."
| Eileen had turned deathly pale dur.
| ing that hearbreaking statement. II
| was quite impossible to question Its
accuracy. Many circumstances. hither
| to vague and perplextns, rushed into
her mind now with overwhelming con
yiction. So that was what Jack meant
when he said good.by, having met
| her, as he thought. by chance, on the
| day he left Inverlocht!e.
| ''It's for keeps this time, little pal, :
| he had said, Don't fret about me.
vas always a bit of q fool, and now
I'm something far worse. You must
not even try to remember me. I'm
| lust a rotter and a washout. II you
want to be kind never mention my
name to any. one. John Bridgnorth
| Panton is napoo."
| The three men thought she was
about to faint, but she waved then,
back while she gripped that friendly
chair TO steady herself. When she
! spoke. her utterance was rather stac
| cato as though her tongue and palate
were feverishly dry.
There has been enough trouble al
ready in your family, Lord Oban. that
| l should not seek to add to it," she
| said. "Alistair. I am ready to go with
| YOU to Cromer. butt am sorry tc
have to make the stipulation In front
OF witnesses, even close relatives like
nv father and your uncle-l canno,
| be YOUR wife until--untii this dreadful
| affair-is cleared up"
Panton, whose red cheeks had be
| come blotclIy. bowed.
IT shall honor the bond" he said
Meanwhile, another father and
daughter were discussing that amaz
ing waster. Jack Panton. In a more
friendly way but with exceeding
frankness. knowing her father bet
ter in some respects than he knew
himself, that curiousiy named young
person. Maple Leslie, had gone early
to his dressing room and demanded
admittance.
"You and I. dad. have got to hold q
board meeting before we 90 down te
breakfast" she announced. seating
herself in an easy chair while Leslie
CONTINUED to lather his Eacee