Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-08-15

we'll stocked flower garden outside.
The atmosphere of the whole place
seemed charged with peace and rural
tranquility, yet Martin, not unduly
imaginative fancied that during that
brief period some alien influence be-
longing to more vital and intense
life than any he had ever dreamed
Of had crept into the room These
two men of such unusual and unnat-
ural type seemed suddenly sinister
figures, their explanation of their
presence balderdash.. Invented for the
quilting of the simplet0n He felt his
hands grow hot, his sense of I'M
easiness increased almost to a fever
Then some ordinary sound--the tick
ing of the grandfather's clock against
the wall about to strike the hour. the
drone OF an intruding bee-geemed to
re-eGtablish the ordinary and every
day nature of his surroundings He
took advantage Of his momentary re-
turn to sanity, pushed back his chair
and lit cigarette.
Il think l shall smoke in the gar
dem, he said, with a little valedictory
nod.
HIS two companions suffered him to
pass out without remark. without
change of expression. In the garden
he found a rustic seat surrounded with
a shower of Dorothy Perkins roses,
little vista Of meadows en- his left: on
his right over the wall, a glimpse here
and there through the trees of the
sullen back Of the great house. He
made determined attempt to thrust
from his mind those two displeasing
personalities. He tried hard to think
of his own affairs. 10 speculate as to
the conditions Of his visit, whether his
eccentric benefactor would dismiss him
with cynical word or show any
curiosity as TO what he was doing
with his wlndfall. Then again those
considerations melted away, and he
INDUCED for few moments in for
hidden dreams. the folly against
which he fought. the madness from
which he was absolutely convinced
that his common sense would save
him. Yet 1t was wonderful to think
Of her, strong and kind, gracious
masterfully sweet. The whole world
of her sex dropped into nothingness
by the side of her. Her very aloofness
seemed natural and necessary It was
sheer admiration which he felt. he told
himself. devoid of a single grain of
sentiment. yet he suddenly remembered
the little glance, half scrutinizing. half
kindly. and his pulses tremb!ed Away
with his dreams! Mr. Victor Porle, a
thin, ominous figure, had stepped out
of the window and was crossing the
strip of lawn. He was colorless, not
withstanding the heat of the sun and
the quantity of whisky he had drunk
He moved with the quiet. silent steps
Of some feline animal With a muir
muir of apology he took the scat by
Martins side
Il shall venture to intrude upon
mn f1~ cofl
because I am anxious TO engage your
attention. have suggestion to make
on behalf of my friend and myself"
"A SUGGESTION" Martin queried
1t is this: We have been very
frank with you-~gny friend and l. We
have confided to you our firm inten-
ton Of penetrating into the interior
Of Ardrington Hall. Somehow or other
We intend to see those pictures, and on
the same occasion TO have an interview
With Lord Ardringten."
Well you may succeed II YOU stick
at it long enough" Martin observed.
Personally. I shouldn't have thought
Il worth while. There are lots of Corots
and Van Dykes at the National Gallery"
Not the Corots we wish to See" Vic
tor Porle pointed out gently May /
beg for your undivided attention for
one moment, Mr.. Barnes? We have
made our plans Tor visiting Ardrington
Hall. The only trouble is that they
take time. We would expedite matters
If we could. Hence our suggestion to
you" Ill
And what is it?" Martin demanded.
The pass which has been sent you
for this afternoon. 1t is, I should
imagine. of small moment to you
whether you see his lordship today or
tomorrow. For Mr.. Solomon Graunt
and myself 1t is en- affair Of great in
terest"
''Well?"
We suggest that We buy your pass
for hundred pounds"
You can 60 to hell" Martin re-
joined curtly .
Emphatic, very" was the others
naurmured comment "A hundred
-