Lady Evelyn — page 165: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

oo 1so") “The Red Queen.” ‘When we got back he was gone. ‘There was a letter for me, dated six months before. I have never parted with it since. Here it is now, a good deal smeared and torn, but maybe you can make it out.” The sick man drew from his neck a little silk bag, and from the bag the dingy remains of the letter. It was soiled and torn, and the ink was faded, but the bold, clear characters were stiil perfectly distinct. “Read it for yourself, mam’selle,’ Mike Muldoon said. “It’s the first and last | ever had from him. I know no _ more than the dead what became of Lord Rory!” The girl took it. The fading light was dim, but with . the first glance at the writing, she recoiled as though she had seen a ghost. With an exclamation of amazement, of consternation, she tore it open, and read rapidly: ' “DEAR O_p Mixe—When your honest eyes see this, I shall have left. Melbourne forever. I have had news from [reland—news that you, too, have heard, doubtléss, long ere now. My father is dead. He reigns in the old mans stead, and she is his wife! My trust in man and woman has ceased forever. I do not tell you whither I go. I| hardly know myself, and it matters little. God biess you, my brave old Mike, and good-by! “1 will never return to the old land. Jama felon and an outcast, as you know, and can claim no legal rights. I hardly think I should try to, 1f I could. Let the friend I trusted, the woman I loved, be happy if they can, and enjoy their new honors in peace. They will never be dis- turbed by me. I have discarded the old name with the rest, and | sign myself by the new one, under which I begin a new life. “ROBERT DRUMMOND.” As she read the last word—the name—a low, wailing cry broke from the pale lips of Mignonnette, the black eyes were dilated, the dark face white and wild. 66 mond! And I know all—at last—at last!” Robert Drummond!” she repeated—‘‘Robert Drum-. 3 ray ee) cbooks.co