The Argosy — page 368: what you’re looking at

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

Lady Valeria. 347 ness of the ways of this world and of the young folks whose world it is. He bade a polite adieu to all. “ You will get home more easily now,” Mrs. Damien said; ‘‘see how the streets have emptied,” and she stepped out on the balcony. The fog still hung about, but not thickly, and the passers-by in the streets were distinctly visible. A carriage drove up to the hotel entrance and stopped almost directly beneath them. Mr. Paramount retired hastily into the room again. “IT couldn’t be mistaken!” he exclaimed, with suppressed excite- ment. ‘It’s Elsie’s friend I told you about, ma’am; Mrs. Beltran. Oh, dear, dear, I’m sorry to see them about again. ‘They are staying here, I presume. ‘To look at her now and to think they once lodged in Lavender Row! With your leave I'll stay here a few minutes longer, till they have gone. I confess I feel some reluctance to meet- ing Mrs. Beltran.” ““ Mrs. who?” shouted the Vicar, springing to his feet. ‘‘ Beltran Did you say Leltran ?” “I certainly did. No harm, I hope?” “It’s too good to be true. And coming in here?” “I saw her enter. The gentleman drove away in the carriage.” “Come along! Id give a hundred pounds to be sure you’re right! Come. You must keep watch that she does not get away, while I send a telegram to Seagrave Place.” | ‘“ No; stop!” and Hester, catching a word or two, sprang to inter- cept him. ‘Stop; tell me first. What do you want with her? Who are you talking about? Not Elsie’s friend ? ” “* Miss Archdale, I cannot wait to explain. We must secure her at all hazards.” ‘Then go at once, if that’s what you mean todo. JZ want her, too, and so does somebody else ! ” Before the door had slammed on the two she was across the room and had seized astonished Sir John by the arm. ‘‘ Daddy, where’s Captain Poynter to be found? We must have him here directly !” “Why, Het, how should I know? He’s gone home by this time ; or, if he hasn’t, I don’t know how it’s to be done. Where do you ex- pect to find him ? ” ‘“In St. James’s Park, of course. They can’t have done more than have got back there yet. Off at once, Daddy, if you ever hurried in your life, and bring him. See the Colonel !—Sir Evelyn Wood !— the Duke! Say it’s for life and death! Say that Z want him !” (Zo be concluded.) CoOnnicboooks (SO)