The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, October 2, 1904, Page 3

- ¥ out upon the moment with sence has been what stands be- elope still res! riting and eyes noted it merci- le bewildered. not blame She rose to hér fee “] am tired,” “and T want if you do not leave this k up his hat You are un- you have no He left the room and she stood mo- tionle with flaming cheeks, listening to his retreating footsteys. When she v t e that he was gone she k her sister's note from the table 2nd slowly broke the seal. ‘Dearest A.—I lied to you. Nigel En- quite si nison was my very good friend, but there not the slightest reason for your not marrying him if you wish to do so. My husband knows We leave England to-night. Ever yours, “ANNABEL.” Anna moved swiftly to the window threw up the sash. Ennison had ppeared. APTER XXXIIL ue Hill Plays the Game. The man opened his eyes and looked Iy about him. Vhere am 17" he muttered. w, who was sitting by the bed- over him. in 2 private room of the St. ita he said. pital? hat 1or? What's the Courtlaw's A nurse was room There was an accident with a pistol Miss Pellissier’s room,” he said. vuice sank to a whisper. at the other end of the memory hed in the brows drew a little shot me,” he mut- tound her at last, and en, you. Am I going d that you are in a dan- . Courtlew answered fetch the doc- speak to you Pellissier’s, sier whose rooms in 1 who sings at the ‘Uni- Courtlaw answered. “The er who at White's n nodded you now,” he said. “So seem t 1 was wrong. Annabel as in hiding all the time.” Annabel , is married,” Courtlaw said qu he’s ife the man muttered “Is le,” Courtlaw said, “that you too deceived. Where were you mar: At the iglish nbassy in Paris. d the rtificate in my rangements for there?” Courtlaw end. He did Th the English Em- performance was ard rumors of it in Paris place since then has been and the closed. “But Hainault—assured—me—that the marriage was binding.’ “So it would have been at the Eng- Courtlaw answered, Embassy “but the place t¢ which you wept was not the English Embassy. It was rig- ged up for the occa s it has been many a time before.” But Hainault—was—a pal. 1 don’t understand, man faltered wearily. Hainauit Celeste’s friend and Celeste Annabel’s enemy,” Court- law saic “It was a plot among them all to humiliate her “Then she has never been my wife.¥ Never for a second. She is the wife now of ancther man.” Hill closed his eyes. For fully five minutes he lay quite motionless. Then he opened them again suddenly, to find Courtlaw still by his. side. “It was a bad day for me,” he said, ng slowly and painfully. “A bad or me when that le came. ht 1'd see Paris, do the thing— like a toff. And I heard Alcide sing that little dance she did I was the front row and I fancied she niled at me. Lord, what a state 1 was in! Night after night I sat there, 1 >r come in, I watched her dropped a fi in my r 1 rest or I made Hainault's ac- He shook his head all the time. Peilissier was not like the id. She had a few ac- Eaglish gentlemen, but her sister—was a lady. he came to me. It was 1 could be presented as We were alike. He was And T passed myself Hill and since—then—I minute's peace. - God pallor. You musn’t talk any more,” he said, you to listen to me for a was alarmed at the man's 5 moment. The dector will be here to see you in five minutes. The nurse t for him as soon as she saw that you were conscious. that he It is very possible will ask you to tell him before y Witnesses how ~you received your svound The man sniiled at him “You e their friend, then?” I am.,” Courtlaw answered. vhich one?” e one whose life you have been 2 a burden. who has been all the ng her sister. I would have long ago, but she will not time s married he me.” Bring S The door opened and the doctor en- tered softly Hill closed his eyes. Courtlaw stood up. He has asked to see some one,” he spered to the doctor. “Is there any The doctor bent over his patient, who eemed to have fallen asleep. Present- Iy turned to Courtlaw. T think,” he said, “that T would t one whom he has asked to condition is not unfavorable, ere may be a relapse at any mo- her—here,” Hill muttered. a few departure, w minutes after Ennl- hile Anna stood in- with her sister’s open letter still nd. Courtlaw deove up in hot opened the door to him her- self. will ¥ tal?” he and the night.” u come round to the hospi- ked. “Hill has sent for you will take his depositions to- She slipped on her cloak and stepped into the hansom with him. They drove rapidly through the emptying streets. Will he die?” she asked. mpessible to say.” he answered. ‘We have a private room at St. Felix. verything is being done that can be.” ou are sure that he asked for me— not for Annabel?" “Certain,” Courtlaw answered. “Has he accused any one yet?” “Not vet,” he answered. “I have scarcely left his side.” He was still conscious when they feached the hospital. On the whole his state was more favorable. The doctor and another man were by his bedside when they entered the room and there were writing materials which had evi- dently been used close at hand. He recognized Anna and at once addressed her. “Thank you—for coming,” he said. “The doctor has asked me to give them my reasons—for shooting myself. I've told them all that was necessary, but I—wanted to ask your pardon—for hav- ing made mvself a nuisance to vou and mistake, hasn’t it?” “No more talking,” the doctor inter- posed. -I want two words—with Miss Pellis- sier alone,” Hill replied. The doctor. frowned. “Remember,” he sald, “you are not by any means a dying man now, but you'll never pull through if you don’t husband your strength.” “Two words only,” H# repeated. They all left the room. Anna leaned over so that he needed only to whisper. “Tell your sister she was right to shoot, quite right. T meant mischief. But tell her this, too. I believed that our marriage was genuine. I believed that she was my wife or she would have been safe from me. “T will tell her.,” Anna promised. “She nas nothing to be afraid »f,”” he “I have signed a staiement and continued. that 1 shot myself; bad trade drink, both true—both true.” His eyes were closed. Anna left room on tiptoe. She and Coue drove homeward together. “The doctor thinks,” he said, “that he has a very fair chanc In any case you and Annabel are safe.” “Thanks in some measure to you, dear friend,” she said gratefully. He looked at her intenily. “I hate that word,” he said. “It sounds almost as though I were fore- doomed. May 1 ask you something, Anna?” “If you wish to,” she answered. “If you think it wise.” “Wisdom and folly,” he said bitterly, e beside the mark sorietimes. In Paris, when 1 asked you to be my wife, you refused because you told me that yéu meant to find your way a lit- tle further into the heart of life alon you feared the limitations of marriage." Ah, Anna. you were too independent for a woman with a heart.” “You, too,” she answered, “are the In Paris you were at least heart- whole.” “You do not venture to assert that I am anything else now,” she ex- claimed. “I do not know. You are changed. You look like a woman who has suf- fered, but who has looked for a little while into the World Beautiful. No one is ever auite the same afterwards,” “It may be,” she answered softly, “that you are right.” They passed Annabel’s great hous=e in Cavendish Square and Courtlaw stop- ped the cab. “There are lights in the house still,” he said. “Don’t you think we ought to let your sister know?” They both climbed the Courtlaw rang the bell. steps and The deor was «SHE [TELD ovr HER TN arrISsS 7O o LAY, opened after a few minutes’ delay. “Has Lady Ferringhall retired yet?" Anna asked. ‘i am her sister and I FLave an important message for her. “I am’ very sorry, madam,” the man answered, “but Sir John and her lady- ship left for the continent to-night. Her ladyship, T believe, received news of the serious illness of a relation. Anna and Courtlaw exchanged quick glances. *Did Sir John accompany Lady Fer- ringhall?” Anna-asked. “Certainly, madam.” the man_an- swered. “1 packed his bag myself.” “Did they leave any address?” “None beyond the Credit Lyonnals, madam.” Anna thanked the servant and they re-entered the cal “I am very glad,” she said. “After all Sir John must be a good sort, far Annabel has told him everything. He has taken her awag.” “May a woman have no friends, then?” she exclaimed almost passion- ately. “Must I lose half the good in lifé because I cannot =plit up my heart into little pieces?” “A woman who has a lover,” he answered, “finds® her friends only an embarrassment.” “That,” she declared, “is the most banal thing I have ever heard you say, and I think the most brutal. Beside I have no lover yet. I don’'t want to look at the world and all that is in it through one man’s eyes. If I may not have my friends I will never have my lover.” He helped her to alight and his fingers closed upon hers warmly. “The same Anna,” he remarked, smiling at her. “Well, count me al- ways first among the former. “If you mean it,” she safd, smiling, “you will take me out to lunch to-mor- row and bring Sydney. I haven’t seen him for a week.” “Prince’s at one-thirty,” he answered with mock resignation. brate the new bond. CHAPTER XXXIV. Sir John's Necktie. Sir John, in a quiet dark traveling suit, was sitting in a pokey little room writing letters. The room was worse than pokey, it was shabby, and the view from the window of chimney pots and slate roofs wholly uninspiring. Nevertheless Sir John had the look of a man who was enjoying himself. He seemed years younger and the arrange- ment of his tie and hair were almost rakish. He stamped his last letter as Annabel entered. 'She was dressed for the street very much as her own maid was accustomed to dress and there was a thick veil at- tached to her hat. “John,” she declared, “I must eat or “We will cele-, Sir John stamped his letters, brushed his hat and carefully gave his mus- tache an upward curl before the look- ing glass. “I really do not believe,” he an- nounced with satisfaction, “that any one would recognize me. What do you think, Annabe! “I don’t think they would,” she ad- mitted. “You seem to have culti- vated quite a jaunty appearance, “I dom't think they would,” she ad- mitted. - “You seem to have cultivated quite a dainty appearance and you certainly look years younger. One would think that you enjoyed crawling away out of yeur world into hiding, with a very foolish wicked wife." “Upon my word,” he declared, “you are right. I really am enjoying it. It is like a second honeymoon. If it wasn't for the fear that after all—but we won't think of that. I don't believe any one could have traced us here. You see, we traveled second class and are In the least known quarter of Paris. To-night leave for Marseilles. On Thursday we embark for South Amer- lea.” “You are a marvelous courier jeclared, as they nassed into the s “You see, I will take your arm. It looks so French to be affectionate.” “There are some French customy he declared, hich are admirable. I presume that I may not kiss you in the street?”” “Certainly not, sir, she replied, laughing. “If vou attempted such a thing it would be in order that I shouid smack you hard with the palm of my hand upon the cheek.” “That is another French custom,” he remarked, “which is not so agreeable Here we are. Shall we sit outside and drink a petit verre of something to give us an appetite while dinner is being prepared?” “Certainly not,” she answered. “Iam already so hungry that I shall begin on the petits pains. I have an appetite which I dare not increase.” They entered the place, a pleasant little cafe of the sort to,be met with in the outlying parts of Paris. Most of the tables were for those who smoked only and drank wine, but there were a few spread with tablecloths and laid c dinner. Sir John and Annabel seated themselves at one of them and the pro- prietor himself, a smail dark-vi d man, radiant with smiles, came hurry- ing up, followed by a. waiter. “Monsieur would dine! It was very good! And madame, of course?” with a low bow. “The carte de jour was be- fore Monsieur. He had but to give his fore monsieur. He had but to give his special attention and for the cooking— well, he had his customers, who came ‘rom their hom to him year after And always they were well sat- He waited the pleasure of mon- we John gave his order, deliberately stumbling now and then over a word and anglicizing others. When he had finished he took up the wine list and ordered a bottle of dry champagne. “I am afraid,”” he said to Annabel afterward, *“ that it was a mistake to order the champagne They will guess that I am English.” s Annabel leaned back in her chair and laughed till the tears stood in her eyes. “Did you—did you really think that they would take you for a French- man?" she exclaimed. “I don't see why not.” “These clothes are French gure this floppy bow would make a Frenchman of me anyhow. Perhaps I ought to have let you order the dinner, but I think I got through it pretty well.” ou id,"” Annabel exclaimed. “Thank hfaven, they are bringing the hors d'oeuvres. Jehn, I shall eat that whole tin of sardin , Do take them away from me after I have had four.” “After all,” Sir John remarked com- placently, “it is astonishing how easy it is for people with brains and a little knowledge of the world to completely hide themselves. I am absolutely cer- tain that up to the pre it we have escaped all notice, and I do not believe that any casual observer would.take us for English people. A man who had been sitting with, his hat tilted over his eyes at an adjacent table had risen to his feet and stood suddenly before them. “Permit me to offer vou the English paper which has just arrived, John,” he said, holding out a Daily Telegraph. ou may find in it a para- graph of s: interest to you.’ Sir John was speechless. It was An- nabel who caught at the paper. he answered. and I'm Y “You—appear to know my name, sir,” Sir John said. ‘Oh, ves,” the stranger ' remarked good humoredly. I know you very well by sight, Sir John. It is my busi- ness to know most people. We were fellow passengers from Charing Cross and we have been fellow lodgers in the Rue d'Entrepot. I trust you will not accuse me of discourtesy if I express my pleasure that henceforth our ways will lie apart.” - A little sobbing cry from Annabel ar- rested Sir John's attention. The stran- ger with a bow returned to his table. “Read this, John.” “THE BUCKNALLS MANSION MYS- TERY. “Montague Hill, the man who was found lying wounded in Bucknall Man- sions late on Wednesday night in the rooms of a well-known. artiste, has re- covered sufficiently fo make a state- ment to the police. It appears that he was an unsuccessful admirer of the lady in question, upon whom, it will be remembered, he committed an assault recently in the Universal Music Hall He admits that, under the influence of drink, he broke into her rooms, ana there made a determined attempt at suicide. He further gave the name and address of the firm from whom he pur- chased the revolver and cartridges, a member of which firm has since cor- roborated his statement. “Hill's confession will finally refute a number of absurd stories which have been in_circulation during the last few days. We understand that, notwith- standing the serious nature of the man’s injuries, there is every possibil- ity of his recovery.” Annabel pulled down her veil to hide the tears. Sir John filled his glass with trembling hand. “Thank God,’” he exclaimed. “The fellow is not such a blackguard after all.” Annabel’s hand stole into his. “And I have dragged you all over here for nothing,” she murmured. “For nothing. do you call it?”" he de- clared. “I wouldn't have been without this trip for worlds. It has been a real honeymoon trip, Annabel, for I feel that it has given me a wife.” Annabel pulled up her veil. “You are a dear,” she exclaimed af- fectionately. “T do hope that 1 shall be able to make it up to you.” Sir John's reply was incoherent. called a waiter. “Garcon,” he said. will you ask lhe gentleman at the next table if he will do me the honor of takin_ a glass of wine with me?” The stranger came over lo them smiling. He bad been on the point of leaving the restaurant. He accepted the glass of wine and bowed. “I drink your very good health, Sir John and Lady Ferringhall,” he said, “and I wish you a pleasant journey back to England. If I might take the liberty, Sir John,” he .dded, with a humorous gleam in his eyes, “I should like to congratulate you upon ‘our tie.” “Oh, damn the thing!" Sir John ex claimed, tucking the loose ends inside his coat. He . “I propose,” Sir John said, “that we THE-SA FRANCISCO SUNDAY CALL. 38 e —— e ———— 3 . trez me And yet—I love you. for breaking into your rooms—and to sai.e. Marriage would be your ruin. “We can wire in the morning, die. Do get your hat and we will go for our dinner—which we haven't When you send for me I shall thank you—the doctor says you bound You would be an adorable lover, but a Courtlaw said, “or will they read it in to that corner cafe.” tip the garcon a s reign and come back. 1 do not believe that up my wound—or I should have bled to shocking husband.” > Anna, is this to be good- “Right,” he answered. “I know the take a cab to the Ritz.” vou will marry David Courtlaw. I death.” “I think,” he said sadly, “that you 2 place you mean—very good cooking for Annabel shook her head do not think you will dare to marry “I forgive you willingly,” Anna said, do not mean to give me the opportun- She gave him her hand and the rare such an out-of-the-way show. I'll be “Look at our clothes,” she e anybody else.” bending over him. “It has all been a ity of proving you a lying prophet. tears stood in her eyes. ready in a moment.” “and besides the funny littie has gone down himself to he He would be disappointed it will be good, John, and anything. dine then { g0 was tipped before in his Paris in an « nd blow hand bene to a ho boulevar p both stared a in Rers ‘Dear | be: where 5 N y that I f u . John possibility of by. t h t to CHAPTER XXXV. An I suppose who ¥ n Lad settled herself in 4 able chair Anna answered h ating 1t - Lady -La- B 1 n- n.a I ca Do 1 Anna smiled “Well sh 3 1 s ) think ance wh v 11 I ) which he t Lris 1 Nig t t or kindly ey T like I know I don’t think as that, . did lles aske 1 did frank wi your broth to be his wif s¢ no ken. yunds T Lascelle leclar tc come and you. know own- account.” “Thank you very much,” Ann come, but “It is very nice of you to not think for I could giv do not intend present asked, vears ol¢ married fou I wouldn't be One.gets. “Our ¢ Anna r “Why ¥ Pellissi r than you, ears. are qu mon ¢ “It that, AN~ swered, “but i you th 1 capnot bear to look rank. fallure. We giris I. were left quite alone w died, and I' made up my some littte place in the ipon f self: I tried painting on. Then I ca almost ev two effers liked very occurred to me: tg them. . You see.I s At last T tried a-d got on the m : hall sta “Well, - you .can’t .say ure there,” I smiling. of timres:” “I have deserved, meant 1o s - rhusic stage until 1. could wthing ter. ‘i am- rehésrs now for-a play at the ‘Garrick’ and I have aujte made up my mind-to tiy and mrak some sort of position us an actres ¢ “Do: you . think it is lly worth while?” ‘Lady ' Lasce sked tly “I1 am sure you wil marry Nigel sconer or later, and then all work il - aw be thrown Anna shook her- head “If T were to_marry “it would be with a s¢ tion. 1 feel “th obliged t ne ascelles - mur- “Afterward,” she L.should perfectly content have evervth done for me.. But I da think that girl is to feel comfortabie about it should start fair qual case, for imstance. You bro husband a large fort: were well known in’soc . your fami- 1y interest I have heard was-useful to him in_his parliamenta & far as I am concerned, | a hopeless nonentity. Your brother'has everything—I have not shown myself capable even of ng my own living except in a way ‘which could not’ sibly bring any credit And beyond this, you must know, recent-even a good many people’s fongues’ wagzing, and I am quite determined to live down all this scandal before L think of mar- rying any omne.” 2 “I am sure,” . Lady Lascelles said gently, “that the last consideration need not weigh. with you in the least No one in the world is beyond' the shaft’ of scandal—we -all catch it terrjbly some times. It simply doesn't count.” “You are -very kind," Anna said.” do hope I have been able to ‘make vou understand how I feel-that you.den't consider me a hopeless pri It does, sound ‘a little horrid to k so much about oneself and to have tiews,” . “I think,” Lady Lascelles said. put-- ting down her teacup. “that .I ‘must send Nigel to plead his own eaus I may tell him, at any rate, that you will see him?”" “I shall like to see him,” Anna an-