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"We make no charge for either!" continued Donelson, airily. "Better come back inside then, gentlemen," proposed the captain. "It's a bit warm here." But they felt they must get back for dinner, now, though it evidently cost Allyne something to decline. "We will sometime meet again?" he questioned, as he clasped Hope's hand and looked beseechingly into her eyes.
"You will be as safe as safe in the seclusion of my sister's villa. And you can set things straight soon, when we have arrived. There can't be much to fear, can there, Mr. Allyne?" "Nothing very formidable," said the banker, rising to take his leave. "Pray, don't exaggerate the trouble, Mrs. Ralston. Prompt attention, such as Lord will give the matter, will make all safe.
Allyne especially, who soon showed the influence of his champagne, leading off with some sharply personal remarks. The lieutenant said as little as possible in return, but occasionally a witty reply would turn the laugh against his opponent, who grew disagreeable and really quarrelsome, as the wine affected him more and more.
"It would spoil everything if you were either of you one whit different," cried Allyne, with fervor. "And, Dwight, I want to thank you for letting me into your little secret. I can never be deceived again." "Are you certain of that?" asked Mr. Carnegie, as he joined the group. "I wish I could be so sure! But come, let's drop personalities. I've been sent to ask you to join a reading-club "
Allyne himself appeared on the threshold, the ladies all advanced to welcome him, and, this ceremony being over, resumed their seats. "I have just received this letter from Mr. Lord," said Mr. Allyne, after some moments of general conversation. "Read it, and then tell me your opinion of its contents." The lady took the letter, looking the while somewhat anxious.
As Hope's voice caught up the Word, Allyne turned and looked into her white young face, suffering and terrified, yet self-controlled, then secretly clutching a fold of her gown, as she sat on the floor beside him in such a position that he could wedge her into a safe corner, he too joined in the solemn recitation, thinking inside his perturbed soul,
Once there, I can keep my old servants, who are all true friends, from inadvertently betraying me. And I can trust Mr. Lord to find out who is the instigator of this search," said Mrs. Ralston, eagerly. "Mr. Allyne, when can we start; how soon?" "Not earlier than to-morrow morning." "Claire, can you be ready on such short notice?" asked the now anxious lady.
"We must alter our course and make for her then," he said, turning to the steersman. Then, with a swift look at Allyne who stood a step below waiting, "Anything particular, sir?" "Only a word to explain " "Last night? Well," sternly, "what excuse have you to make?" Allyne shrugged his shoulders. "I was not myself, sir. Your champagne was too heady." "H'm! 'Twas made for men, I reckon.
And now will you not permit me to show you a room where you can rest a little, for it is almost morning, and your night's repose has been sadly disturbed." "I must accept your hospitality, Mrs. Keith, and ask to be allowed to intrude upon you until I can communicate with Mr. Allyne, and he can find me a suitable place of residence." "Don't let that trouble you, pray.
"Yet he knows enough to leave all liquor alone, and believes himself the stronger for it. And don't you, yourself, feel a bit safer on board this steamer, to know he can perfectly control himself?" Allyne tapped his chair arm and ruminated.
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