CHAPTER X.—Continued.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13610, 18 January 1908, Page 6

CHAPTER X.— Continued.

For£«»Uing that Lady HMslone had said t.he would come ior her, Hilda, whoa she was roady, rang ior a servant to fchovr her tho way to the drawing-room. This ivas a large and splendid apartment, lavishly adorned with flowers,' whose rich scout made the warm atmosphere heavy with fragrance. _ Hilda went out through an open yiass 'door to the terrace, and loaning her white, dimpled arms on the balustrade, looked di-oamiiy out at the moonlit gardens, and i'olt tho siveet, fresh kiss, of thtnight wind on her face. She had not been there many miria;:tes when she heard the .rustling sound produced by silken skirts, and Lady Helstone's clear-toned voice calling softly: "Hildred, dear, where are you?" The girl turned and went across thf terrace, a beautiful personality in he. robe of black gauze and billowy chiffon, a smile on her "lips, and the light oi excitement flashing in her eyes. Lady Helstone came towards her through the brilliantly-lit drawingroom, a superb and stately lady in her rich evening gown. "My dear, I have such a pleasant surprise for you. An old friend of yours has just arrived from Africa." From Africa? Hilda started — a deadly fear turned her face white as snow as the words struck her ears.