WHOSO FINDETH A WIFE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6018, 3 November 1897, Page 1

WHOSO FINDETH A WIFE.

[BY WILLIAM LE QTJEUX.]

-Author of " The Great War in England in 1897," " Zoraida," " Stolon Souls." "Guilty Bonds," "A Secret Service/' &c, &c. (All Rights Reserved.) Chapter XIX. A BLADE OF GEASS. Nearly three months had slipped away. It was mid-November. The clouds that had darkened my days had lifted, the sun shone out, and life and hope sprang up and ran riot in my heart. The long anxious weeks wera over, for Ella was now my wife, and our lives were fall of joy and love. With ■<;•;-.. . ; .r-f- r-rj-f- f-y- +V. f» WOrjlif'T "WOrdS .bf :-::•-■ :u -.-..^!^ H-'- '■: *-;v> \-*l; Kf-iiiys-•-■-.;.ou^ •r'nib?.:/ 1 ■■'■ ■;.;■<■, .uise, I :. -.'1 u-'.zei-t 'liri •i^ai'"--- -vi-'-v^i 1 - •:••..-• hi ■'::' '.riMivViijro tb-v i w.^Hbea -••■r.iL-. .. r-.-i-^h wo ~-o:h. a ?'?.■-•- 'i .c.Jet v -j'Jdi!j; n .-,1. .?;. F'eter's, Em--:: :-~-£\ii:---:.,nt v- Uk h, ht.>\r ■:■-,-,■■: r. large '".alber Jr Oi'V rrlc^-.iS T r-:H'Op:'-'!'T-:'. !Qcludir,_- :Vv i Ti'i-^libi/iovi ■■.■!;, vj" l re ;eption Iv^ ;.'•=•■! hc-ki jit-I'or.t S^fcvl, -^i'l v.v-leftto •?ouu«i vvt '.y^fyi"-:aotf uu. tlu- '" .utinent 'v: ;.'.'. j ■■•ui-' Iion?-f ' -ia Fhilliirioiv Hardens, :-.:;i:- t>^ tm-3 i-ifc^ propa:vu. I loved y-v .u-Vr-^irL fro *'V'k- '■•{"rr-n'j-f/j. of my . ■>...;:;, luT^'^r.ry t:;s i:*j>rn2^;:il!e, her :. ■.iVcCii.ct-.lij, ant! I SouVi uo'c- don'iji Lhat .-he loved iue wittx her whole sou', and ;]:►; ; .sr <■:;■■-.•-'• c:uui' •/v.-i-i-t :ro;A her ' I';:-? reaso.?; or "i'tecci'-f's pr;-.3t-i:co ir-.jttvs Lr. ilia's iLCtai-eii-'ild wus an enigma. Since „ ;•> night' whfr. I had nr?t ~ r : n. him ".here I had^isited Pont Street each day. and on several occasions had managed to speak with him alone. To all my enquires, however, he remained dumt). ' One night, when I had called and found Ella and her mother had gone to the theatre, I closed the door of the room into which I had been ushered, and asked him pointblank whether his presence there was not calculated to arouse suspicions in my mind. With an imperturbable smile he replied — . : "There is no allegation whatever against mother or daughter, therefore set your mind entirely at rest. We desire to ascertain something. That is all." Hi3 manner angered me. "If I were to denounce you as a spy you would be thrown out of this house very quickly," I said, indignant that this illfeatured man should, for. some mysterious reason, watch every action of my wellbeloved. ....■■' He glanced at' me . with an amused . expression, as lie answered in a halfwhisper — ' " By betraying me, m'sieur would betray one of his closest friends." "Oh! How's that?" " A word from you to either of these women/Hie exclaimed, with brows slightly knit, " and the Department in Petersburg will know the reason that Sonia Korolenko was enabled to pass the frontier at Verjbolovo; they will know that Paul Verblioudovitch, the Secretary of Embassy, has assisted a criminal to escaoe." "You scoundrel!" I cried him fiercely. " Tou listened to -<>■««• cctt—^t— - taon!"' "* "■■■■■" ! He shrugged hiß shoTJ>: . .■•■'• .--•■:. ...u: ; same grim smile, answer - j "My ears are traine •.-., . .^ir. ! i i:- ; j part of my profession." j "But why do you i- r-.ii ;-■;-. if; n. ! peaceable household?' 1 j.-".~.^h i " Surely neither Mrs Lai 1 ;- r. • :Ui : '-jm-o j incurred the Czar's di ■ ue «■. the ! hatred of those in authci ; ./ i • y ;:?..•• j nothing of Russia; they .:•;.-•■,••: :• ■■> -;• sf-r i foot in the country." j The man's features rel..- !, .vc-.". L^nins I away from me, he busk:' Luu-;. ■ : . : ' au^rit; j some bottles on the side" <>.ri. \ " I desire an answer," " - oi:. luued. j '"I have my instructr-av' h;- i-ej-li'.-' 7 , I ■without looking toward? :r:c. ! "From whom?" . . i " From headquarters. 1 j "Well," I exclaimed. V,V ,u? r . in' Russia, therefore when Irdi^s i- •.■■rn ; I shall explain who : :.A ■■".):'■ vju ! are." . ' j " You dare not," he fi' 1 . rK^'dnr^ .u. I suddenly with dark per r .; . i^i:::., ! ■" Miss Ella will soon ; y -,if' . ,- v.' w v', ■will not allow her actio ■• "^ -.J:! \-q- -n \ one of those formidable i 1 ■-.■■■•'■,: a :-.? .;-• v l - \x- \ are too often the death warrants oi yvia victims." "These ladies are not my victims, as you are pleased to term them," he protested, laughing at my anger. ""Victims or friends, they shall no longer remain under your accursed surveillance," I cried, hotly. ",Ybu may practice your jspionage upon your suspected compatriots ; :mt|rwill never, allow you to k^ep obser'atian upon my friends herein England." " Very well," he said, rxtiite calmly, with ; hat -oynical expression that was so tanta-i-sing. " Act as you think fit. We, of the ••jcret service, take no step before due con=derajuion of its consequences, a policy it s^Ex" -be 1 ' wise for you also to adopt." 'b^^ritli a show of mock politeness, he • ■■lei'ed. .the' door of the dining-room, and ".-wing^ .exclaimed: "Madame is out, will sieur iemain or call again ?" Our' eyes met, and I saw in his a look of hiumph. . a* •- "I'll ejill again," I replied, and walked

out into the hall, gaining the street a moment later. The first passing hansom I hailed, and drove at once to Chesham House, where I wua furtunate to find Paul. When we were (iloseted together 1 told him ot' the police officer's threat, and my annovincemeat caitsed him considerable astonishment. " Curious," ho repeated, as.if to himself. "Very curious that Eououf should be installed in that family, above all others." " Above all others," I echoed. " Why ?" "I — I mean that Mrs Laing could not possibly have done anything to offend our Government," he said, quickly correcting himself. "It is certainly very strange. Kenouf is not a man to be trifled with," he added, quickly. " There lmißt be some very strong reason, known only to himself, that has induced him to act in this manner. If the motive were not a strong one he would delegate; the : menial position he has had to assume to one of his subordinates. I know he has his hands full of important enquiries just. now, ;£>,nd it therefore surprises me that he is calmly reposing as butler in Mr3 Laing's service." " Bnt knowing him to be a spy I cannot alkw him to remain longer in daily con tact with those two defenceless women !" I exclaimed. " Have they ever been in Eussia ?" "Never!" I replied. "Only the other evening they were asking me about Petersburg, and both expressed a wish to visit your country." Paul, with his hands behind his back and head bent' in thought, paused for a moment and then said : " From what I know of Ivan Kenouf, I believe that were you to do him an evil turn and obtain his dismissal from Pont Street, he would at once expose to the Ministry of the Interior how Sonia Korolenko obtained her passport. If he did so, the result would be disastrous to me, especially just at a time when our frontier regulations are extremely rigid." "What, then, is the best course to. pursue?" I asked. He was silent, looking moodily into the fire. Then turning with a sudden movement, he said with emphasis : "You are my friend, Geoffrey. My future is in your hands." " Which means that my silence is imperative," I observed, reflectively. Paul Verblioudovitch nodded, bnt uttered no word. If I denounced Kenouf it was plain that my friend, who had seriously imperilled his position at my urgent request, must undoubtedly suffer. In order to shield him I must therefore remain silent. With intense chagrin I saw myself ingeniously checkmated. I dared not allow one single syllable of suspicion regarding the German servant who was, according to Mrs Laing, " a treasure," to escape my lips, and thus asthe weeks passed preceding my marriage, I was compelled to watch and wait without any outward sign. : The reason of his vigilance was an inscrutable mystery. With Ella as my wife I had passed six blissful weeks visiting many of the quaint old-world towns in Central France. It had been Ella's fancy to do this. She hated the glare and glitter of Paris, and would only remain there thej|night on our outward and homeward journeys; indeed cities had no charm for her, she preferred the lethargic provincial towns from which ; i'fs;ri: -possf-^vfii i iio nXi\^^\^ii, iiuu ■*• *■'■"" I i -iniflAd fu sfio.ret.for we soent a far h a PP ier I j rm.c >-Ti:deri:ig thixtuehtho kv^ki-. > ; - : ; ! ir'j.jj.v^Lio! is some j^arish !;•..•!■. i i: ' • ■ j x. :i .i,'^li!"^:u''jC 1 .'":! o? ;i eas? •!.-.. ; j _ Ohuo. oud oulr ooce n:i:;- our yn\ ■■' "■ : <~- ■ • i Ir; "II jsa-utj w.v>\- ?;jmi;ton (,< the <I«>.^- ••' ; j Dncijgj- OgUs ' W,. ->var« cb-ivlnjc imf ' : >'' \ \ Jincjoat- tov.i: r : Cbatv-'-ii^iiv. hAh'; '- 1 ' '■•■"' I onrii? dv. "i v. •j]ldih'>^Tu--' *•''■"'■• ; j j:^p?r!'^-:::<'<j the-.«i.jac viv.'y jo ;n:..'?\ ; '■•_-' ] [ mi\>:-Tip <■« i:e.itury, when 1 oL^tiuad ;•:• \ tvitfn! the rnyscfcryvvouki be ;:oiv?r! : j Wr v.oro speaking hi En^l;.-h, mA u; v/or '-' j ;•{ v:u'-h en-old \ } r. naCu-.v ::rr'i ;;y •-"• ;; " ' I : b;.r u-sts-ritly zhu Uiriicd tomi.-- ''•■■ ■ i■• i'.>oi-:'o7' .-«piv.Kch, rna placing ;^r l!^' 1 '- \ j ff.w.A }.:m& on siVv laoutii in' h:r-J. '<-\ \ d.-'.im':-! ; * • : j j " No, OeoJTrey. Bo uutie;;:ili t';..'.'- ■; - 'i'rVLu 'wta^'wuy. ".T.V-'/HilSO £t?vt,i- :>,;.'■.:• i.■ ! iM^ati":: hl-z nt\~<af- ■ :X or.ly bvin-v 1 -.. '• : : : I '■..« ! •• til o'. ' i:?, -;vhi..j vl:o ajy?l'j: -• ■ \i- :•■.<:,■:'.•- iiig tiio Oi'ii^u i^ l---t." : .iir!2 r>;':i vr. : . ■■'.': ::■■' • You have already told us that he was not your friend, although he posed as such, therefore forget him. I have not forgotten ; nor shall I ever cease to think and • to strive towards the- solution of the, problem." • • ;"But cannot I help you to search and j investigate?" I suggested. "Why should • you strive to elucidate this mystery alone, now that you are my wife '(" i " Because it is my ambition," she an- ■ swered, regarding me earnestly with clear, ) trusting eyes. " You will, I know, allow • me to retain one object in life apart from b you." "Certainly," I answered, surreptitiously J pressing her hand, although puzzled at her 1 strange words. In the few weeks we had I been together I had discovered that she was a woman of moods and curious fancies, t Once or twice ehe had exhibited a strong desire to walk alone at night when the I moon shone, and because I objected she

had pouted prettily, seoruing the i-lea th>n she was not able to take care of herst.-lf. Except when in this mood sho was always eager to fulfil my every wish, and I liar] quickly arrived at the conclusion that her strange desires were but natural to ouft of a slightly hysterical temperament., aiul therefore troubled -myself but little aliuut thorn. Thus, after an enjoyable trip through one of the most beautiful districts of France unknown to the average Briton, we returned and settled cqmfortably at ov.r new home in Kensington. My duties at the Foreign Office took me away the greater part of the day, but Ella was not. lonely, for she drove out frequently with her mother, who visited her almost daily. Of interference or maternal influence I had nothing whatever to complain, yet Ella's desire to wander about alone, aimless and absorbed, soon again seized her. We had been settled about a month when I made this discovery from the servants, who, on my arrival home earlier than usual on several occasions, told me, in answer to questions, that their mistress hud gone out by herself. But on her return she betrayed no surprise, mentioning quite incidentally that she had been shopping in Hiq-h Street, or that she had been to her milliner's iu " Bond Street, or elsewhere. So frequently did this occur that at last I became puzzled, aud on making further inquiries found that on many occasions she had been absent the whole day, returning only just in time to change her dress and receive mo with that bright winning smile that always held me entranced. Oce bright December afternoon I returned at thiee o'clock, and found she had been absent since eleven that morning. I took a cab to Pont Street, but ascertaining she had not been there, refairned home, and impatiently awaited her until nearly six. As soon as I heard her light footstep I seized a book that lay nearest and pretended to read. She burst in like a ray of sunshine, her face aglow with laughter, and in her hand an immense bunch of sweet-smelling violets. The book chanced to be a Koran in Arabic. She came across to kiss me, but I waved her off with dignity, and went on translating the Word of the Prophet. Ella stood back indignant, and with her flowers in front of her waited at the other side of the table. After a pause I commenced : " You went out this morning ten minutes after I had gone ; it is now six o'clock. Yon have been absent seven hours." Ella nodded. "And how have you employed your time ? " I asked. " Have you been shopping, as usual?" Ella again nodded. " Seven hours is a long time. Where did you get those flowers ? " I asked, sniffing contemptuously at the huge bunch of Bweet-smelling blossoms she had let fall before me. "I bought them at Scott's." "That is a bunch specially made up for presentation." I said. " Someone gave them to yon." "Yes, the shopman," she laughed-. "I gave him two shillings for them." Then she took off her hat, and, impaling it with a lone pin, cast it heedlessly upon the table. "It has not occupied seven hours to buy a bunch of violets," I said ruthlessly. «wi- ; -ehave you been?" \ — '■. footed roundiaugliitig, anct sai<l in it voice, " I have been to see a ■•■.-;• i ither aunt — eh?" I asked, suspi- . ..ook a chair and sat down opposite ; cnen, with her head leaning upon her hands she said demurely, " Yes, it was an it." 'i'hera was a silence. Ella had picked ,v her bunch of violets, and every time I ; ted up she was watching me over ■,' m. Well," I exclaimed at last, "where does a! aunt live — atHighgate?" ■ No, not that one. She is pcor. She lives -M Camberwell." •I don't believe it," I said, standing up .:lr?enly. Slla raised her eyebrows in interrogation. •V.ere was an ominous look in her blue eyes, :d I put forth my hand to snatch the jwers and cast them' into the fire. Inaad,lsat down again and turned over | lother hundred page? of my Koran. ; " Geoffrey," she said at length, in a low, mid voice. I perused my book with stolid inlifference. " Geoffrey," she repeated, " why are you i ingry with me without cause ?" Raising my head. I saw that her fine eyes were dimmed by tears, and almost unconsciously I reached, took her hand, and pressed it. Then Ella, rising slowly, came round and sat upon my knee. " You see," she whispered, with her arms around my neck; " this is how it was. Last night I said to myself, ' This poor, dear Geoffrey — he is so busy with his country's affairs, and wcrlis so hard — he will be away all day ; therefore I will go over to call upon my aunt in Camberwell and take her a bottle of wine aud some tea, for she is a great invalid and in poverty. Since my marriage I haven't seen her, and as she is in great straits I know dear Geoffrey will not object/ " Here Ella stopped to nestle closer to me, and went on : "And to-day I took a cab down to Camberwell, to a dreary row of drab, mournful-looking houses, and all day long 1 have sat by her bedside trying to cheer her. Ah ! she is so ill, and so sad. Then on my return I called at Scott's and bought these flowers for my darling serious old boy who has been working all day in his dreary- office with its window overlooking the dismal grey quadrangle. And I am so tired, and it was not at all amusing for me without him. The flowers smelt so sweet in front of me, and Ella was so sweet, childlike and full of happiness, that I took her soft face between my hands, as was my habit, and kissed her. But later that evening, on going to her room alone to fetch something for her, I noticed that her high-heeled French boots, thrown aside as she had cast them off, were unusually muddy, although, strangely enough, it had been a dry day. I took them up, and upon examining the soles found them caked with damp clay in which were embedded some blades of grass. I Blowly descended the stairs engrossed by my own thoughts. ; ; Grass does not grow in the streets of Camberwell. Chapter XX. UNDERCURRENTS OP DIPLOMACY. A few nights later we went together to a ball at the Russian Embassy. Perhaps of all the functions im London a ball at Chesham House is one of the most brilliant and imposing-, for it is always on a scale in keeping with the dignity of the representative of the Czar. . The spacious staterooms with their great crystal chandeliers and heavy gilding'were filled to overflowing with pretty women and men in uniform of hues as varied as thoso of the ladies' dresses, from the black coat of the United States Minister to tho bright yellow jacket of the Emperor of China's' rejjrosentative. All the diplomatic body wore present, as well as many personals well known iu English society. At tho teud of the grand staircase M. Groclekoff, the liussian Ambassador, a striking figure in his spotless white' uniform, hi3 a breast glittering with orders set in brilliants, including the r»uch-covete<l ribbon of St Andrew, stood with his daughter receiviu"

their guests, and as wo advanced the courtly white-haired old gentleman, whom [ had met on many occasions in my official capacity, shook me heartily by the hand aud congratulated us upon our marriage. "I heard, Deedes, of your good fortune," he said, after greeting Ella. " I trust that you and your wife will have long life and every happiness." • " Thanks, your Excellency," I answered, smiling contentedly. "There is no doubt, I think, concerning our happiness." "You should take inadauie to Petersburg," the aged diplomatist laughed. " She would enjoy it, especially with you, who know our country." "I hope to go very soon," Ella said. " I have heard so much about it, and' am longing to seo it." " Go now," he urged. "This is just the season ; plenty of snow, and stating and sleighing and such like sports that delight us in the North." : Wo both laughed in chorus, -while the representative of the White Czar, dismissing us into the ball-room with a low bow, turned to greet the tall, full-bearded representative of his Imperial master's ally, the French Republic. In the corridor there was bustle everywhere. Gailyi uniformed servants hurried here and there, young attaches, their breasts decorated with crosses and ribbons of every combination of colour, lounged along with pretty women on their arms, while older diplomats of every shade of complexion from white to black, exchanged greetings as they met. i From the gay cosmopolitan throng in the ball-room rose the mingled odour of a thousand perfumes with the chatter of laughing women, and ere we had entered, Paul Verblioudovitch, erect, spruce, and smart in his pale-blue uniform, and wearing many decorations, elbowed his way through the crush towards us. We had not met since the wedding reception at Pont Street, and as we strolled through the brightly-lit salons, Ella, radiant and enthusiastic, began telling him of our idle day and explorations in the oldworld towns. "Permit me, madame, to congratulate you," he exclaimed presently. i " Upon what ? " asked Ella, in surprise. "Upon being the prettiest woman it has ever been our honour to entertain here upon this small square of territory belonging to ouv Imperial master," he said, bowing and smiling with that inborn finesse which was one of his chief characteristics. " Ah, you diplomatists always flatter," she laughed lightly behind her fan. "Is it really wise of you to make a woman vain?" she asked, inclining her head slightly. I felt compelled to admit that Paul had spoken tho truth, for as we passed along I had not failed to notice that Ella's beauty was everywhere remarked. Her gown of cream satin, a trifle decollete, with the corsage thickly embroidered with pearls and edged with flowers, suited her admirably, and the instant consciousness of success in that brilliant circle of society" unfamiliar to her heightened the colour of her cheeks and added lustre to her eyes. "The majority of the women who honour us with their presenpe on these occasions are vain enough," my friend admitted, adding in a low voice, " even: though some of them are absolute hags." *■'■ "" >'" " Jfr Verblioudovitch is, I believe,' pastmaster of the art of flattery," Ella observed laughing, turning towards me. "He could make a Dowager- Duchess believe herself as youthful and attractive as a girl of eighteen." " It is necessary sometimes, madame," he answered amused. " Quite necessary, I assure you." At that moment a quietly dressed elderly lady of pronounced Teutonic type and matronly proportions was struggling to pass us, but, recognised by Paul, was introduced to Ella. It was a woman with whom I was well acquainted, the Countess Landsfeldt, wife of the German Ambassador. She at once joined our little group, and commenced to chat with a strong accent. " We have not met, madame, for quite an age — three months, is it ?" Paul oxclainied ■prpsently. " You have been away, I believe." " Ah ! yes. For a month I was in Berlin, and afterwards, just as I was returning to London, my youngest daughter fell ill, and I was compelled to spend two months with her at Ehrenburg, our schlos; on the aiosel." " The Ehrenburg !" exclaimed Ella, enthusiastically. " I know it quite well. How romantic and charming it looks, perched high up upon its solitary rock. My mother and I drove from Brodenbach along the valley to see it last year." " Ah, you did not enter ?" '• No," my wife answered, smiling. " I had not then the honour of madame's acquaintance." "Inside, we are back in tnedireval days with dungeons, torture-chambers, and all sorts of relics of barbarism ; while the legends connected with the place are legion. Some day, if you are interested in ancient castles, you and : your husband must visit me in Germany." "It is supposed to be the most completely preserved," Paul observed. . " Ah, yes." replied the Countess, "but it is gloomy and dull— ugh !" and, shrugging her shoulders, she pulled a little grimace. " I prefer Berlin — or even London." " You say even London, Countess," exclaimed Paul. " I quite agree. London is tviste after Vienna or Petersburg. Is His Excellency with you this evening ?" " No. My husband is— oh, so busy. We only returned from Lord Maybury's this morning, and dispatches accumulate so fast in his absence." "He has received another decoration from the Emperor, I hear," Verblioudovitch observed. "Yes, the Iron Cross," replied the Countess, looking at him sharply. Then she added quickly : ••' But who told you ? He only received His Majesty's intimation three days ago, and I thought for the present it was a profound secret." Upon Paul's face there spread tnat imperturbable smile that he could assume at will, as he answered: " It is the object of the diplomatist to ascertain the nature of all secrets." The Countess gave vent to a forced lauo-has she exclaimed : "My husband,! think, fully deserved the honour." "Certainly, madame," replied the Czar's official courteously, his hands clasped behind his back. "The completion of the secret convention with England was, I admit, a master-stroke, and even though directed against us, the rapidity and cleverness with which it was effected were worthy of reward/' And he smiled. at her mysteriously. J "... "Ah!" she exclaimed, fanning herself slotvly, with a sudden hauteur, "no secret seeuis'snfo from you, ni'sieur. Nothing escapes tho Embassy of Russia." And bowing slightly, her stiff silks swept past us, and a moment later she became lost in, the chattering, well-dressed crowd. " You see, my dear Geoffrey," lavighi. ; Piuil, when tho Countess was out of l''.:-.i.v- : in»-, '"we are accredited with tho om;iiy<- j tencs of the Evil One himself quite umiu!-- • I particular^' desired to learn whetho- hor i husband had beeu decorated by his Ei - -i)!i"Oi' j for that convention which nearly _■ <vn ; j Europe a war; therefore I liaza '■.'■'.■'. :• i fi j n rri a remark. Whereupon sho -u; ' ;1 " : ' ■ told r-a all about it, and having do sc, ik hor next bmath denounced us nno ! 1 ■■ ' works... But, there, and he gave h*i : j

ders a shrug, " ladies are such strange creatures." " How cleverly you managed to ascertain what you desired," observed Ella. But the fine Viennese orchestra had struck up, and my wife, being engaged to him for a dance then commencing, he led her off, and I failed to overhear his reply. For the next hour I did not dance, but wandering about the rooms I exchanged greetings and chatted with those I knew, until at length I came across Lady Farringford, the wife of Sir Henry Farringford, our Minister at Washington, sitting with her daughter Mabel. We were old friends, and Mabel quickly responded to my invitation to waltz. She was a smart girl, and rumour said that she had become engaged to' a wealthy American, a statement which, in reply to my enquiry, she frankly confirmed. As we waltzed and lounged together I noticed Ella dancing first with Paul, and afterwards with several young attaches of my acquaintance. Once or twice we exchanged smiles, and I ,knew by the expression on" her face how! thoroughly, she was enjoying her first night in the diplomatic circle. The scone was brilliant and full of colour, the music excellent, and the scent of exotics almost overpowering. Everyone seemed intoxicated with gaiety. In that cosmopolitan crowd hearts were lighter and talk more free than in the ordinary Londow ball-room, although experienced ones knew that here, amid this brilliant assembly, there were many strange undercurrents affecting tho prestige of monarchs and the welfare of nations. " So, you are to marry, Mabel," I observed when, after waltzing, I led her into an ante-room, and she sat down to eat an ice. " Yes, at last," she sighed, looking up at me with a pair of mischievous dark eyes. She was about twenty-two, and rather pretty. " I'm to be married in June, and we are coming to Europe for a twelvemonths'tour. Yon are married already. I'd so much like to meet your wife. Since I've been here this evening I've heard nothing but admiration of her. You're the envy of all your male friends, Geoffrey." I laughed. I confess that by the sensation Ella had caused I felt flattered. "I'll introduce you when I have a chance,"! said. "Our congratu'ations aro mutual. You are to have a husband ; I have already a wife." " F hope you'll find the Biblical quotation correct," she laughed, peering at me over her gauzy fan. "Do you know the words ?" " No," I replied, " I'm not good at remeinboriug quotations." " Well, the Bible says, ' Whoso findei/h a wife, findeth a good thing/ I hope you'll be no exception to that rule." " Thanks," I replied^ ' " I don't know what it says about husbands, but, however it may be worded, you have my heartiest wishes for long life and good luck." At that instant Ella,- on the arm of a young Italian marquis possessed of a longer title than his rent-roll, entered. I sprang up at once and introduced her, and soon we all four were chatting merrily. When, a quarter of an hour later, we rose to return to the ball-room, Ella radiant, and happy, walked beside me. la reply to my question, she declared that she was enjoying herself immensely, but as we were re-•eatertujfthc'Bttlon-•■she'-clutolied"'iny arm, and in a lialf-frigktened -whisper exclaimed: " Look ! Geoffrey. L'cok attliat servant in uniform over there. Why, it's our man, Helmholtz!" I glanced in the direction she had indicated, and sure enough there was the detective Benouf, who, in the Laing household, posed as Carl Helmholtz, in the handsome blue and gold livery of the Embassy, handing an ice to a lady. Instantly I grasped the situation. "It is a striking resemblance, dearest," I said ; " nothing more." " But I'm certain it's Helmholtz," she declared excitedly. " Take me closer to him." "When we were at Pont Street this afternoon, Helmholtz was there, wasn't he?" "Yes. He brought tea into the drawingroom." " Well, no doubt he is at home now. This fellow may be his brother, or something." For a .moment wo stood watching, and saw him make a servile bow. Fortunately he turned his back upon us, hastening to execute some command, ohterwise he must have come towards us and met us face to face. "I'm certain it is Helmholtz," Ella exclaimed in a tone of conviction. "Without doubt it is a very striking resemblance," I admitted. " But ' the servants of an Embassy are not recruited from the nearest registry office. Besides, they would never employ a German here." At that moment Paul approached and claimed her for the next dance, while I wandered on alone amid the crowd, my mind full of strange thoughts. Presently, while watching the dancers, I chanced to glance aside and recognised a sparse, well-known figure, approaching. It was the Earl of Warnham. Attired in plain evening dress of a rather antiquated cut, he wore no decorations, save the broad blue ribbon across his narrow strip of shirtfront, the highest honpur his Sovereign had bestowed upon him. I was surprised to find him there, for I had believed him to be at Osborne iu attendance on Her Majesty. "Ah, Deedes," he exclaimed in a low voice, with a slight smile upon his colourless wizened face. "In the enemy's camp —eh ?" " Yos, my wife wished to come," I explained. "Of course. Women like this sort of thing. I have never met her. You must introduce her presently. " She will esteem it an honour," I said, adding, " she is over there in a cream dress, dancing with Verblioudovitch." He glanced in their direction, and started perceptibly. For some moments his keen eyes followed her. Then I noticed that his grey brows contracted, and his usually expressionless face wore a strange ominous look such as I had never before detected upon it. "Is that your wife ?" he asked huskily, turning and eying me curiously. " Yes." "Was it she who alleged that your friend Ogle was the victim of foul play ?" he inquired with emphasis, in a voice that betrayed dismay.* " It was," I replied. The Foreign Minister sighed. As he again turned his eyes upon the pair at that moment gliding down the room to the strain of the latest fashionable refrain his brow darkened, and his teeth were firmly set. A silence fell between us. (To be continued.)