WHEN THE EMPIRE CRASHED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12735, 3 September 1919, Page 4

WHEN THE EMPIRE CRASHED.

By AETStIB W. MAEC^i£O?TT Anther of " When I was Giar '* *' The Man Without. a Momcry, 5 ’ ete_ ate.

CHAPTER IS.—Continued. “ I am so sorry for him,’’ she exclaimed as we rose from the table and Trent into the small drawing-room, a deliciously cosy little room, just the spot tor an intimate chat. , Avoir chose a seat on the lounge and sat thinking intently, while Stephanie and I talked about nothing in particular until | a servant brought her a card. She 1 glanced at it, rose with a frown of annoyance, and went away, muttering something about not being a moment longer than she could help. Of course Avola wasn’t- in the least talien in. “ This has, all been settled beforehand, I presume?” she said directly. ‘’ You mean that- toy being here is distasteful to you?” “ Stephanie should hive toH me,” she exclaimed with a shrug- “ You must blame me- She did ’phone me not to come, because you did I not. want to meet me and ” _ __ ! ‘‘But she knew you were coming?” “ She does not know my reasonsShe thinks that as I am to be Press-* man it might he disastrous., that .you. and I should quarrel' ’ She waved the Press suggestion arid©. “Why should I quarrel with you?” with a dash of something uncommonly like contempt, “That’s exactly what T wish to know.” “What war; that affair last night 0 ” “Can’t- you make a- pretty good guess at it? Beltok tried to hypnotise me; I let, him think he had succeeded, and—was able to call checkmate- That’s about all, except than he played the bea,rt attack stunt la prevent my taking something he left oehind him too soon for his safety-” “ What was; the something that- he left?” “I haven’t had the analysis yet-” “Do you mean he tried to—-poison you?” site asked, dropping her voice and changing colour. “Whatever he tried., it was a fail' urs, so we needn’t worry about it.” “ But his Object?” “ Hit employer’s object, you mean Prince Mirski, of course.” • After a moment’s pause she said deliberately and with a. slight curl of the lip, “The- man you have so readily agreed to serve. Why should he plan such a thing when you have just fallen in with his plans?” This let the light- in, “ I know it is that which has turned you againstme so suddenly.” “ Did Stephanie tell you?”. “No, I’ve only just guessed, it; out 1 see that it’s true.” “At any rate I congratulate you upon your quick change of front, ’ she said, annoyed at having given herself away- “ That’s a very bad shot- I don't change,” I said earnestly- “In this matter I shall never change,” I added when she did not reply. “But you have joined in this movement ? ’ ’ “I told yon I should—except under cue condition.” “ But you have allowed him to boast that—• She pulled up then. “ I know what you mean; but I can’t help his boasting. That doesn t cut any ice, mademoiselle.” “ I don’t understand you. I can’t, ’ she exclaimed after a moment. “Do you think ybu understand him? I con make one thing clear, however. T know his wishes about you. He was candour itself about it; and it was when I mentioned something that stood in the way that he favoured me with a shipload of promises if I would keep my lips clpsecf.” “And of course you promised?” she flashed with mors than a touch of .scorn. “Thank you-” “ Well, how else could you come to an arrangement with him?” “ W 7 hat I said was that so long a-s I served him. he could rely upon my discretion-” “ Pretty much the same thing, surely-” “ With a. difference, please. I don’t happen to be in any sense bis servant. He read my words as a sort of blackmailing threat, and swore to keep raith with me. Last night shows how be kept it. But of course before I saw him I bad determined that you must 09 told.” “ Well, wha-t is it?” she asked, after thinking a while. “That his wife is still living, mademoiselle.” 1 was certainly not prepared for the effect of the news upon her. She started siigatly, but displayed none of the excitement and indignation 1 had anticipated. ' Little more than passing concern. “ Who told you that?” she asked presently. “ I am not at liberty to tell yon ” “It is probably untrue- He bas many enemies-” “ But if it is true? Do you mean it would make no difference?” 1 exclaimed warmly. Some moments passed before she replied, “1 am a Russian, Mr Stein, and you Americans do not understand us. You cannot, probably. My country is in desperate straits, almost at the last gasp, perhaps, and on the very brink of’rmn. My country is as much to me, perhaps far more, than yours is to you. Tnousands of my countrymen have given their lives willingly ana -giaaly ior their .fatherland; many more thousands have been maimed. and mutilated and will carry the cruel scars through life. Are we wotoen to be cowardly enough to shrink from sacrifices, any sacrifices that are necessary, to save our beloved country?” ■ “ Do you think to save it .by selling it to Germany, mademoiselle?” It was brutal, but 1 couldn’t keen the taunt back. She flushed with sudden anger. “My motive is at least patriotism; but what, pray, is yours?”' she retorted indignantly. “You.” She winced and stiffened, clenching her hands tightly- ”X do not dhsirb that sacrifice,” she retorted coldly. “ They tell m© that yon are an American adventurer, willing to further a cause for what—for money. You also would sell Russia to Germany, your own phrase, that you may receive a part of the price. If lam doing what you say, what is the difference tween my action and yours? Which is the worse?” Whoever has painted me like tW, to you has lied.” “ Your own acts accuse you. Yea have joined the movement.” “ Ybu know why.” “ Yon think it honourable to betray my country for such a reason, then*?’’ My wish is to prevent yon trying to betray it.” . there was. a long silence. She signed as she broke it. “Anger is of no use, Mr Stein. You must leave me to go my own way. You cannot be toy judge.. and, I haVe no wish to be yours. I urged you as strongly’ as I could not to have anything to do with us. You did me a great service——” “ Don’t refer to that, please,” I interposed. “ I must. ,1 know now that it was an attempt by Prince Mifski to cbihpei me ■ to- agree to ,his wishes. Because of tour help then, I did my utmost to ■irn and dissuade von. You will not cd the warning. -persis**ng apparently the belief tlu>+ you can still help

■®- I am forced to tall you that I do M need your help. What I do, I do illingly; and 1 know all the risks I ave to run. I accept them cheerfully. P is different with ybu. You know >mething now of the dangers, but you in ora-w back at any moment; and ith all the earnestness in my powei urge you once more to abandon t-bia iadaes«,” “ I’ll give it up when you do. Not fie second before,” I replied to the ill as earnestly as she had spoken. “ Will nothing I can saw move you?” “ Nothing.” ;;Dp you value your life?” „ There are things I value more.” She sighed with a lift of her hands. Then w© can get- no further. I canot tell you how bitterly I regret it.” But as I am only an adventurer riling myself for ■” “Oh, don't. Don’t. I don’t want o believe it; I , But there, it is sol ess to say any more. But- ybu are inking it much more difficult for me.” “ Then give it up.” She shook her head and rose- “ 1 annot; I—l will not. It is impossible.” “W e shall meet again ” I asked. as held out my hand. ” It- may be necessary; but ” he paused, put her band in mine, our yes met for a second, and she hurried nt- of the room. (To ba continued.)