THE YOUNG ARCHDUCHESS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16736, 18 May 1922, Page 3

THE YOUNG ARCHDUCHESS

OUR BERIAL.

(By WILLIAM LE QUEUX) ** CHAPTER XX.—Continued. Geradine was not too well pleased at the anouncement. Since the memorable afternoon on which she had journeyed down to Hithercombe Ha tl with him and Mr Smeaton of Scotland Yard, she had grown to have « more tolerant feeling for him. But lie was not one of her favourites. 3he rose and addressed him, with wliat Vincent used to describe to himself as the “ Archduchess manner ’' “Good day, Mr Vincent. I suppose you want to see me on something important?” “Our good friend, Monsieur "Renoir, is. out, I am told. And Madame (‘amilfort. I guess, is taking her usual siesta. You see Miss Totella, lam fairly acquainted with the habits of the establishment.” He spoke in his usual easy way, hut it seemed to Geradine thad there were certain signs of agitation about him, and his hands moved restlessly, that there was an unusual brighness in his eyes. 4 ‘ Nobody should be better acquainted with them than you,” answered Geradine in a. dry tone. Vincent srmiled, but when he answered her there was just a touch of leproach in his tones. ** You have never liked me, Miss Torella, I know, any more than you like the excellent Renoir and his equally worthy sister. And yet all three have given of their best. AYe have done everything in our power to shield you and avert danger. If we have appeared to impose upon you a somev hat irksome restraint, our action has been caused by an excess of zeal on your behalf.” Geradine began to feel a little ashamed of herself. *‘ Oh, I know all that you say is quite true. I fear I aan very ungrateful. '• Perhaps you will take us more, into your favour when. I can come to }ou and say that your uncle Louis will soon cease to be a menace to you.” The girl clasped her hands and looked at him with a softened glance “Oh! if that were ever likely to be.” “ Perhaps the time is nearer than you think,’” answered Vincent quietly. Then he quite abruptly changed his tone. ” And you were very fond of Colonel AshdownP” “ I loved him very dearly, Mr Vincent. He took the place of my dead father of whom I knew so little.” ” And yet perhaps he imposed restrictions no less irksome than we are compelled to inflict, and from the same motive -interest in your welfare.” “ I think—l think— —” began the girl confusedly. Vincent lifted a playful forefinger 44 May I complete your sentence for you? Ashdown had a great gift of personality and the most charming manners. While he got his own way, he had the knack of leading you to think you were getting yours.” And Geradine asented with a droop of her pretty head. “Yes, I think you are right. One was always ready to say yes, because he seemed sed when you said it. Monsieur Renoir expects you to say yes. There is «'i great difference between the two methods.” Vincent smiled a little mischievously. ” But I once did you a good turn, Miss Torella, when I persuaded these excellent people to receive my bid friend. Basil Long. I am not quite sure that the dear C-olonel would have been so complaisant as that. But I suppose if he had said no, you would have forgiven him?” Geradine blushed deeply. “Yes, T i>\ uember you were very kind over that. I feel quite sure I am terribly ungrateful by nature, really on I y a creature of impulse ” There was a brief silence and then the young man spoke in a musing tone. ” I would not say you were more a creature of impulse than the majority of your sex. To return for a moment to the poor Colonel. I am certain you were very fond of him, and. ho loveri ybu like a daughter. I am convinced you would do everything and anything in your power to help him.” Geradine elapsed her hands together and in her voice there was a note of reproach. “ Oh, why do you put mien a question to me who owe him so much? For I must have been a terrible anxiety to him.” 44 I did not put it as a question, Miss Torella. T said I was convinced that you would.” Tears came into the girl’s eyea. “ Oh. if T could only help. But, of course, that i 3 Impossible ” Vinceiit rose and paced the room restlessly. He seemed 'almost as agitated as Mabel Somers bad been on the morning of that same. day. A great struggle was going on in his mind as to how best to carry out his plans Should he tell her everything? She was verv brave and fearless. He did not think she would blanch. But then ghe might. He had almost made up his mind to secure her willing co-operation when the door opened, and the footman en terrd the room with a letter in liis hand