"The Other John Smith,”

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 46, Issue 14099, 16 April 1920, Page 7

"The Other John Smith,”

(By LEWIS RAMSDEN). Author of “Prisoners of the Council,” “My Lady of the Car,” “The Golden Casket,” “The Word of a Somerleigh,” etc., etc.

(COPYRIGHT.)

CHAPTE R XVll.—Coutimied. “But the production of the photographic copy is the essential part. the terms he proposed. Y by, for all vou know, lie may not possess it at all. Anyhow, the fellow cannot suppose that anyone is going to take his word. ;’ This 1 said without really thinking, at the time, that such a thing was possible. “He begged for help to shake off the espionage by which he declares he is followed,” said Justine. “If he can do so, he says he will produce the photographic copy in a few days.” “A few days? Why, yesterday it seemed that such a delay as that would be fatal to the freedom of Elbiuin and to the peace of Europe. Fortunately, it now seems that the conditions have changed, and that a short delay will not much matter. Miss Justine, it may sound like my presumption, but somehow I feel constrained to bid you still hope. I have a belief that Elbium will be saved, and without the sacrifice of your happiness.” The dark eyes looked at nip gratefully, with a strange and dazzling confidence.

“Thank you, Air Smith. It was because I knew you were working for Elbium aud me that I felt, I could hope.” “I want to ask you a question. Miss Justine; but to begin with I will first, ask you another —do you believe in love at first sight?” “I—l—really, Mr Smith ” she commenced, with confusion succeeding to surprise. \

“Very likely you have never thought about it at all. I never did until—well, very lately indeed, and if anyone had asked me before then I should probably have said no. Xow, however, I do not merely believe, 1 know. But to come to my question. There are reasons which ought, perhaps, to prevent me from asking it. One of them is that I am a man of only moderate fortune, while you are one of the richest ■’ ’

•-Mr Smith, don’t—please don’t!” she exclaimed. “If you knew liow I have come to hale Urn very mention

‘•I was bound to speak of it; but I won't insult cither you or myself by speaking of it further. My question is —if I succeed in the task upon which f have volunteered, may 1 hope to sock a reward? There! I have put it clumsily, Miss Justine. Please do not think that !. too, am attempting to force you into a bargain. If you cannot give me the hope I ask for it will make no difference to my efforts.” ‘‘l was going to say that I don’t think I can answer your second question without replying to your first.” ‘■Do you mean that you, too, have discovered such a thiug is possible?” ‘ ■ I—l should think it must be catching,” she said with a nervous little laugh. I took her hands, and tried to look into her face, to read the dark eyes which would not meet mine. “Justine, can it be true? I can scarcely grasp it. If it is so, it must be a miracle.” ‘• If the miracle has happened in your case, why not in mine?” she laughed again, and with, one upward glance which showed in her eyes a light which was a, revelation, convincing me more than words could have done that the most wonderful thing in the world had happened. “.Justine, dearest, most beautiful, I love 3 r on. With my whole being I adore you. Do you truly love me?” “Need you ask?” she murmured with another dazzling glance from her dark and lovely eyes. “Yes: because I need to hear you say so.” “Why?” “Because I am so intoxicated with joy that I fear an awakening to sobriety may bring contradiction.” “ What am I to say —I love you, Mr John Smith? I am not sure if I Jike the name. For your sake, and because it is English, I could love it; but for another reason I could hate it. Shall 1 say—l love you, Jean de Gray? ”

"No, darling! I think I must stick to my English name—at any rate, until I can resume the other with full honours. But there is an alternative. My dear mother used to call me Jack.” "I like that. Jack Smith has a plain, honest sound. I love you, Jack —dear Jack!” ‘ I held her close to me, heart to heart, and our lips met. Who could describe the bliss of that first kiss? CHAPTER NVIII. JUSTINE AND I. In that, delightful garden, fitting scene for an avowal of love, and for the exchange of those sweet confidences which voice the revelation of soul to soul, tinje passed all too quickly, and over an hour had gone when Mrs Fitzallerton came to seek Justine. The lady-in-waiting took in the situation at a glance. "You shameless pair!” she exclaimed in good-natured dismay. "Don’t dare tojcll me how happy you are, or • anything of that sort. I felt sure something of the kind would happen directly I kuew that you were not the Other John Smith,”, she said, shaking her head at me. "What will the Countess say, and Monseigneur 2” "I rather think that Monseignenr will only be surprised to the same extent that you are, Mrs Fitzallertoa.” "But the change of prospect, for them and for Elbium! Of course, I know that neither of them would attempt to force Justine against her will. The agreement to the proposed sacrifice was voluntary on her part." I felt Justine’s hand tighten on my arm, and I spoke gravely. "Neither Justine nor I would shrink from any personal sacrifice, however great, if such should prove absolutely necessary for the saving of the country and the restoration of our rightful

King. Yet we both have a full belief that Himther way will be found, and no such sacrifice be needed.” ‘‘Have you some clue to the document copy, then. Mr Smith?” asked I have the next best affair.” “Nothing more than you know, but I have the next best agair,” ‘ ‘ What is that ?’ ’ “Faith that I shall find it—and in time. ’ ’ “I admire your faith, Mr Smith, and your courage. I don't wisli to appear unkind when 1 say it seems to me that you have''only maue things harder for yourselves.” “We couldn’t help falling in hue, could wc?” I said with a smile. “I don’t see that our finding it out makes any difference.’-’ “I suppose not, and 1 must say that if any two people seemed made for each other, it is you; and I sincerely hope that tilings will turn out as you expect. But I came to tell Justine that lunch is ready. You will join us, Mr Smith, I hope?" “With pleasure. Shal J be able to see the Countess and Monseigneur if 1 wait for another hour or so?” “No; lam sorry, you will not. They do not return until late this evening.” “At any rate, I will await, the Return of the two detectives who accompanied the Other John Smith. They may be able to tell me where he is staying, and my only plan, at present, is to get at him.” On entering the house I sent a message to the. driver of the car which had brought me, telling him to wait, and to obtain some refreshment. The meal which Justine anti I had with Mrs Fitzallerton was a delightful one, for she now tactfully avoided reference to anything which might cast a cloud upon my newly-found happiness, and afterwards she contrived to again leave Justine and me for a little while together. Then, for the first time, she spoke about her coldness of the pvevivious night. ‘‘When I wrote, I really did not know what had made me feel so—so horrid; but now 1 see- the reason and must confess it. I—l must have been jealous.” “Jealous of little Philomene? ■ ’ I laughed. (To be continued.)