“AN EVIL ANGEL”

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20497, 13 May 1938, Page 12

“AN EVIL ANGEL”

CHAPTER IX.— ; Continued. ;• As far as Nina was concerned, it i was almost a boon that Corntesse Feo- 1 dore had been introduced into their J familiar circle, since it gave her the j opportunity frequently to absent her- j self, with no remark being made about j her absences, save that she was .jealous. Her real reason, of course, was that she wished to avoid Hamilton Browne as much as possible, though, so decorously polite and formal was his manner to her, that thpse perpetual ; avoidances seemed unnecessary. Whether he himself attributed Nina s frequent excuses for remaining in her room, when the others were going to the Kursaal or to the plage, did not. of course transpire, hut if was very i obvious that he was watchine her. lie had a suspicion that Nina had some tittle “affaire” on her own account. 1 which made her desirous of celling rid of the Others, and with the strong determination to find out whatever he wanted to know, which was strongly characteristic of the man. he did not intend to remain ignorant for long, as to whose attentions Nina affected to encourage, if a little diplomatic surveillance on his part could enlighten him. it was a very hot night—a fancy ball in which Marie and the Corntesse both took great interest was in full swing at the Kursaal —even Mrs Cooper had been induced to go and witness so pretty a sight., only Nina remained in the "Splendide.” A woman's usual excuse—a had headache —having been pleaded as a reason. That she really had a headache Hamilton Browne did not for a moment believe. and he did thoroughly believe in an assignation so when the ball was at its height and the ladies there were enjoying themselves under the escort of Gervase A'Gourt, he slipped out and prowled along the Digue as though bent on no particular errand, save to enjoy the fresh sea-breezes. For some half hour he wandered along—seeing no one who in the very least resembled Nina—twice he passed the ”?plendide.'' but not a sign of her anywhere. At last he turned Into a hack street, the Rue Longue, and stood smoking in Hip porte cochere of a small hotel. What inspiration had induced him to stop there he did not himself know, but he was ere long repaid. Nina, a large cloak over Hie white dress slip usually wore, came slowly along—her gait limp and inertShe had a companion—yes, but a woman. Hamilton Browne was just going to swear at the time he had wasted in hunting for nothing—when passing under a lamp the woman's face was lighted up. “Emma Lane! Holy Moses! Here is a complication 1” % CHAPTER X. Emma Lane It was in an unfrequented pathway near the “Lac,” that they met without premeditation or arrangement, simply by one of those freaks of Chance in which the world abounds. Hamilton Browne was sitting smoking in the sunshine —after long residence among the snows of Labrador, the sun as it shines in plentitude at Ostende was as a revelation, and he enjoyed if. especially when away from the noise and bustle of the Digue. She? What was she doing here did not transpire, hut that it was Emma Lane who was sauntering towards him, lie felt very certain, also that if she had in the least expected to meet him. she would have gone in a diametrically opposite direction. She recognised him with a start when she was close to him. and would have passed swiftly on, but he stopped her. An explanation would amuse him—it was desirable, even expedient—certain considerations being weighed. “Not so fast my lady.” he said jeeringly without rising, “you and I have a little account to settle —suppose you sit down here, and let us talk It out.” “I do not think that there is anything that you—and I —” she said haltingly, none of her usual aplomb being at command while she obeyed, and sat down beside him, partly because she dared not refuse, and partly because her legs tottered, and she was afraid of falling. “You did not expend to see me here —or anywhere else —you and that other—thought I was done for, eh?” He slill spoke in the same bantering tone, and look whiffs at his cigar between his words. “Mh Mr Browne —we neither of us knew —” “One knew, if the other did not.” he said decidedly “and that one, Emma Lane, was you.” She did imt speak, she only shivered. if Emma Lane had never before been ill anv man's power, she felt she was now in the power of Hamilton Browne. He could at will make or mar her future lifp. “Wliat arc you doing here?” he

An Exciting Mystery Story.

(By JOHN MIDDLEMASS.)

asked also savagely, she did not ’ utter a word. “Earning my livelihood honestly. I did not expect to see yo u —or her!" i He eyed her for a moment, then he. j said— ] ' That you did not expect to see me. j I fully believe, but about her—it is a collusion or blackmail? The unexpected j? not In it.” "Blackmail?” she murmured- "W h> she has not got a sixpence.” 'Then it is collusion?” "Mere chance, as chanceful as our meeting here to-day. She was so taken hack by the meeting, that she began to pack for departure. She oply stayed when I assured her she had nothing to fear.” ! "Nothing to fear?” "Not from me.” "?o. You are living with Corntesse : Feodore. Does she know any thing of ynijp antecedents ?” She looked at him keenly for a serond While she thought—“He knew ; then that I was in Ostende—.i wonder j if She told him.” i did not, however, put this | query into words, but said very quiet- , "Madame la Corntesse knows nothing I further of me. than the answers she | receives to the usual questions, that ; are asked when a lad} engages a svr- ; vant.” ! He laughed—the cynical laugh of | an unbeliever. j "Do you not. give Madame la Com- ; tpsse credit for being particular?” she ! asked. [ "On the contrary I give her perfect I credit. Do not misunderstand. 1 : regard her as a refined cultured gentlewoman of absolutely good faith. I but Eastern and Western ideas are dissimilar. She is probably not au j fait with the tricks and humbug of I Western civilisation.” j "In my mistress' name I thank you j for your good opinion." she said. "It I is not often that Mr Hamilton Browne 1 believes in a woman—or at least says ! that he does so.” i By no means relishing her tone, he' | looked at her angrily. | It seems to me ] have scarcely had ! cause to have much belief in women. | Even when appearances are fair, we i cannot be sure what they concpal” | “That is so.” was the short response,"—even Miss Cooper—” “I do not think it is necessary to discuss either Miss Cooper or Ihe Corntesse Eeodore: so far ns I can see they are in no way associaied with the subject that is persona] to you and me.” "Yet she is living with Miss Cooper, | who lias become the great friend of Madame la Corntesse.” “Exactly, and I wish her—” “Miss Fonblanque?” suggested Emma Lane. He looked at her as though he wished his eyes were basilisks to strike her dead, but he only bowed as if in acquiescence, and repeated, “Exactly. I wish her to be unmolested—if by a word or sign or insinuation you do anything to injure her position, you will find that I am scarcely a safe man to contradict.” “You cannot injure me without injuring her.” “Pardon. If you value your position and reputation—do not tempt me.” T wonder what you know?” “Knowledge is a possession with which I do not intend to part carelessly.” “How you have picked up so much information I cannot think I” “No. Out in ice-clad Labrador you would think the means of obtaining knowledge were scant. I have been back some months." He looked at his watch —' Time is travelling.” he went on. ' and I have an appointment — you ton will probably he wanted by the Corntesse. To the point thenYou will do no injury to —” “Miss Fonblanque,” again she suggested. “To Miss Fonblanque.” this time he repeated “and if you can make it convenient, you will seek another service.” “No, it is not convenient —the Comtesse suits me and I suit her —but I have no wish in any *vay to annoy Miss Nina, unless —” “Unless what?” “My own safety is imperilled by her.” ”1 do not see how she can possibly imperil your safety.” “Through you.” “The subject of your existence even is not likely to be mentioned since as 1 have no conversation with the lady in question.” “Not now. but later on. when you come together as you will in time.” “Never in this world will she and 1 ever mine together—Disembarrass mind of that idea. All 1 ask of you is to leave her in peace, as T intend in do. If at the end of each year—as years pass on. you have, said and ! done nothing that can he injurious to—to Miss Fonblanque. a sum of I twenty pounds will be paid you by my 1 solicitors, Messrs Ford in Lincolns Inn I Fields.” 1 Emma Lane's eyes twinkled, but I she proffered no thanks, only said i somewhat ungraciously, I *T never had the intention to molest j Miss Fonblanque. so there will be no 1 difficulty in earning the twenty pounds. 1 unless I am expected to leave my pre--1 sent situation.” ! -We will waive that request—per- ! haps I shall know better what you are I about and where to find you. if you j remain with Corntesse feodore. espe- ; oially as she is going to England." i “Going to England?” echoed Emma : Lane in a surprised tone. ; —then you do not know all the | Comtesse's movements and plans.” “No servant ever does,” was the 1 meek answer. ! It amused Mr Browne, as Emma 1 Lane's meekness invariably did. He | rose to take his departure, as lie said, i -You fully understand. Let there I be no mistake or reckless talk- : “I understand, yes. but what Ido ' not understand is about this English j trip. I was engaged to live in Paris j with Madame la Corntesse.” j -go you will more or less. [ sup- • nose, but she is taking a house in I Berkshire for a few months, belonging 1 some relations of Mr VCourt. Mr A court lias gone to settle it. He is ' expected to-dav. Mrs and Miss 1 ~er arc going io stay with her there, and Miss Cooper's companion. Perhaps, under these conditions, you would prefer to leave your service.” Emma Lane thought for a moment, ami then said. "No. 1 prefer to stay, though I do not like England, but perhaps events w*JI reach to an issue sooner than we expect.” (To be continued)