Part 48 (1/2)

She arose languidly, and began to draw on her gloves

”Oh, was I? Well, then, I've changed ood-day, Mrs Spencer,” I said, and turned away

She gave a light laugh ”Aren't you glad to be rid of me, dear?”

I faced about

”Very,” I said bluntly

She put out a hand, as though to ward off a blow, and her face flushed, an instant

”Aran

I turned my back and walked toward the

Then, there ca about my neck, and a tear-choked voice exclaimed:

”Haven't you one kind word for me, dear?”

I reached up and put her arm sharply aside

”It seeh of this nonsense,” I said ”There is no gallery here to play to, as you had in the Hanging Garden”

She studiedher tiny lace handkerchief nervously from hand to hand

”I must ask you to leave my office immediately,” I went on ”If you decline, I shall leave and not return until you have gone”

She slowly drew herself up, and stepped back

”And this is your last word to your wife?” she asked

”It is oing--or shall I?”

She swept , --but it is only _au revoir_”

I bowed stiffly, andopen the door--then stopped short Just entering the ante-roo, the Princess Royal, and the American Aave ain, dear,” she said ”I'll make that trade of motives, now”

XVIII