Castle Craneycrow

s. Garrison was by no means reluctant to leave London,-not that she disliked the place or the people, but that one Philip Quentin ha

nd that he lost no opportunity to see the girl who once held his heart in leash. The mother was too diplomatic to express open displeasure or to offer the faintest objection to this renewal of friendship. If it were known that she opposed the visits of the handsome American, all London would wonder, speculate, and finally understand. Her d

lder and handsomer, and he brought with him embarrassing recollections. He was nothing more to her now than an old-time friend, and she was nothing to him. She loved Ugo Ravorelli, and, until he appeared suddenly befo

y havoc with the peace and comfort of her lover, for she recognized no motive. How could she know that Giovanni Pavesi, the tenor, and Prince Ravorelli were one and the same to Philip Quentin? How could she know that the beautiful Malban wa

tin's composure was shaken but once in the fortnight of pleasure preceding Dorothy's departure for Paris. That was when she indignantly, almost tearfully, called his attention to the squib in a London society journal which rather daringly prophesied a "break in the Ravorelli-Garrison match,"

emselves long after midnight in talk about the coming marriage. Quentin was rather silent. His thoughts seem

k," he said, deliberately. The o

an New York," said L

some time. I'm going to m

an't gain anything by following her, and you'll only rai

mething about the miniature Paris. I shall spend some time in Paris, and

Why, all Europe knows of the wedding, and even now the continent is quietly nursin

re tame in comparison with those of the next two months," said Quentin, a n

ou mean?" flou

rothy Garrison, and I

is he had made them allies. Ugo's experience in Rio Janeiro shocked Lady Frances so seriously that she became a champion of the American's cause and agreed with Lord Bob that Dorothy

g at all for these confounded foreigners. Let the Italian marry anybody he pleases, just so long as he doesn't interfere with an American

e a foreigner when on British soil," r

t Castle Garden you wouldn't blame an American for absolutely, irrevocably and eternally refusing to be called a forei

dy Saxondale promised faithfully to come to that city at a moment's notice. He went blithely away with the firm c

ousand pounds. Frances calls it Castle Craneycrow. It's a romantic place, and would be a great deal better than a cottage for love. You may have it whenever the time comes. Nobody lives there now but the caretaker and a lo

Quentin. "I'll not need your castle

d Lady Frances. "He is pret

departing guest. "We can't both live in th

handsome Italian was driving with Count Sallaconi and two very attractive ladies. That the meeting was unexpected and

the Duke Laselli, took a compartment in the coach just ahead of Quentin. The train was due to reach Brussels shortly after midnight, and the American had telegra

oman paused at the entrance as if about to enter. She was fair to look upon and Turk gallantly moved, presenting a roomy end of his seat to her. She passed on, however, and the little ex-burglar gl

ething familiar about its beauty. Where had he seen her before? Like the curious American he was, he arose a few minutes later and deliberately walked into the aisle. He passed two compartments before he saw the young woman. She was alone and was leaning back, her eyes closed

pe the eyes which had caught him in a rare bit of imp

nsi

lied, pausing, "can I

moment, and it is so very important that you should hear me." She was no

ng to the seat beside her. "Where have we met? Y

horrid little man of yours I should have boldly addressed you sooner. I must leave the train at Le Cateau, for I cannot go on

a more charming friend," said he, smiling ga

m running a great risk, but it is for my own sake as much as for yours, so do not thank me. I came from

you mean?" almos

and that you have incurred the displeas

The thought that she might be mad grew, but was in

man of no

whispered, turni

eans to d

sure o

cau

e fears yo

at dir

thout asking

this interest in me?

they are emissaries sent on to watch your every movement and to report the progress of your-your business in Brussels. If you become too aggressive before the man who employs them can arrange to come to Bruss

at? You in

ithdraw from

cheme doesn't work. This story of yours-pardon me, Mademoiselle is a clever one, and you have done your part well, but I am not in the least a

neither here nor there. Let me add that I wish you success in the undertaking which now interests you. You must believe me, though, when I say that you are in da

oceeding," began he, half-

ed Courant. I know they are sent to watch you, and they mean you no good. Be careful, for God's sake, Monsieur, fo

asked, sharply. "Why do you want me to

erself. A deep blush spread over he

coming to him like a flash. "There

whispered. He held her hand for an insta

im puzzling over the odd experience of the nigh

It was she who sat beside him