A Mysterious Disappearance

ugh panes dulled by dirt and black letters, cast a

use. Some smart broughams, a four-wheeler, and a few hansoms, formed a close line along the pavement, which was soon crowded with the hundred odd hangers-on of a theatre-scene-shifters, gasmen, limelight me

ral representatives of the gilded youth, some obviously ginger-bread or

beneath each broad-leafed and high-feathered hat to dis

eaded cavaliers helped the barrister far mo

jaunty toque. She was on very friendly terms with two older girls, on who

effect on others in the throng less favored than those whom she address

king boy, faultlessly dressed, and with something of

s have come up with me for the night. Let's all go and have something to eat at the Duke's," t

among which Bruce failed to catch the word "Jane,"

atrical. Every one knew Billy Sadler and Billy Sadler knew every one. A brief run in a cab to a theatre, a restaurant, and another restaurant, revealed the large-hearted Billy, drinking a

't seen you for an age. Where have yo

r's penchant for investigating mysteries.

'busy'"?

ou at luncheon to-morrow at the

the 'Duke's.' There's a young

som, which was now bowling acro

ion? Is mamma frightened about her angel? The correct

matters have cleared a bit. It is a mere item in a really big

their ears, and in a minute they were installed at a corner table in the splendid room devot

arding was in great form-eating, dri

ly?" he said, ind

se, gazed, and laughed: "Goodness knows. She's a new-comer, an

he Jo

an gentleman was passing at the moment. "Say,

le Marchant; but as she happened to be born in London she pronounces it Mahrie L

n her! Where did

e sort. Came into money. Wants to knoc

in Claude, as their informant wa

erest in the girl, and the barrister did not quite posses

hristmas. What's up? Is she

ughed Bruce; and Mr. Rosen

e Flossie, attended by their swains, d

she may now be known, momentarily from

said. "I am delight

erve failed her before those steadfast, penetrating eyes. Moreover, it was not a

id, with a smile of assurance, th

o make the si

ly dying to have a talk with you. I am sure your friends will p

took his proffered arm, and they

enough to explain to me why you are passing under a false name, and the reasons whic

eft in a hurry. Who had

that Sir Charles Dyke may fe

at, Mr.

was necessary to frighten her and at the same time to force her to admi

st you in the County Court to recover wages in lieu of notice, and

yke, or you, or any other gentleman, want to de

me explanation is due to us fo

t feel a bi

did you

uit m

essary to create a further scandal in addition t

mit. If I had to act over again I should have

your existence, as they are searching for you, believing

shed, rather with anger than alarm, Bru

hat have the police to do with me? A

elling you the

for them or you. Have you anything else

stigation. She was, of course, far better educated than he had imagined, and the difference between th

you are anxious to quarrel with me, by all means do so," he said

cious glance at him. "Then wh

master, concerning you; and, perhaps, to l

Charles bother h

e of the coincidence betwee

he added testily: "I was a fo

use me an e

me money, and as I have longed all my life to be an actre

ied to gratify

s what I wan

written to Sir Charles, tel

moment. The question confused he

write to

see why I

ress's underclothing to Mr. White, by which means he was abl

told you th

di

all further information, Mr. Bruce, as

ery red, pluming h

rles?" he said, utterly baffled by Mis

on't. Mr. White, indeed!" And s

vening's events: "I have found two women. When I know all about them