Part 125

"The story does not lose its interest for me," remarked old Mr Neeld primly, and he added, as he greeted Cecily, "It won't so long as I can look at your face, my dear. You keep Addie Tristram still alive for me."

"She's Lady Tristram--and I'm the enormous difference, I suppose," said Harry.

Mina and Neeld did not quite understand why Cecily turned so suddenly and put her hand in Harry's, saying, "No, Harry, there's no difference now."

Meanwhile, down in Blentmouth, Miss Swinkerton looked up from the local paper and remarked across the table to Mrs Trumbler:

"Here's an announcement that Lady Tristram will give a ball at Blent in January. You'll remember that I told you that two months ago, Mrs Trumbler."

"Yes, Miss Swinkerton, but that was before all the----"

"Really I'm not often wrong, my dear," interrupted Miss S. decisively.

"Well, I hope there won't be any more changes," sighed Mrs Trumbler. "They're so very startling."

She might rest in peace awhile. Addie Tristram was dead, and the title to Blent was safe till the next generation. Beyond that it would not perhaps be safe to speak in view of the Tristram blood and the Tristram ways.

THE END.

Chapter VII

That seemed to have little concern with Bod Broadley and to be engrossed in the struggle between Harry and Duplay.

Both fell into silence again, lookingly [looking] absently at the sunshine playing among the trees.

Chapter VIII

As it was, be began to be convinced that Mina would decline to remember any dates even approximately, and this was all she had professed to do in her first disclosure.

Miss S. looked as her suspiciously.

Chapter XVIII

"Well, yes, I--I'm interested in the family.["] He telegraphed a glance of caution to the old lady; he meant to convey that the present was not a happy moment to broach the matter that was in their minds.

Chapter XXI

Iver listened atentively [attentively], Harry with evident impatience.