The Gay Adventure

ture-night, a pretty actress, and an impecunious young man who has played the Noble 'Ero. What happens? The lady sweeps the 'Ero off in a chariot, takes him to

a tour through, let me see ... Germany, Austria, Rumania, and, h'm ... h'm ... Bulgaria and Rumelia; a bashi-bazouk in Constantinople, a forced marriage-I suppose that's bound

ng to me-to me of all people? She knows I am poor and useless for purposes of blackmail. She is too ethereal a creature for a vulgar intrigue-of that I am as sure as that I am neither mad nor dreaming. No; the bare hard facts go to prove that she is telling the truth. Again, why should she lie to the 'Ero who has saved her life? Surely the 'Ero may bring that forward with justice.-'Not guilty, my lord!'" he said aloud, acquitting the fair defendant with a convinced enthusiasm, for he was really glad to believe the new goddess a goddess indeed. Then for a moment doubt returned

lying on the mantelpiece. It was a little volume of light verse, and it whiled away the time until h

sked, pulling back the curt

ing and closing the door. "And now the rest of

, it seemed inevitable and ordinary: even now it hardly seems wonderful. But this is waste of t

to be as cheerful as I could. No news reached me of the outer world-I did not even know wheth

omalous position; that is really the least surprising feature of the story!), but he did not respond. When at last he walked toward the window and ha

rchandise, with little care; I have learned to love you as a woman should be loved, with all the strength of my being, the force of my spirit, the frenzy of a madman that rejoices in his madness! For you I would do anything-I wou

e free,' I said, pitying

efenselessness, but I can not let you go to be, perhaps, another's. Oh, lady of my soul, can you not be merciful? Can you not

nel with a fine contem

pirit, less imaginative, must make allowances for exotic passion. I confess that

taking fresh cour

y hand, and there was silence. The next moment he stood up and salaamed gravely. 'L

I asked fearfully. H

you up, but I can not live without

epths of despair, for he foresaw the end.

l himself, so I reasoned with him. It was useless, for he was resolved. I even offered, at last, to resign my freedom and remain with him on the old

ionel gloomily. He had forgo

find more happiness in such a union than in many that are supposed to be made for 'love.' But I must admit that romance found, and still finds, a corner in my heart

interrupted Lionel with bitt

Well, I let him go-as far as the door. As he was opening it I made my decision and whispered 'Lukos!' He turned, looking like a ma

to such a love-scene was most repugnant. "I see-I see ... of course he woul

pened to be visiting the city at the time, made us one. And then I

n. I wrote to my sister, telling the whole story and enjoining secrecy. She replied affectionately, giving me at the same time the news of my father's death, three months earlier. She suggested a visit, but various triflin

is chair. Then, recollect

ed three weeks.... At the moment, I was stricken; but in a ve

on with a grave face. 'My wife,' he said, 'you m

?' I

ey were bound up with those of England. He resolved to foil the sultan's plans. Two courses were open to him-a revolution and a new dynasty, or a disclosure of the plan to England. Averse from plunging his country into civil war, he resolved

ing happens. And this, too-it is the treaty. If anything happens to me, do not wait: fly to England and take the treaty to the English Foreign Office. I can not go with you now-th

erve him best by obedience. 'Yes, Lukos,' I said, and

alone. At eleven o'clock I wept (for I had grown to love him well), but I was true to my promise and ordered the captain to start. We reached Brindisi in due course, and there I determined to

said Lionel with interest. Reall

h and ran, 'The day the British government receives your communication, that day your husband dies.' There was neith

o that end for six months-ever since I came to England. It is a slow business, this diplomac

," said Lionel anxiously

iled f

t hand. Within lay a small but serviceable revolver. "See! I always go armed. Of cou

ve the word. She was puzzled, but obeyed. She wrote back a loving letter, the most important feature of which was the news that my share of my father's estate (eight hundred a year) could be drawn on at Coutts'. Already a handsome sum was to my credit, f

for the stage. Also, like most young people, I believed I had the dramatic instinct. I got to know a manager-with money things are easy-and he gave me a small part, a few lines, in a new play. There was nothing in that, but what followed was really my one piece of luck. In return for a consideration he allowed me to understudy the lead, never dreaming my capacity would be tested. A fortnight later

oing on the stage: it was a case of conscientious prejudice, and that is one of the stubbornest things on earth. She had written daily letters of appea

lly, "how even the best can be o

to eleven go out and get me a cab or a taxi. Now, it is important that we should not be seen leaving the theater together-there will probably be spies. Oh, yes! I know it sounds absurd, but in this

he echoe

miling. "Close your eyes-promise you will not

hed, still not

oubt was forgotten-forgotten the husband. All he knew was that a heavenly creature had deigned to kiss him. "Your promise!" she cried warni

still

reality more alluring than the dream. He seized her hands. She c

o that?" he br

led mou

pleaded in tones

r?le as a man of honor

said, but a little bitte

beg yours. I must go

s somewhat overworked,