The Yellow Holly

ure. After his conversation with Lola he had a vague idea that since Bawdsey was connected in some way with his grandfather, Lord Derrington must have somehow l

red air, as he would have done a stranger. Mrs. Ward watched the meeting curiously, and Brendon noticed her inquiring gaze. But he put this down to his knowledge that Derrington knew he was a

nd apparently forgetting that she had forbidden him the house. "I must

lated his serenity although she felt anxious. But when she saw her lover's composure

ew who he was, and again and again he failed to arrive at any conclusion. After a time Leonard went with Dorothy to the piano, where she played for his delectation, and Mrs. Ward seized the opportunity to show Vane some new photographs of herself. Derrington and Brendon were practically alo

harsh tones, which no amount of politeness could rend

g if the other was about to hint that he had seen some one

nchantment to the

d to say so, Lo

se," responded the old man, sho

to the Brendons

e not that

man in him when he answered thus fearlessly. "I have seen your name somewh

ver, he did speak out, with the idea of seeing what would happen. "I can supply the connection," said he, light

rendon. Quite so. It was t

od memory, Lor

re is no difficulty in my remembering the espe

to know this and displ

"then you have lo

rather grimly. "She always paid

. Train, was stoppi

look in Leonard's direction. "I did

also," said Bren

ber all the na

Al; Train, and during the ni

othing--you

the whole time," s

e very same way as George did when he was reflective.

e assassin will e

ned the old lord, cynically. "You app

ne in the house, and no one could be accused--there was absolutely no evidence. And the assassin could n

the papers," he said roughly. "You are telling me nothing new. But there, you did

"She told my fo

ery true fortune did she tell," said Derringt

ing," said Br

-people generally prophesy trou

the promise that I should get my wis

ughed. "What

George, also laughing; "but I don't bel

e," said the other, who appeare

ce. But you asked me about Mis

ce and wished the lease renewed. I heard her story and consented.

reason Derrington wished to know what had transpired, and Brendon felt convinced that this anxiety was more than that of a landlord for the loss of a good tenant. He wondered if Derrington knew that Mrs. Jersey had written out a confession and that it was missing. He would had liked to find out, but since he could

ull at the determined face of t

Mr. Brendon. However, there are pleasanter subjects to talk of. Wha

sant subjects?"

the other. "I like to hear of the c

never turn to bricks and mort

ry articles always received praise from the public, and from his brethren of the press. Moreover, George was fond of politics, and could converse excellently on that fascinating subject. He laid himself out to please Derrington, knowing that the old

in the House, Mr.

to help me to

nd was glad that so much was accomplished. If Derrington found that he was clever and presentable, and likely to add luster to the family name, it was not improbable that he would recognize the marriage. But by this time George had it in his min

miration. He knew that Dorothy liked Brendon, as Mrs. Ward had told him so, and he frankly acknowledged

uld not tell him that Brendon was his grandson, and ha

"Humph! I don't like good young men.

man, Lord Derrington?"

aid, with a twinkle in his eyes, "consequently I

irst loves," said Dorothy, smiling, "

y first loves are all dead and buried, m

d conceal her feelings. "I love h

prise. "Mrs. Ward hinted at something of

no more, Lor

on the withered young man he called grandson. "I don't wond

rge had spoken for himself and was his own best advocate. If she interfered, seeing that she was supposed to know nothing of the relationship, she might make mischief. Therefore she held her tongue on the subject

rl interrupted, but he was polite, and, on learning that Train knew Brendon intimately, he began to ask him about his friend. Train, to please Dorothy, and because he really admired Geor

ist," Mrs. Ward was saying to Brendon; "t

he seamy side of social life, Vane had no hesitation in speaking about the dancer to her. George, to whom the subject was dist

ow her very well

ed Brendon, lift

s weak voice; "a fellow told me

are about--to one of which you alluded the other day, Mrs. Ward. This is another. What I know of Senora V

when he ended. "Oh, yes, it's no use denying it. You picked

uch. But she made a s

ul," murmured Vane, w

"I don't know what you mean by

little dandy, "she

tion with her ceased when she made her success." George quite forgot the presence of Mrs. Ward and spoke vehe

tely, "and I am sure you are one, Mr

n she now holds because I endeavor to follow the preaching of Christ, and she is to me a grateful friend.

mured Mrs. Ward, "and

ere must be somethi

he used. Of course I don

I. She's t

wever, he believed that he had nipped the scandal in the bud, and strolled into the next room with Do

iture was also yellow, and the carpet of a primrose hue. Mrs. Ward only introduced her most intimate friends into this boudoir, as it was her own

who you are?" asked Dorothy as they

ell her what he knew, lest he should have to introduce

st be aware that you know him, and about the relationship, and w

nce meeting of to-night may bear fruit. What is Train doing here? Your m

"he is a dull young man, though harmless enough. B

d wondered if she had invited Leonard so as to pump him. It was just what Mrs. Ward did intend to do, but George could not think she had sufficient interest in the crime to justify such a course of action. B

departure. He insisted that Vane should come also, and would not allow the little dandy to take leave of Dorothy, nor would he take leave himself. T

not want Vane to go away with a bad impre

iant fellow she would not enjoy th

eare must have been an awful bore. But do say good-b

s thwarting Mrs. Ward's schemes. "Come along, Walter. Take me home a

spectable being alive at his time of life. He'll make Walter Vane angry with me, and I'm sure----" Here she caught, sight of Leonard's astonished face, and became aware she was divulging secrets. A

bly. "Mr. Brendon and Dorothy are no doubt talking tadpoles or frogs or something n

s very pleasant," sa

gallant thi

talk abou

yes, I have read many of those novels--w

literature," said

bled Mrs. Ward in her childish manner. "And I have often thought how nice it would be if one could really try a

or heard," protested Leonard.

ou hear a

N

f the door as the--ah!" Mrs. Ward saw from the expression of Leon

s to get out of confessing about the openin

fess! Confess,

r away from the point he asked a ques

it?" She leaned

sprig of it to

a bit to my daugh

I know. But did Miss Ward give

from me. But beyond the sprig that was given, and wh

ry rare,

in London on that particular night. Of course there

to me that the yellow holly has

tinued: "I found a berry in the room where she was killed. Yes. They took us in to see the body, and a horrid sight it was. I turned my eyes to the floor, and there I saw--just by the

ph. "Do you know what you are saying, Mr. Train?" she sa

Mrs. Ward pulled him down again and p

ore the sprig in his coat on that night. He must have been in the room

self, but it is quite impossible, I tell you. He could

o you

his bedroom, and to get out and down the stairs he would have had to open the sitting-room door. Now

Train shook his head. "Impossible. I sleep very

s anythi

e confidence of my friend. Indeed, I have said too much

s dropped by George Brendon, and that he was in Mrs. Je

he is not,

d your talk. We must say good-night." And to herself she murmured, while smiling, "I've got you at last--I've got you