The Red Window

lo,

ook on the other soldier who had addressed him. After a moment's scrutiny of the stranger's genial smil

is camping on Californian slopes for a big game shoot. The warrior who stands before you is Dick Wes

th an anxious glance around. "Like

sailing under fa

niston-I mean West. I

h an approving nod. "You have k

ld life," replied Gore, bitterl

cer, good-humoredly, "until I c

o do that on a

to a general's rank. With that and a V.C., an old castle and an olde

good looks, Conniston,"

he shop-windows, old man. But won't you

ave met so opportunely," he said, looking across the grass

e, and there was a warmth in the air which had lured many people to the Park. Winter was coming fast, and the place, untidy with withered leaves, bare of flowers, and dismal under a sombre, windy sky, looked unattractive enough. But the two did not mind the dreary day. Summer-the summer of youth-was in their hearts, and, recalling their old school friendship, they smiled on one another as they sat down. In the distance a few child

with a dirty finger, and his figure was admirably proportioned. In his khaki he looked a fine specimen of a man in his twenty-fifth year. But his expression was stern, even bitter, and there were thoughtful furrows on his

small light mustache, which he pulled restlessly when excited. In his smart, tight-fitting uniform he looked a natty jimp soldier, and his reduced position did not seem to affect his s

ularly excellent cigarette. "I have a confiding tobacconist," said Conniston, "who supplies me with the best, in the hope that

did your tobacconist

to be in, and immediately knew me. I made him promise to hold his tongue, and said I had volunteered for the war. He's a good

osed to be in

come up to town every now and again. Of course I take care to

offi

ong, and I keep to their society. Not that a private has much to do with the officers. They

arth made

same question t

story later. Out w

chap order me about as you do. If you weren't such a good chap you'd have been a bull

to command," quoted Gore, senten

ected grandfather made away with nearly all the family estates, and my poor father parted with the rest. Upon my word," said the yo

After all your fath

and buried in the family vault. I

re i

tle in the E

ut it at school. Cove Castle

where your uncle,

. "Yes," he said

as possible. It didn't last long," added the profligate, grinning; "but I had a glorious time while it lasted. Then the smash came. I took what was left and went to America. Things got worse there, so, on hearing the war was on, I came back and enlisted as Dick West. I revealed myself only to my lawyer; and, of course, my to

hold the ca

evoted to me. So she ought to be. I got that brat of a grandson of hers a situation as messenger boy to old Tab

ow you have

. Judas has spoiled his morals by reading penny novels, and by this time I shouldn't wonder if he hasn't embarked on a career of crime like a young Claude Duval. No, Go

r family nam

That's my title. But I dropped all frills, and here I smoke, Dick West at your service,

as hair-brained as

sober me. Bless you, Bernard, it's better to

mewhat sadly. "I have cause to frown," said he, wrinkling h

er cigarette, old boy, and buck up. Now that you haven

hic way to look at

gs you can make for mid-ocean and see life. It's storm that tries the vessel,

e moment Gore, who usually gave advice, found himself receiving it. The two seemed to have changed places. Dick noticed the look and slapped Gor

de you despon

hatically, "until I meet with the woman

't met the

lltale blush. Bless me, old Gore, how boy

There is a woman, and she i

id the worldly-wise

aid Gore, slowly, his

tic name. 'Don't you rememb

, angrily. "Don't quote that song, Dick

her othe

n-Alice

his jaw falling. "The niece o

annoyed with himself. "Of course. How coul

if she'd only die. But I daresay she'll leave it to A

f Miss Malleson's life, you must know that there isn

, Bernard, I don'

ntagenet. She some

o "The Bower" when a small boy, and making myself ill with plums in a most delightful kitchen garden. I

She is ve

she will have more respect for me now that I'm the head

listed. She is so proud of her birth and of her conne

a word either, Bernard. I'm going to carve out my own fortun

not an o

years ago. But about Miss Malleson. Who is she? I k

r the last nine years, and came from a French convent. Miss Plantagenet treats h

tache, "but my old aunt is so healthy that I'll be gray in the

father objects. I insisted upon marrying Alice, so he cut me off with a shilling. I expect the money

Sir Simon so

. "Do you notice how

e rather an I

off. Then when my parents died, my grandfather sent for me, and brought me up. We have never been good friends," sighed Bernard again, "and when I wanted to marry Alice there was a row. I fear I lost

alli

ce is, and Miss Plantagene

et does," said Conniston, laughing. "You're getting m

is a miser. My extravagance-though I really wasn't very extravagant-might have done something to get his back up. However, the row came off, and I was turned away. I came to town,

brightening, "and then when you com

hat I will not do. What does it matter if Alice is

ently. But what about that cousin of you

o soothe Sir Simon, and all through has stood my friend. I made her promise that she

ed puzzled. "T

e side avenue. The story is too long to tell you. But, you see, Conniston, I can't get near the house, and my only chance of knowing if Sir Simon is better disposed towards me is by looking from the outside of t

of letting you know thi

"No. You see, she is engage

man. He comes in

or. And then there's the housekeeper who doesn't like me-Mrs. Gilroy her name is. She and Julius will both keep Sir Simon's temper alive. I can't write to him, or my letter would be intercepted and destroyed by Mrs. G

red light you won't

am. But in any case I intend to fight for my country. Alice herself wouldn't ask me

only fellow I'd care to chum up with. I have often tho

they walked across the bridge. "I am ashamed I did not conti

, Delilah always comes be

ce by that name

a wax. What a fire-brand you are, Gore!

pitched into me I felt inclined to throw something at his head. He was most insulting. I didn't mind what he said about me, but

o that. He's

how readily my temper gets the better of me. I coul

call her Delilah again, I promise you. But about your Red Wind

y n

ir Simon i

He never co

are mine. I saw him at the office and asked w

g ago wa

e up on business,

ain

ed so. You are an old ass, Bernard. But, I say, I've got d

s. I got rid of them, thinking

he address," and Conniston hastily scribbled some

than he had been. Conniston, gazing after him, felt a tug at his coat. He looked down