Eveline

As soon as we were alone, Sir Langham laughed a quiet little chuckling laugh.

'You will never have any more trouble from that fellow. But, how in the world did you get him here?'

When I had told the magistrate my little ruse he nearly choked himself with hilarity.

''Pon my honor you are a clever girl! Sir Edward may well be proud of you. They ought to have you in the force.'

'I am so very much indebted to you, Sir Langham, for all you have done. I hardly know how to thank you sufficiently. I dared not tell poor Papa. He would have been so upset. He would probably never have taken me out with him again.'

'Well, well, never mind. You have extricated yourself most properly. The matter was not at all simple. I shall keep the silly little secret of yours, my child, and promise not to blackmail you save for one chaste salute on that charming little hand.'

He rose and gallantly raised my hand to his lips.

'Mind and bring your papa next time. This interview will remain dark and between ourselves. Now good bye. We have got through all the summonses today in good time, but there are some applications to which I must attend in person. Next time you come I will have a chop for you-a loin chop, mind, not a chump.'

As I passed out, Inspector Walker was waiting in the passage. I gave him my hand to say adieu. He asked if he might accompany me to be quite sure my friend the man with the hare-lip was not in the neighborhood. I gave him permission in a burning glance. He was certainly a fine man.

'I suppose you are always engaged at this branch?'

'Oh, dear no, miss, my duties take me everywhere. Sometimes I have plenty of leisure time at my disposal. It depends.'

'Does your leisure ever lead you to the park? I am generally there for my morning stroll at ten, principally in the walk behind the statue of Achilles.'

'How odd! So am I-is it just possible I may have the happiness to see you again, Miss L?'

'Quite possible-even tomorrow, if the weather is fine. But I cannot be seen, you know, under such circumstances.'

'Of course not. I understand that.' He looked down into my face. 'I may then hope to see you again. I shall be in plain clothes.'

'Yes. Good bye!'

Chapter 2

'Here is news for us all, Eveline. I have a letter from Percy. He is likely to be home soon on leave.'

'Oh, Papa! What fun! I am so glad. It is so long since I have seen him. How he will be altered! He was only a boy when last I saw him and bid him adieu. Now he is a man and a soldier.'

'There is his letter. He has got several steps too. He thinks it likely he will be moved into the other battalion of his regiment.'

The letter was full of joy at the prospect of coming home soon. He was very young for the service. He was clever, however. Interest was pushing him along. I wondered what he would think of me. He had only been in Canada a year, but I had been abroad when he joined his regiment.

It was breakfast time. Papa and I sat alone. Lady L was indisposed. Dr. Proctor was in attendance. I heard his step descending the stairs. Papa advanced to meet him. They shook hands.

'Much about the same. Yes, these cases are extremely difficult and delicate. You must do all you can to keep down the stimulants. Plenty of beef-tea-exercise-fresh air. We have a very delicate duty to perform, Sir Edward. We doctors, of course, cannot enter into the domestic difficulties of our patients. We must keep aloof-my sympathy, however, I may tell you, is entirely devoted to this case.'

'It is not so much your sympathy which I would invoke, Dr. Proctor, as your practical suggestions, your deliberate opinion on the course I should pursue. I am much perplexed-very much distressed.'

'Very difficult-very delicate. Better let me know if any recurrence of the excitement supervenes. Meanwhile sedatives-bromides-Ah, how do you do?'

He had caught sight of little me in the doorway. I bowed. He had been speaking in a low confidential tone intended for Papa's ear. There was a callous, selfish ring in his voice, which never left the pompous professional key-never sounded the true ring of brotherly sympathy as from man to man. Dr. Proctor seemed glad to change the subject.

'You do not appear as if you required my services, Miss L, if I may judge by your looks.'

'Looks may be deceptive, Dr. Proctor. I do not feel any fresher or better for the fatigues of the London season so far. Some of your bromide might not be wasted on me.'

He was too stupid, or too much engrossed by the consideration of his own professional importance to notice the ironical tone of my voice.

'Take her into the country-give her bracing air-a few days change to the East coast would set her up. Good bye, Sir Edward, good bye. I have a long round today-and royalty to visit at noon.'

'That's rather a good idea. I wonder if Mrs. Lockett could be trusted to look after our invalid. We might run off to C, or B-for a couple of days. It would bring back all your roses, Eveline.'

What a hideous thing! I thought as I stood behind the great statue of Achilles in the park. It was misty, not to say foggy. The air of the murky London atmosphere had not yet been moved by the breeze. It stood in yellow patches about the green glades and spoiled the fresh fragrance of the flower beds. I walked slowly on. A solitary figure came slowly out of the haze. Nearer and nearer. It took the shape of a tall man, broad-shouldered, upright, a military air and independent stride which argued decision and self-confidence. It was Inspector Walker.

'Ah, Miss L, how fortunate I am to find you out already! Not a very promising morning either. You look frightened. I trust-'

'No, I am not frightened. I am only a little nervous. I am anxious no one should recognize me. You recall too often my individuality. I run a great risk. In fact I have been wrong, I fear, to come here.'

'Do not say that. I will not repeat the imprudence. You know I am quite safe in any case to keep a confidence. I am only too grateful to you for permitting me to see you again.'

'Can you keep a secret?'

'It is my business to keep secrets. I am a member of the detective force.'

'I suppose I may trust you, Mr. Walker?'

'Indeed. Let me caution you to lower your veil.'

'Are you afraid to look at me?'

My eyes spoke mischief. I smiled, but did not blush.

'Indeed I am. You are too beautiful for a man to look at safely.'

'Was that the reason I was to put my veil down?'

'Oh, no! It was for your own protection. You are now quite safe from recognition.'

We sat down on one of the seats by the side of the path. No one was about. The nursemaids and the soldiers had not yet arrived, nor was the morning propitious. The Inspector became very loving, especially when he found I was not offended by his little familiarities. We laughed and chatted. I soon learned the sort of man with whom I had to deal. He was quite my ideal. I brought him quickly to the point.

'You say you want to be my friend-my secret eye on all around. You should be-if I was sure I could trust you.'

I listened to his explanations. I determined to go on with my intrigue. In ten minutes we completely understood each other.

'You would have me treat you so, then, little lady?'

'Yes! Exactly in all respects as if I was one of the class to which I have referred.'

'Be it so. You shall find me loyal and true. I am a lucky man!'

'I like you, Mr. Walker. Henceforth you are my dragon-my watchful, protecting dragon.'

A look of strong animal passion passed over his features. He had caught the infection from my eyes. I gave