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Lord Beauchamp, she timidly responded. And then there suddenly sprang into her eyes a new light, accompanied by a slight start.
Why do you start? asked Rutley, not for a moment removing his eyes from hers.
No, tis impossible. You cannot be Philip Rutley? she gasped, as she drew back amazed. For you have already denied him once to me.
Yes, I am he! he exclaimed.
There followed a moment of profound silence. Rutley watching the effect of his disclosure upon her.
And she, at first astounded by his audacious nerve, at length grasped his position, and finally smiled, as though in admiration of his arch achievement. You are a master imposter, she broke in. Be as clever with the material I have given you, and Corway will not long stand in your way.
Did Hazel tell you of my proposal to her three years ago?
Yes, she answered promptly.
I believe she rejected me at that time because of Corway, he musingly added.
Your opportunity is at hand, she affirmed.
I accept it; and then he cautioned in a low tone: Be careful never to breathe my real name.
And you you will continue to be? and she smiled quizically as she put the question.
My Lord Beauchamp.
A most consummate scoundrel! she added pleasantly.
The scoundrel begs to share the compliment with his colleague, Miss Virginia Thorpe, he ironically replied, again bowing low.
That accentuated remark by Rutley revealed to her with sudden vividness the detestable character she was developing.
Acutely sensitive, the stigma smote her with a repugnance that stung and smarted as quivering flesh under the sharp cut of a lash; and being naturally of a fiery temper, she passionately retorted, Its false!
The words had scarcely escaped her lips when she realized her indiscretion, and faltered, I I mean and then unable to recover from her sudden flight of passion, or to completely subdue her agitation, she burst out aloud, in utter disregard of her surroundings, Oh! It is awful, awful!
Rutley was alarmed, and hastily gripped her wrist, and in low tones cautioned, For Gods sake, hush! Dont shout it to the winds! Remember, you urged this damnable business upon me. Do you want me to give it to the world?
His artifice succeeded, and under his influence she became quieter. No! No! No! she whispered. Dont, please! Then again she stared at the ground as though dazed with some vague terror. Suddenly she covered her face with her hands and moaned, What have I done?
Then, arising from a place of concealment close by, the old Italian Cripple previously mentioned doffed his hat and said, Eesa da bet, much-a keep-a do mon! Do poor old-a man, Eesa beg-a da mon, a da charity Signora, Signor.
Tossing him a coin, Rutley said, This is an unseasonable place for your calling, old man. Then, turning to Virginia Permit me to escort you to the house.
I dont like that old man, she replied. He is prying about everywhere. Do you think he heard me?
I have no fear of that, replied Rutley, as they moved on toward the house. He appears quite old and no doubt is partially deaf.
Very well, responded Virginia, and now that we understand each other, I think it time for me to mingle with the guests.
As they disappeared in the distance, the old cripple followed them, flitting from shadow to shadow, with catlike agility, astonishing in such an apparently old man.
Having arrived at the piazza steps, Rutley and Virginia parted.
Returning some distance into the shadow, he softly laughed. A little startled, eh? Didnt think I could impersonate a peer of Englands realm. Well, she knows the secret now and I can safely rely on her assistance because Corway has cast her aside for Hazel. She has given me material with which to strike at him and I will strike home but not as she suggests. Oh, no! and again a sinister smile crept over his face. Dangerous, but Hazels wealth is worth the risk.
Meanwhile, I am getting short of funds, and cannot keep up the pace much longer, unless my other plan succeeds. But should I fail altogether and he became absorbed in deep study, silent and motionless as the statue of Lincoln by which he stood, but only for a moment. Everybody here lionizes me, believing I am a genuine nobleman. And then he looked up with a far-off, triumphant expression in his eyes and a cunning smile on his lips, My lord will borrow a few thousand on his name just for a temporary accommodation, and then he will vanish.
A slight noise behind startled him and caused him to look about; but, discovering no one, he regained his composure. To make sure, however, he called in a low voice, Jack! Jack!
Whereupon the old cripple again stood forth from his concealment, this time from behind the trunk of the wide spreading oak and, leaning on his stick, obsequiously doffed his hat. I uncover to a prince of villainy.
Ha, ha, to my arms, you rascally imposter! joyfully exclaimed Rutley, as he embraced him.
Halting and drawing away in pretended surprise, Jack exclaimed with dreamy reflection, Naw, Eesa, not-a bees-a da imposeator. Eesa be Ital-e-own!
Splendid, Jack! exclaimed Rutley with admiration. Your disguise is perfect, but and Rutley laughed a little pale about the gills, eh?
Eesa look-a like-a ma fadder, and Jack proudly expanded himself. Make-a da great-a soldier. Note-a da pale here Naw, touching his ears. Garibaldi geev-a ma fadder dees-s da Palestrino, and Jack threw open his coat and proudly displayed a medal.
Palestrino! exclaimed Rutley gleefully. Jack, things are coming our way with a rush. Did you hear her the maiden fair, with the blue black hair, how she plays into our hands?
Jack grinned and chuckled, Ah, ah a Portland rose, Phil!
Incomparably beautiful, Jack! But, oh, such devilish thorns!
Good for twenty thousand simoleons at any rate? Eh, Phil?
Twenty thousand or bust, Jack, grinned Rutley. You watch me do the trick. Ill make Thorpe wish he were dead. I shall connect his wifes name instead of Hazels with Corway.
What! gasped Jack, dismayed by Rutleys daring.
By a little juggling of facts, as it were, Ill make Thorpe believe Corway wears the ring given him as a love token by Constance. It was Thorpes gift to his wife. Do you comprehend? Now, do you understand how simple a thing it will be to make Thorpe wish he were dead? Remember how he and old Harris broke up our investment company?
Maybe I dont, replied Jack dolefully, rubbing his stomach in a significant manner.
And, Jack! and Rutley glinted at him meaningly and said very seriously, That fellow Corway suspects me.
The devil he does! We must get him out of our way.
Tomorrow! and for the space of perhaps five seconds they looked meaningly at each other. Then Rutley broke the silence.
The child is in the house, continued Rutley seriously and in a low voice.
Good! responded Jack. I was afraid your tableau scheme had failed and Dorothy remained at home.
Not at all. They jumped at the idea, laughed Rutley, and on my suggestion Mrs. Harris begged for Dorothys presence at the Fete.
Fate! corrected Jack.
Too pointed, calmly remarked Rutley.
Well, the tableau was a great success, Hebe attended by Circe and Cupid.
Dorothy as Circe posed splendidly; she is the pet of the guests and, lowering his voice, Rutley continued gravely: