The Blood-Red Cross | Page 2

very much," said Lady Kennedy. "He spoke to me about it only yesterday. Please understand, Antonia, that at the ball you cannot possibly wear a dress high to your throat. It cannot be permitted."
"I shall be properly dressed on the night of the ball," replied the girl.
Her face grew crimson, then deadly pale.
"It only wants a fortnight to that time, but I shall be ready."
There was a solemnity about her words. She turned and left the room.
"Antonia is a very trying character," said Lady Kennedy. "Why won't she act like other girls? She makes such a fuss about wearing a proper evening dress that she tries my patience--but she is all crotchets."
"A sweet little girl for all that," was my answer.
"Yes; men like her."
Soon afterwards, as I was strolling, on the terrace, I met Miss Ripley. She was sitting in a low chair. I noticed how small, and slim, and young she looked, and how pathetic was the expression of her little face. When she saw me she seemed to hesitate; then she came to my side.
"May I walk with you, Mr. Druce?" she asked.
"I am quite at your service," I answered. "Where shall we go?"
"It doesn't matter. I want to know if you will help me."
"Certainly, if I can, Miss Ripley."
"It is most important. I want to go to London."
"Surely that is not very difficult?"
"They won't allow me to go alone, and they are both very busy. I have just sent a telegram to a friend. I want to see her. I know she will receive me. I want to go to-morrow. May I venture to ask that you should be my escort?"
"My dear Miss Ripley, certainly," I said. "I will help you with pleasure."
"It must be done," she said, in a low voice. "I have put it off too long. When I marry him he shall not be disappointed."
"I do not understand you," I said, "but I will go with you with the greatest willingness."
She smiled; and the next day, much to my own amazement, I found myself travelling first-class up to London, with little Miss Ripley as my companion. Neither Rowland nor his sister had approved; but Antonia had her own way, and the fact that I would escort her cleared off some difficulties. During our journey she bent towards me and said, in a low tone:--
"Have you ever heard of that most wonderful, that great woman, Madame Sara? '
I looked at her intently.
"I have certainly heard of Madame Sara," I said, with emphasis, "but I sincerely trust that you have nothing to do with her."
"I have known her almost all my life," said the girl. "Mrs. Studley knew her also. I love her very much. I trust her. I am going to see her now."
"What do you mean?"
"It was to her I wired yesterday. She will receive me; she will help me. I am returning to the Folly to-night. Will you add to your kindness by escorting me home?"
"Certainly."
At Euston I put my charge into a hansom, arranging to meet her on the departure platform at twenty minutes to six that evening, and then taking another hansom drove as fast as I could to Vandeleur's address. During the latter part of my journey to town a sudden, almost unaccountable, desire to consult Vandeleur had taken possession of me. I was lucky enough to find this busiest of men at home and at leisure. He gave an exclamation of delight when my name was announced, and then came towards me with outstretched hand.
"I was just about to wire to you, Druce," he said. "From where have you sprung?"
"From no less a place than Rowland's Folly," was my answer.
"More and more amazing. Then you have met Miss Ripley, George Rowland's fianc?e?"
"You have heard of the engagement, Vandeleur?"
"Who has not? What sort is the young lady?"
"I can tell you all you want to know, for I have travelled up to town with her."
"Ah!"
He was silent for a minute, evidently thinking hard; then drawing a chair near mine he seated himself.
"How long have you been at Rowland's Folly?" he asked.
"Nearly a week. I am to remain until after the wedding. I consider Rowland a lucky man. He is marrying a sweet little girl."
"You think so? By the way, have you ever noticed any peculiarity about her?"
"Only that she is singularly amiable and attractive."
"But any habit--pray think carefully before you answer me."
"Really, Vandeleur, your questions surprise me. Little Miss Ripley is a person with ideas and is not ashamed to stick to her principles. You know, of course, that in a house like Rowland's Folly it is the custom for the ladies to come to dinner in full dress. Now, Miss Ripley won't accommodate herself to this fashion, but will wear her dress high to the throat, however gay and festive