THE BEGINNING--OR THE END?


For one confused instant the girl stood statue-still, then, realizing
that she was free, without a thought for Mrs. Ellsworth she ran out of
the room. In the front corridor and in the dining room the electric light
was still on; and as she reached the stairs Annesley saw Ruthven Smith
standing near the top with a small pistol in his hand.

She feared that he would fire a second shot, and there was no time to
reach him. Somehow, he must be stopped with a word--but what word?
Everything depended on that. Sheer desperation inspired her.

"Stop! He's my lover!" she cried. "Don't shoot!"

Ruthven Smith--a tall, lanky figure in a long over-coat--kept his weapon
aimed at someone out of the girl's sight, but he jerked his head aside
for a glance down at her. It was a brief glance, for the man who dreaded
burglars would not be caught napping. He turned again instantly to face
a possible antagonist, eyes as well as weapon ready.

But the light from below had lit up his features for a second; and
Annesley realized that disgust and astonishment were the emotions her
"confession" had inspired.

The fact that he was inclined to believe her statement showed how low
was his opinion of women. Annesley knew that he did not think highly
of her sex, but he had liked her and she had liked him despite his
eccentricities. His look said: "So you are the same as the rest! But in