In the Days of Poor Richard

  CHAPTER X

  THE LADY OF THE HIDDEN FACE

  Next morning at ten, the door boy at his lodgings informed Jack that alady was waiting to see him in the parlor. The lady was deeply veiled.She did not speak, but arose as he entered the room and handed him anote. She was tall and erect with a fine carriage. Her silence wasimpressive, her costume admirable.

  The note in a script unfamiliar to the young man was as follows:

  "You will find Margaret waiting in a coach at eleven to-day at thecorner of Harley Street and Twickenham Road."

  The veiled lady walked to the door and turned and stood looking at him.

  Her attitude said clearly: "Well, what is your answer ?"

  "I will be there at eleven," said the young man. The veiled ladynodded, as if to indicate that her mission was ended, and withdrew.

  Jack was thrilled by the information but wondered why it was so wrappedin mystery. Not ten minutes had passed after the departure of theveiled lady when a messenger came with a note from Sir Benjamin Hare.In a cordial tone, it invited Jack to breakfast at the Almack Club attwelve-thirty. The young man returned his acceptance by the samemessenger, and in his best morning suit went to meet Margaret. A cabconveyed him to the corner named. There was the coach with shadesdrawn low, waiting. A footman stood near it. The door was opened andhe saw Margaret looking out at him and shaking her hand.

  "You see what a sly thing I am!" she said when, the greetings over, hesat by her side and the coach was moving. "A London girl knows how toget her way. She is terribly wise, Jack."

  "But, tell me, who was the veiled lady?"

  "A go-between. She makes her living that way. She is wise, discreetand reliable. There is employment for many such in this wicked city.I feel disgraced, Jack. I hope you will not think that I am accustomedto dark and secret ways. This has worried and distressed me, but I hadto see you."

  "And I was longing for a look at you," he said.

  "I was sure you would not know how to pull these ropes of intrigue. Ihave heard all about them. I couldn't help that, you know, and be ayoung lady who is quite alive."

  "Our time is short and I have much to say," said Jack. "I am tobreakfast with your father at the Almack Club at twelve-thirty."

  She clapped her hands and said, with a laughing face, "I knew he wouldask you!"

  "Margaret, I want to take you to America with the approval of yourfather, if possible, and without it, if necessary."

  "I think you will get his approval," said the girl with enthusiasm."He has heard all about the duel. He says every one he met, of thecourt party, last evening, was speaking of it. They agree that the oldGeneral needed that lesson. Jack, how proud I am of you!"

  She pressed his hand in both of hers.

  "I couldn't help knowing how to shoot," he answered. "And I would notbe worthy to touch this fair hand of yours if I had failed to resent aninsult."

  "Although he is a friend of the General, my father was pleased," shewent on. "He calls you a good sport. 'A young man of high spirit whois not to be played with,' that is what he said. Now, Jack, if you donot stick too hard on principles--if you can yield, only a little, I amsure he will let us be married."

  "I am eager to hear what he may say now," said Jack. "Whatever it maybe, let us stick together and go to America and be happy. It would bea dark world without you. May I see you to-morrow?"

  "At the same hour and place," she answered.

  They talked of the home they would have in Philadelphia and planned itsgarden, Jack having told of the site he had bought with great trees anda river view. They spent an hour which lent its abundant happiness tomany a long year and when they parted, soon after twelve o'clock, Jackhurried away to keep his appointment.