The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-07-05

Phil saw that her hands were neryously
unsteady.
"Of course you are informed as to the
amount of his fortuneP" persisted Mr..
Clayton, his keen black eyes scanning Phirs
face in way that made him chafe with in
ward rage.
"No, / am not" he replied shortly.
At that Miss Wyndham faced about.
II can tell you, Arthur" came in her
cool, composed tones. "He is worth half
million"
"Half million ?' repeated Mr.. CLAYTON
in raised voice. "That is large sum of
money-a very large sum. I suppose, Mr.
Meredith, it will be divided between you
and Miss Erricson
The question was exceedingly ill-bred, of
course. Dote heard it, though quite across
the apartment having just taken up some
delicate piece of embroidery. The rich
color famed suddenly into her cheeks.
She arose, throwing aside her work, and
went straight across the room to the spot
where sat the man who had put it.
"Phil and do not puzzle our brains
over such questions" she said, coolly and
quietly. 81 am sorry that you should have
suffered the matter to perplex you, Mr..
Clayton"
He saw that she was incensed, and Justly
so. He raised his hands deprecatingly.
g crave your pardon, Miss Ericsson. 81
L" Grant it, Dote," put in Honoria, smil.
ingly. "You and Arthur must not quar-
rel over few ill-timed words of which he
heartily repents, am sure"
They were her guests, and .Dote could
not cherish resentment against either
Once afterwards, though, she heard Arthur
Clayton mutter to himself
"Half million of money. Why, il
would be kings ransom"
1t is singular that he should be SC
deeply interested in Father Greyson's af
fairs" she thought.
She endeavored to play the agreeable
hostess none the less. But it was a rea
relief when Mr.. Clayton arose to take hi.
departure.
\
When the hall clock was on the stroke o.
ten, Phil Meredith went up stairs to the
room occupied by Father Greyson. The
lightw out, and not sound was to bt
heard within After listening a moment al
the door, he passed on to his own apart
ment, very naturally concluding that tn,
invalid was still asleep.
A few minutes later some errand tool
him down stairs again. There was a ligh
in the study, and to his surprise and alarm
as he passed the door voice sounded from
within that seemed like a low cry of angel
or fear. The conviction flashed suddenl,
upon his mind that Father Greyson was
there, and that something dreadful hat
happened to him.
lie opened the door and went in, when tc
his surprise, he thought he saw the figure
OF some person passing hastily from the op
posite door, while the apartment was filled
with peculiar odor.
The desk was open and the papers were
scattered around in great disorder. Lying
on the floor where it had apparently beer
dropped, by the one who had so hurriedl,
left, was paper which Phil picked up ant
put in his pocket-book, thinking it might
furnish clue to the cause of this singular
visit
He had no time to follow the retreatine
figure, as the condition of the occupant O
the room was such as to call for his imme
diate attention.
Father Greyson was lying on the foo
apparently perfectly insensible while a sor
OF spasm seemed to have possession of hi
frame.
Phil loosened his cravat, and summoned
the housekeeper, quietly and expeditiously
Mrs. Henderson seemed very much alarmed
at first, but after studying the symptoms o
her patient moment, she began to smut
the air keenly as any bloodhound on tn,
scent.
sis there no danger9" asked Phil, whei