The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1870-08-15
NIGHT OF THE BURGLARY.

One morning, while we were seated at the
breakfast table, the postmsn brought large
blue letter, the very envelope speaking OF
business. Miss Denbigh read it, and seem
ed rather anxious as she did SO.
Here is news, Paul" she said to her
brother. That lawsuit comes on to-mor-
row and we must be in London by TO NOR
row afternoon He looked helplessly al
her. SIT is all right she said sssuringly
"a train leaves Nottingham at eleven. We
have plenty of time. The only thing that
troubles me IS leaving our young visitors
alone. l am afraid they will think US rude
but it is unavoidable. "Y GU see. my dear,
she continued, turning to Kate, 'this law
suit has been going on for years and years
II We win it, it will add FIVE hundred per
annum to our not over large income"
81 sincerely hope you will do 80, Miss
Deubigh, said Kate warmly.
$50 do l my DEAR said Miss Denbigh :;
sit will be decided tomorrow. But what
will you do? ! have no time TO get any one
to stay with you. We must start directly
"We shall De all right replied hate. 81
can take care Of the house, Miss DenbiGh,
and al in it.
=. True l believe she saa smilingly. at
is OF the night | sm thinking Shall you
not be nervous at sleeping here alone p
Alone y cried Kate, why there is Mad
cline here, a host in herself Mrs. Den
bigh, Martha, the cook, and Sarah, the
housemaid l call that perfect garrison.
Do not be uneasy. Mrs. Denbigh will be
our dueuns; and | promise you to guard the
mansion faithfully"
The day passed tranquility enough. We
sauntered in the garden, and from there into
tho lihrarv kata tnnpH hook
that suited her wonderfully. She took pos.
session of it, and nodding her head gaily to
me, said, Il may as we'll say good day,
Madeline, for until the dinner bell rings, you
will see no more of me. | am going to
wrap myself up in this pretty romance. II
anything occurs, and you want Inc, l MAJ
be found il the summer house. Good day.
heard her blithe voice singing, True as
the stars will l be TO thee" and she was
soon hidden amongst the trees, and l went
into the house.
IL was warm and rather oppressive July
day. The profound silence of everything
struck me Old Mrs. Denbigh was IN her
room, the servants in their quarters, which
were divided from the rest OF the house by
a curious old passage. The only sound in
the drawing. room was the humming of the
summer flies In the window. | missed the
cheerful voice that generally filled the house.
Kendall Villa was rather lonely. The road
that ran in front of it led TO Rotting dean,
sbut was very seldom that we saw any pass
ers by. Occasionally carriage, a farmer s
wagon, hay cart, or the carrier from the
nelghborinF village, varied this scene, but
there was generally very little to see
should not like to live always in such C.
lonely house.
cannot explain why, but as l sat by
myself in the drawing room, q sudden pre-
sentiment of fear seized me. ! do not know
what it was. 1t might have been the su
preme quiet and stiffness of all around-a
sudden chill, a tremor ran through me. l
shook it off, and laughed at myself for being
nervous. Just at that moment @ dark figure
came between me and the sunlight.
raised my head from the work | was holding
and almost screamed aloud at the figure
that met my gaze. Il was that OF @ man, q
Gypsy, or tramp, ! should imagine, with q
swarthy, evil face and flashing black, dread
ful eyes When ne saw that he had attract
ed my attention, he touched his cap and
asked for charity. Now / was not very well
supplied with money, and only the day
before had nearly empiied my purse IN
paying for some purchases | had made at
Nottingham. | took q few half pence anu
threw them to him. He took them, and
looked at me with cullen face.
us this all you mean to give me?n he
said.
at is nearly all have" was my reply.
He muttered something and walked on. !
felt parslyzed with fear. yet | was ashamed
of myself; for what was there to alarm me
sought Kate in the summer house.
"kate," l said, do you mind having
companion? | am nervous at being all
alone"
ITO be sure you must be, poor child, B"
she said. "Come here and sit with me.
How careless | am"
told her In a few minutes how the beg
gar had alarmed me. She merely smiled,
ana SAID, Madeline, you are goose, and
"ou1o De frightened al your own shadow"
CHAPTER III.
Inc remainder of our solitary day passed
happiiy enough. We dined, az usual. at
seven o'clock, and after dinner Kste aunsed
herself by reading some Of "Inpoldsbv Ia.
genes aloud. forgot all about nv morn-
ing Tear, and we sat in the drawing room,
until it str uck ten. -oon'
wonder, said Kate, "if, in nv charac
ter of mistress and guardian. opgb,
and see if the servants have retired ard :. e
house is safely secured" 'A'
81 think you ought to do go, Kate . 7
replied.
Perhaps Mrs. Martha may think I am
what she would call stepping out Of nv
place" said Kate, "but never mind, Made
line, come with me-"
She walked carelessly down the dark
passage. The servants we're just retiring.
with that kind, beautiful smile that invaris-
oy won every heart, Kate said, 81 thought,
0a.s. Martha would just come and see if
eVerything was all right