Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-02-12
Vol. 6S. .-3461. No. II.

ne mas none, cFleu hathlccn, almost De-
side herself, Comic Yaldor, how dare you
insinuate--p
"You will explain this to me-" Somers
said, choking with rage, and raising his
glove to strike Yaldor in the face. But
the blow never descended, for with fright
ened cry, Kathleen strove to stagger to her
feet, caught at Somers' arm to save herself
from falling, aud tainted.
A(er that period of confusion. Mrs.
Wexford rushed frautically TO her sister,
and Madame Van Deuseu sailed majestical-
y after her, pursuing up her unbelieving
nose, and decided that Kathleen was only
getting up sensation. She felt little
more charitable, however, when she saw
the girls white face, and gave orders 10
have her guest attended by her own maid,
opned that Miss Glare was more delicate
than she looked, and recommended bed and
entire rest. So when Kathleen came to
her senses, sho found herself on a genuine
old fashioned four posted bed, quiet Van
Dousouish in appearance, and for a moment
could hardly recolect where she was.
I" don't know what business you had to
give me such fright" said Mrs. Wexford,
resentiully, quite regardless Of the vicinity
OF the severe looking maid. You had ,
better not get up.n
" Ella Oh Ella dSA.t 70, aid She
girl struggling 10 becathe,. as tse,Joi Are-t
taFBoa 70 Der. Ks vtsn c,5aid she.spp sI
Not to Mrs. Wexford. Like an inspiratie
she remembered Tom.
-" want to see Mr.. Archer.' she said
at last.
Mrs. Wexford rcgardedher with wonder
ing eyes.
+" Tom Archer And pray for what ?"
No matter" said she, wringing her
hands il distress, won't you take mes
sage TO him %
We'll, if must must" said Mrs.
Wexford, who was longing to get away
" Hurry Kathleen"
" Ask him"
What" augrily impatient
" If he will sec me about something of
importance in the conservatory, at seven
o'clock tomorrow" She lowered her voice
so that the maid could not hear.
Mrs Wexford started. At first she was
startled ont of all propriety, and fairly
glared at the shrinking girl then she sud-
denly remembered that Tom Archer-was
Tom Archer, and, perhaps
Most extraordinary" said she sarcas-
tically. But you are old enough to know
your own business. Yes, Ill tell him."
Kathleen thanked her family, and only
begged that she would come back and give
her Toms answer before retiring. Mrs.
Wexford promised and aoated airily off,
forgetting the promise almost as soon
as she had given Tom the message.
The dance-music sweled on, until
Kathleen felt almost mad. She persuaded
the maid to give her wrapper, and got
into chair by the window, letting the
night air blow on her hot face. Twelve,
one, two, the hours sounded out in success
sion from the clock on the mantle, and still
Kathleen kept her watch. The starched-
looking maid had failed asleep on the sofa
Kathleen, strung up to the utmost pitch
Of nervous agony, waited for her sister, and
waited in vain.
Every sound seemed to have died out in
the house, even the lights seemed to be all
out What could she do? Ella must
have forgotten and SO thinking. Kathleen
rose from her seat, took candle in her
hand and stepped into the hall. Tho Van
Deusen mansion was a very large house,
and two wings spread themselves at either
side Of the house proper; one was recent
addition, and two steps higher than the hall
where Kathleen stood the other wing, at
40 lof' was, tvn. steps lower. In her be-
wllderment Kathleen did not remeinvvr TINS
popularity. She knew that Elias room
was an end one on the left hand wing. Sud-
denly, to her horror, she heard sounds of
laughter, and approaching footsteps from
the other end Of the passage. Heavens 1t
must be some Of the gentlemen coming up
stairs. She stood irresolute. Then green
baize door at her right caught her eye, and
without stopping to think of anything but
the necessity of an immediate hiding.place
she blew out the candle, turned the knob,
and darted noiseessly in, the door shutting
with Il spring behind her
q" Good night" she heard Wilhelm Van
Deusen say outside, and then Somers' voice
close to the door.
." say, Tom, let me come into your room
] tOf nAll an nOur.
And welcome" said Tom, heartily
And then the next room door shut softly,
and Kathleen bethought herself that she
must creep out of her place of refuge.
Easier said than done, however, for, in
her fright, she had gone into the center of
the room, and for her life she could not tell
where the door was. The dreadful hope.
less feeling which cropping in the dark al.
ways brings on came over her. She stretch
ed her hauds before her, and taking several
steps, ran plump against what she thought
a bureau. She had presence Of mind
enough to be silent, although she shuddered
from head to foot, as her hand encountered
cold pile Of something. Why, what
goose she was 1t felt like linen-piles on
piles of sheeting and table-coths. She had
certainly invaded the secret precincts Of
Madame Van Deuscn's linen closet. But
where was the door
$50 you see, Tom, I'm in deuce of a
FIX" said Hayward Somers' voice, so near
her that Kathleen trembled violently.
Now, the fact was that Madame Van
Deuscn, being like Mrs Gilpin, of frugal
mind, and wishing to have linen closet
large enough to hold her grandmother's and
her own supply of linen and damask, had
refrained from asking papa Van Deusen
to built closet for that express purpose !;
but had, instead, conceived the brilliant
idea of turning the dressing-room of one
of her guest chambers into an abode for
: her linen aforesaid. So the door of COM
munication was carefully papered over ION
Toms side Of it and the shelves ran across
it from this side but neither of these clever
expedients were sufficient 10 shut out sound !;
and the eutire conversation which follow.
ed was perfectly audible to the unwilling
listener.
am horsewhip the life out of that fel-
. low" Hayward WIS saying, when her senses
! cleared enough to understand the speaker.
} But it's narrow escape for me.
Caesars wife should be above reproach, you
know"
ia like to know what you mean, "
: thundered Tom in steDtorian tones.
. "Mean !" said Hayward coolly. "Why,
I came so deuced near it--marrying the
: girl you know"
If you are talking of Miss Clare said