Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-05-18
Gales arto Skstfkts.
ms. nosfAeU's eovIRxEss.
Continued from Yesterday

well. good by and good luck to you
mind you get the appointment" said Mr..
Montagu to Talbot the following morning.
prior to the departure of the latter for
London, whittier he was going on busi-
ness.
Thanks, but have changed my mind
a. to settling in England; intend to re-
turn to India"
"Nonsense, we shan't let you 90 abroad
again." said his brother-in-law lightly fer
he did not attach much consequence to
North's remark, treating it as mere mo-
mentary expression Of perversity- Only
Marion Lockhart understood the serious
purpose underlying his words.
ssOf course nOt,- said Mrs. Montague,
in echo Of her husband. "Well we shall
see you back this day week; you are go
ing no further than London, ] suppose'''
s'And into Kent" replied North, in a
somewhat absent tone Of voice.
Kent what takes you there?" enquir
ed Mrs. Montagu In surprise.
ut is only upon some business of other
peoples" replied North, in a tone that
did not invite further questioning. And a
few minutes later a servant announced
that the dog-cart was at the door, and the
young man was borne swiftly away.
Il was the characteristic Of Talbot
North that he attended in the first place to
the business which he had declared to be
that Of other people. Upon his arrival in
London he delayed only to take hasty
luncheon at his hotel and to write one or
two letters, and then, driving to Charing
Cross, he took rail once more.
As the train drew near to the small WILL
age Of Rushford, bis destination, North
pulled small, flat parcel out Of the breast
pocket Of his coat. Examining the seals
to make sure that they were intact, he
carefully read the address legibly written
on one side Of the parcel, and then, re-
placing 1t in its former receptacle, fell to
considering how he could best discharge
the mission with which he was fraught.
This was conveying to the wife the intelli-
gence Of the death of her husband. The
event mad taken place in foreign land
some IL months before, and North had
gathered that GOODNESS and separation
had existed between the welded pair but
the dews of death were already gathering
fast over the sick mans brow when he.
Mr.. North, the only European within
reach, had been called to the bedside,
and.to ease the mind ofthe dying stranger.
had undertaken the charge Of seeking out
his wife and imparting the intelligence of
her loss. At length North was about to
discharge the melancholy trust. and Tor all
he knew the news might call forth the bit
terest regret and anguish.
Mr.. North went straight to the postofiice,
as the most likely place in which to dis
cover the address of Mrs. Milman. II
was at the same time an emporium for the
sale Of drapery, and the whole force of
the mercantile establishment, as well as
the entire body of her maiesty's officials.
drew near to listen to Mr.. North's inquir-
les. No such person as Mrs. Milman was
known.
.'She was Miss Wilson," explained
North. bv way of assisting the memories
Of these Rushford people.
30, Miss Wilson She left here years
ago; went away when her mother died"
''Do you know of any one who was init
mate with her. who could give me her
present address? '
A great shaking of heads attested the
general ignorance.
''This is strange" muttered North.
Every strange"
But the matter had altogether very little
interest for him. so. giving up the quest.
he took the next train back to town. where
he put into the hands of private inquiry
Office the business of discovering the lady
who had so mysteriously disappeared.
The task was very small one for those
accomplished gentlemen. Upon the morn
ing of the fourth day, as North sat at
breakfast in the coffee-room of his hotel
a note was gwen him containing all neces-
sary particulars. The missing person had
been traced, her past employment and his
tory learned. and her present address was
furnished for Mr.. North's further pur-
poses. in accordance with his request
The effect of this letter upon North was
remarkable. He sprang up from his chair.
First, the color rushed into his face, then
as suddenly retreated. leaving his counte-
nance pale and set; and the letter almost
dropped from his nerveless fingers. while
his eyes fixed themselves upon vacancy
It was fortunate that he happened to be
alone in the room.
At last. calling for his bill. North made
some pretext of completing his breakfast
but his appetite was gone with his tran
guilty. and five minutes later he rose and
quilted the hotel.
AT three O'Clock upon that same after
noon he was walking up the avenue to his
sisters house at Freshfield. trying to re-
solve difficulty which had Just presented
itself to his mind-that of accounting to
his family for his sudden appearance
again in their circle. This was a Gordian
knot which he utterly failed to undo. but
which was cut for him in one moment by
the servant who opened the door.
"Master and mistress have gone from
home. sir; and they will not be back till
some time Tomorrow" said that function
airy. in some distress over his ill-timed
arrival, and quite expecting Mr.. North to
be overwhelmed with vexation.
On the contrary. MFR. North received the
tidings with cheerful resignation, and at
once inquired for Miss Lockhart
II have sent for you because l have
something of importance to communi-
cate" said North to her, as soon as
Marion had Joined him in the drawing
room.
Something of importance to communi-
cate !" echoes Marion. with the vague
alarm that so often seized her. "Will you
tell me quicklya"
..Sit down." said North. gently. taking
her trembling hand. and leading her to a
low easy-chair; then, seating himself