Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-09-08

We were at breakfast the morning after
James visit. when Ainslie. who had had his and
gone into the town to the little reading room
entered hastily with news in his face.
amber, l have heard in the town that Sill
Martin is ILL l came in to tell you at once but
nave been the first to hear It,"
Grandpa i'll! How can that be? James said
he was as well as usual"
'Sir Martin must have been taken i'll afte,
James left the park. Still. wonder that he has
not telegraphed tOyou. THERE'S a train at eleven
which reaches the station by a quarter to twelve
could drive you almost as soon if could get o
decent nag from the Angel"
But. slow as was the little cross country line.
preferred to trust to it, Needless to say, l was
in great distress at the news My grandfather
cold and unsympathetic as he was. was vet the
only relative / had in the world except James
his younger sons child. Sir Martin. people said
had never recovered from his grief at the death
OF both his sons in tine same year-my father in
India, and his brother of typhus fever at the
park But he had always been kind to me in
his stern way. Though had long known that
he cherished the wish that I should become
James wife, he had never clearly mentioned II
to me.
Would you rather have a compartment to
YOURSELF" Ainsle asked, as he opened the door
wrapped up. was already enseonced. I had nc
maid with me- the dear little cottage at Ludford
hardly sutiicing tor one visitor
20 dear. no." said making myself comfort
able. IL will let you know how Sir Martin is. !"
And before could say more We were moving
tried to catch a last glimpse of him. were
hardly cheerful but they were speedily inter.
rupted by my companion speaking.
Pray excuse me. he said suddenly: may l
ask II you were speaking Of Sir Martin Nc
Michael Of Stuart Park?"
took good look at him before answering:
but though it was August, he was 80 closely
wrapped up that could not see much By his
brown complexion should have judged him to
be foreigner bis mOustacbe was quite white,
wrinkled-he might be fifty. His eyes
were keen enough, and his voice undoubtedly
that OF gentleman. Reassured by my survey,
answered:
''Yes, he has been taken Ill suddenly. Do
you know him?"
II did once" he answered, with a restless
movement. Are you going to stuart Park 2"
! bowed. and looked out OF my window, con-
sclOus that he was scrutiniZing me earnestly.
He said nothing more. and after creeping
through innumerable small stations. we reached
stuart Town. had announced my coming by
telegraph; but there was no carriage to meet
me. an omission-for 1t was two miles to the
l'ark-whch filled me with fear. NY grand
father must be very Ill. Declining the station
masters offer Of assistance, set out to walk
Before reached the house, when its great
STACK OF chimneys and old Tudor gables were
just appearing among the trees met James
coming hastily to meet me. He seemed ner-
vous and perturbed, but his first words ex-
planned this va
"Sir Martin Is worse, Amber-verv Ill fear
He was attacked while was away yesterday. /
fastened to meet you, that none OF the servants
might see you and tell him that you were come.
without preparation"
THAT was good of you, James. lam glad that
came at once"
Yes; did you come in by the lodge-gate OF
the little bride path?"
'By the bride path. Are you going in this
way?" He had turned of into path which led
to side door In the right wing.
Yes; the doctor says his nerves are prefer
naturally acute, and the slightest shock or noise
must be avoided"
He :Old me other details as we passed, with
out seeing any one, to my rooms on the first
floor in the right wing. Save my maids, all the
other rooms in this wing were guest chambers.
1t was lonely, butt preferred It; for from the
windows beautiful view Of the Strett0n Hills
could be enjoyed. particularly In winter, when
the shrubbery outside was leafess. Ny bed
room was inside the sitting room. At the door
Oh the latter strange woman met US.
Watkyns. you know, u away" said my
COUSIN "She has not been sent for yet"
l knew OF this, though had momentariIy
forgotten It, passed into my bedroom to take