Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1884-11-06

| CnC paiodCb LA bulo IOSpSCb, GIc orig L
nal terms of their separation being
| that the husband was not under any
circumstances to be molested, and the
lawyers attitude on this point was an
endless cause of unpleasantness be-
tween him and the lady.
Mr. Parchment was so startled at
the idea Of Lady Bannister seeing her
husbands letter that he very nearly
rushed out from the screen; but, while
he was endeavoring to screw UP his
courage to interfere, the lady sudden
ly walked toward the door. The law
yer heard her denver curt message
to the clerks in the outer office, re-
questing them to tell their master she
had called, and before he could realize
the fact she was gone.
The lawyer waited until Lady Ban
mister had time to reach the street, and
then, emerging from his hiding place,
be summoned the indiscreet clerk in
a furious rage, and rated him soundly.
While giving vent to his outraged
dignity, Mr.. Parchment was making
hay of the papers on his desk in an
agitated manner in search of the bar
onet's letter. He felt trifle treasured
at first upon finding that the document
had not been lying conspicuously up
on the table. But. upon failing to
come across it, the idea suddenly oc-
cured to him that Lady Bannister had
carried it off boldly, and, when he
remembered her abrupt departure,
his suspicious seemed confirmed.
"Confound her! She must have it,
sure enough" he growled, throwing
himself INTO bis chair with an air of
profound vexation. ''There is nothing
n it, however-that is one comfort.
was only to give me his new address.
She will be after him by the next
train. Well, it can't be helped. All
I can do is to send a wire to warn
him"
Mr.. Parchment mechanically took
up telegraph form as he spoke, and
seized his pen. The next moment,
however, he was confronted by fresh
difficulty. The letter having disap
peared, he did not know where to
telegraph to. In vain he racked his
brains to endeavor to recall the ad-
dress. The fact was he had barely
glanced at it, and a moments refec-
ton convinced him that for all he re-
membered the baronet might be lecat
ed in any part of the kingdom. As
ill-luck would have it, the envelope
had also disappeared.
The lawyer felt doubly vexed with
himself for what had occurred now
that it appeared he was unable to put
his client on guard. 1t was not that
he cared SO much about having sub
iected the baronet to the inconven-
fence of an interview with his wife,
for, though Sir Hector's father had
been q much respected client. Mr..
Parchment felt completely indiffer-
ent to the sons good opinion. But iae
was an extremely conscientious old
gentleman, and could net acquit
himself of being betrayed, though in
voluntarily, the confidence Of a client.
It was this disquieting though which
finally induced him, after elaboration,
to return to Lady Bannister's call, in
the hope, at all events, of succeeding
in obtaining from her the baronet's
address. That he could prevent her
from going in search of her hus-
band if she were so minded
did not seem the least prob
able. But he might, at all events,
place himself in a position to warn
Sir Hector of the pleasure IN store for
him.
Accordingly Mr.. Parchment resum
ed his ordinary professional appear
ance and drove straight to Lady Ban
nister's hotel. Lady Bannister always
lived at hotels, and this was another
bone of contention between her and
the lawyer, the latter having con-
stantly to find fault with her extrava-
gance while representing her husband
in the capacity of pay1naster. On
this occasion, however, it suited Mr..
Parchment to appear as cordial as
possible, and he even went so far as
to express admiration at the rare ex-
otics with which the room was pro
fusely decorated.
81 am glad you admire them, as [
am just about to send the bill into
you," remarked Lady Bannister, who
never attempted to conceal her aver
sion for the lawyer.
You called upon me just now, re-
turned Mr. Parchment, ignoring the
question of the flower bill.
Eyes; you were out, said Lady Ban
mister, tritely.
II happened to be passing. SO I
thought | would look in" said Mr..
Parchment, nervously.
You are very attentive all of a
sudden" said Lady Bannister with
undisguised irony. You have
brought your check-book with you, of
course?"
'I shall be writing to Sir Hector,
and | thought if you have anything
to communicate
''Thank you," interrupted Lady
abruptly; Il can make any
[ wish to make to
my husband without your interven-
ton"
Mr.. Parchment thought he perfectly
understood this remark, and coughed
behind his hand.
Had you any-any special reason
for calling upon nae this mornings"
l. l.