Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1884-10-31

Southampton" repeated Mr..
Parchment, casting his mind back to
the baronet's letter. IL don't re-
member, bat I think If Sir Hector
had written from there, the address is
so familiar should have remembered
it."
~ thought you would probably
recollect whether it was Southampton
or not, sir, until I knew; it hardly
seemed worth while making a jour
ney there, said Mr.. Gimblett, quiet
| ly.
ooh! can't be certain. It migat
have been near there, at all events, if
Lady Bannister should surprise her
husband"
''She won't, SIR" said Mr. Gimblett,
interrupting the lawyer, who mani
tested uneasiness; 81 took care of that.
/ tipped guard, who is pal of mine,
and he pat the lady into wrong
train. She went on the Exeter express
and can't anyway reach Southampton
to night, even If she discovers her
mistake and changes at the first stop
ping place"
Mr.. Parchment did not know wheth-
er to smile or to frown at Mr.. CHM
blett's summary exoedient for gaining
time for reflection. He was inclined
to feel remorseful for the trick that
been played on Lady Bannister, but
| the detective was evidently harden
ed sinner, for he related the incident
as coolly as though it had been per-
fectly natural occurrence.
Tim at your disposal, sir" he add
ed, as Mr. Parchment remained silent.
"If you have any doubt, I will go
down to Southampton, and should SIR
Hector be in the neighborhood he
shall be warned"
"Well, / really don't know what to
say" said the lawyer, lingering his
blotting-pad refectively; and half
unconsciously he drew from between
the leaves letter, the ends of which
mad slightly protruded. BLESS my
soul, what is this9" he exclaimed, sud
denly turning red as turkey cock,
and staring at the piece OF paper as
though it had been bewitched.
1.-The letter I suppose, sir, !" said Mr.
Gimblett, quietly.
Eyes; and the address isn't South
ampton, or anywhere near it, cried
Mr.. Parchment, looking the picture
of discontinue
"Well, sir, there is no harm done,
anyway" said Mr. Gimblett, reassur-
ingly, after an awkward pause. u
will say good day, SIR"
The detective took his depa tture,
leaving Mr.. Parchment aghast at his
own stupidity, and decidedly con-
| ~ !, rofn 10, I ad "
Bannister. 1t was SO eminently salts
factory, however, to find that, after
all, he had betrayed no professional
condolences, that he easily forgave
himself for his oversight For the
rest, when Mr. Parchment came to
think the whole affair quietly over
from beginning to end, while enjoying
his wine after dinner, he chuckled
heartily. and began to reflect how he
could tell TIE story as having happen
ed to somebody else, at his next din
ner party.
The following morning, by strange
coincidence, his first visitor at the
office was Sir Hector himself. The
baronet looked preternaturally sol
emn, and was particularly careful to
close the door behind him.
ga very painful thing has happen
ed, Mr.. Parchment, he said, when
they had exchanged greetings. my
lady has bolted."
"Nonsensel' exclaimed Mr.. Parch-
ment, With uncomfortable forebod-
ings.
Eyes. She went yesterday evening
to Southampton on the invitation of
that scoundrel Holgate, and they
have, no doubt. sailed off in his yacht
by this time. She made no secret of
her intent ion, and told her maid.
That settles that matter, Parchment,
and we must apply for a divorce at
once" said Sir Hector, displaying con-
siderably more excitement than tender
emotion.
Il think you have been misinform-
cd" remarked the lawyer, smiling.
my mAn had a telegram from
Lady Banister's maid yesterday even
ing" said the baronet, reddening as
he SPOKE.
Indeed" said the lawyer, raising
his eyebrows and looking his client
in the face. II was not aware that
you had caused your wife to be spied
upon You may recollect that said
l would have nothing to do with that
sort of thing"
Il suppose l can do as I please"
clustered Sir Hector.
However" continued the lawyer,
ignoring the others tone, 81 am g lad
to inform you that there is yet time to
save your wife from disgracing your
name Lady Bannister did not go to
Southampton last night, SO by travel
ing down there by the next train you
may possibly arrive in time"
What fol2 Do you think that
would be such a fool as to stop herr"
said the baronet, with coarse laugh.
Besides, 1 tell you she did go to
Southampton last night, and Holgate's
yacht sailed early this morning"
''Then Lady Bannister was not on
board her." returned the lawyer, al
most exultaatly, and he proceeded to
give hurried account of the events
Of the preceding day.
"Why, you've been and spoilt every
thing!" roared Sir Hector, after digest
ing the lawyers story, wi h coun-
tenance full of dismay.
rs it possible, Sir Hector" began
Mr.. Parchment, in tone OF indlg-
nant amazement; rs it possible that
you have tacitly connived at the in
tended elopement of your wife?"
"Confouud you, sir, don't lecture
mel" interrupted the baronet, in
furious rage. ''If Lady Bannister
had gone off with Holgate, it would
have been devillsh good thing for all
! parties"
You must pardon me, Sir Hector"
said the lawyer, with his loftiest air,
'ior saying that after that remark l
can no longer continue to act for
you"
"Oh! very WE'LL" returned the
baronet, looking a little shamefaced.
"Of course what has passed between
us was in strict confidence"
Mr.. Parchment did not deign to re-
ply to this, and Sir Hector departed
without vouchsa6ug farewell saluta-
ton. The lawyer was good deal
upset by the scene, and, for awhile,
was too much agitated to reflect calmly
upon the interview.
well, am glad it has come to
this, after all" he murmured, after
pause. Il was bound to quarrel with