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

nlmSelI Tor MS 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 the 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
6aronet looked preternaturally sci
emn, and was particularly careful to
close the door behind him.
"a very painful thing has happen
ed, Mr.. Parchment, he said, when
they had exchanged greetings. my
lady has bolted.
NONSENSE" exclaimed Mr.. Parch-
ment, with uncomfortable forebod-
ings.
Yes. 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 intention, 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.
II think you have been misinform-
ed, remarked the lawyer, smiling.
my man had 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
[ would have nothing to do with that
sort of thing"
Il suppose I can do as I please"
clustered Sir Hector.
However," continued the lawyer,
ignoring the others tone, ST am glad
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 for? Do you think that [
would be such fool as to stop herr"
said the baronet, with a coarse laugh.
Besides, [ 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 exultantly, and he proceeded to
give hurried account of the events
Of the preceding day.
why, you've been and spoilt every
thingw roared Sir Hector, after digest
ing the lawyers story, vii a coun-
tenance full Of dismay.
is it possible, Sir Hector" began
Mr.. Parchment, in a tone OF indig-
nant amazement; is it possible that
you have tacitly connived at the in
tended elopement of your wife,"
"Confound you, sir, don't lecture
me!' interrupted the baronet, in a
furious rage. eff Lady Bannister
had gone off with Holgato, it would
have been q devilish good thing for all
parties"
you must pardon me, Sir Hector, ="
said the lawyer, with his Hottest air,
''for saying that after that remark I
can no longer continue to act for
you"
ooh! very WE'LL" returned the
baronet, looking little shamefaced.
"Of course what has passed between
us was Ia strict confidence"
Mr. Parchment did not deign to re-
ply to this, and Sir Hector departed
without vouchsafng a 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
We'll, [ am glad it has come to
this, after all" he murmured, after
pause. II was bound to quarrel with
him sooner or later. All the same"
he added, as he passed his handker-
chief across his heated brow. There
is no doubt I've made fool Of myself
over this business. I suppose it raust
be the weather London Truth.