The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1885-08-29
He must 20 and look at her portrait. There

lie mus. 70 and look at her portrait. There
was a fine one in the drawing room. He
went there, stood before it for long time,
and 10 the representation of herself vowed
! that she was the fairest woman on earth,
well worthy for man to live or die for.
Then he began to retrace his steps to the
| library. As he crossed the hall he saw a
| strange sight.
Whitaker, the irreproachable, the dgni-
fed. with indignation written in every line
Of his black-coated limbs, was standing ut
the front door against which he leaned his
full weight, whilst with his right hand he
was struggling with some object which pre-
vented him from quite shutting the door.
Closer examination showed Frank that TINS
was the end, about six inches, OF stout
walking stick-a contemplate object, yet, as
il was held, powerful enough TO foil the old
servants efforts. Whitaker was pulling and
blowing, not so much from his cxertions as
from anger His face was as red as turkey
cocks. Nothing impressed Frank more
strongly with the feeling that unusual things
were happening at Lakewood House than
the sight Of this respectable old retainer III
such abnormal difficulties
What's the matter," be- said, going 10 the
door
Its man, Mr.. Carruthers," pulled out
Whitaker.
"What does he wantr'
'IIe asked for Miss Clauson, sir; | told
him she was away from home"
"Wel, what thenm Frank grew inter
ested The parties outside and inside re-
manned in the deadlock.
"Ie asked for her address, sir; told him
] did not know
"WolI what thenT'
'He called me damned liar, Mr.. Car
ruthers," sad Whitaker, with supreme
emotion, and ms voice 50 low that it showed
how ashamed he was Of the occurrence-"a
damned liar, sir.n The repetition sounded
almost fearful.
open the door and lot me have a look at
him." said Frank.
81 wouldn't, Mr.. Carruthers, il | were
you, sir. | believe he meditates making an
attack of personal violence"
"Never mind open the door. lie won't
personal violence me, and you can stand be-
hind me"
This, as he WINS mead and shoulders taller
than Frank, Whitaker felt to be sarcasm.
However being accustomed to obey, hs
opened the door, and Frank found himself
face to face with n man about his own aye.
A strong looking, muscular fellow, dressed
in the very height Of fashion-too far up, in
TACT 10 look gentleman.
Maurice Hervey, of course Having given
Beatrice more than "A hours grace, he put in
execution his threat Of looking her up. Not
that he expected to see her; not that he was
prepared with plan of action III case she
proved recalc trant; but he knew the call
would alarm her. II was only when he heard
from Whitaker that she was out of town
that the idea Of her attempting to evade him
by flight occurred to him. 1t completely
threw him off his balance, made him disre-
spcctiul TO the old servant and even when
that functonary replied as n gentlemans
servant should in such straits reply, by simply
closing the door, induced him to put his
stick between the door and the post.
Hervey looked at Frank; Frank, little
guessing what this mans existence meant to
him and Beatrice, looked ut Hervey.
"Well"' he said, coldly..
81 wish TO repeat a few inquiries which I
made Of the servant when he so unciviIly
shut the door in my face" said Hervcy.
81 beg to repeat the servants answers
which you so uncivilly received, said Frank |
"You do not know her address"
'lf you are speaking Of Miss Clauson, !
do not"
Hervey besitated.
"You are not Mr.. Talbertr' he said
II am not SAID Frank, coldly.
'Mr Talbert can no doubt give me the in |
mo doubt, But presume he will want |
to know your reasons for asking"
"pll wait and see him.
II don't think you will OF course have |
no power to prevent your calling again, but |
GU will not wait here"
Hervey scowled "Will you try and turn
me out" he said, detiantly