Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-08-05

~ wTLKIE COLLINS.
CHAPTER Xix.


be Of the favorable kind, when he turned
next to Mrs PrGsty.
Observing that she was agitated, he made
the customary apologies, expressing his re-
greet if he had been 50 unfortunate as to COM
nit an intrusion Trusting in the good sense
and good breeding which distinguished him
on other occasions, Mrs. PreSty anticipated
that he would see the prOpriety Of leaving
her alone again with the person whom he
had found in her company. To her diSmay
ne remained in the room, and, worse still,
he noticed her daughters absence and asked
If there was any serious cause for it.
For the moment Mrs. Presty was unable to
5eply. Her presence of mind-or, to put it
more correctly, her ready audacity-deserted
her when she saw GATHERINGS husband that
had been and GATHERINGS husband that was
10 be meeting as Strangers and but too likely
to discover each other.
In all her experience she had never been
placed III such a position Of embarrassment
as the position in which she found herself
now. The sense of honor which had prompt
ed GATHERINGS resolution to make Benny
deck acquainted with the catastrophe OF her
married life might plead her excuse in the
estimation OF man devOtedly attached to
her. But il the captain was first informed
him that he had been deceived, what hope
could be entertained of his still holding him
self bound by his marriage engagement? 1t
was even possible that distrust had been al
ready excited in his mind. He must certain
ly have heard a mans voice raised in anger
when lie approached the dOOr-and he was
now observing that man with an air of cur
iOSity which was already assuming the ap-
pearance Of diStruSt. That Herbert on his
side, resented the captains critical examina.
tiOn'O of him was plainly visible in his face.
After glance at Bennydeck, he asked Mrs.
Presty "who that gentleman was"
Il may be mistaken" he added, "but ]
thought your friend looked at NE just now
as if he knew me-"
Il have met you, sir, before this" The
captain made the reply with a courteous
cOmposure or tone and manner which APP.
parentIy reminded Herbert of the claims of
pOlteneSs.
MAY [ ask where had the honor Of see
ing yOu"' he inquired.
'.We passed each other in the hall at the
hotel at Sandyseal. You had a young lady
with you"
Your memory is better one than mine,
sir. | fail to remember the circumstance to
which you refer"
Bennydecll let the matter rest there
Struck by the remarkable appearance of en-
barrasSment in Mrs. PreSty'S manner-and
feeling Gn spite Of Herbert's pOliteness of
language increased diStruSt of the man
whom he had found visiting her-he thought
it might not be amss to hint that she could
rely on him in case of necessity. Il am
afraid / have interrupted confidential in
terview," he began, land [ ought perhaps to
eXplain-'
Mrs. Presty listened absentIy; preoccupied
by the fear that Herbert would provoke
dangerous disclosure, and by the difficulty of
discovering means of preventing it. She
interrupted the captain.
Excuse me tor one moment; [ have a
word to say to this gentleman" Bennydeck
Immediately drew back, and Mrs. Presty
lowered her voice. IF you wish to see
Kitty" she resumed, attacking Herbert on
his weak side, lit depends entirely on your
discretion"
''What do you mean by diScretiOn"'
BE careful not to speak OF our family
trOubIeS-and promise you shall see Kitty.
That is what mean"
Herbert declined to say whether he would
be careful or not. He was determined to
find out first, with what purpose Bennydeck
had entered the room. The gentleman was
about to explain himself to YOU" he said to
Mrs. Presty. why don't you give him the
OppOrtunity?"
She had no choice but to submit-in APP.
peararce at least. Never had she hated Her
bert as she hated him at that moment. The
captain went on with his explanation. He
had his reasons Che saidD for heSitating, in
the tTSt instance 10 present himself unin-
'Vlted, and he had accordingly retired. On
second thoughts, however, he had returned,
in the hope
I'm the hope" Herbert intefposed, "of
seeing Mrs. PreSty's daughter?'
That was one Of my motives" Benny
deck answered.
'.Isit indiscreet to inquire what the other
motive WASP"
Not at all. | heard a strangers voice,
speaking in a tone which, to say the least of
it, is not customary i'll lady's room; and I
Thought
Herbert Interrupted him again. '.And you
thought you: interference might be welcome
to the lady! AK ] right?'
quite right"
Am Imaking another lucky guess if I
suppose myself 10 be speaking to Capt.
Bennydeck?'
Il shall be glad to hear, sir, how you. have
arrived at the knowledge Of my name"
Shall we say, captain, that L have ar
rived at it by instinct"
His face, as he made that reply, alarmed
Mrs. PreSty. She cast a look at him. partly
of entreaty, partly of warning. No effect
was produced by the look. He continued,
in a tone of ironical compliment: you
must pay the penalty of being public char.
acter Your marriage is announced i'll the
newspapers
81 seldom read the newspapers"
''Ah, Indeed? Perhaps the report is not
true? As you don't read the newspapers,
allow me to repeat it. You are engaged to
marry the beautiful widow, Mrs. OrmOnd.'
think quote those last words correctly"
Mrs Presty suddenly got up. With an
inScrutable face that told no tales she adj
vanced tOthe door. Herbert'S insane jeal-
ousy of the man who was about to become
GATHERINGS husband had led him into a SER
ioUs error; he had driven GATHERINGS mother
to desperation. In that state of mind she
recovered her lost audacity, as a matter OF
course. Opening the door, she turned round
to the two men, with magnificent nnpu-
dence of manner which in her happiest mo-