The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1888-12-05


sent before at meal tinies.s
Il had often noticed the gluttony of the
little Mannerines. bat I was surprised
70 hear Edith refer to it. especially on
such an occasion.
We love him" said, in spite Of his
I little lanlts, and | understand the terri
bic anxiety you feel. But must leave
you and begin my work. Be sure that
shall bring him or news Of him shortly
How good You arel When shall We
heargs
"You can except me very soon, per-
haps within an hour
"Whatever happens, do not be later
than noon,r cried Edith.
left the house brimful of hope and
JOY, for, though bad been touched by
Edith's tears, reflected that in proper
ton to her grief would be her gratitude
when found her brother
After weeks of despair which had
grown upon me as the breech between us
widened, was, by happy chance,
about to be set in place nearer to Edith
than / had ever before occupied.
Had no; my heart reason for its merry
leaping as l reflected thus tripped in
to the police station and gaily explained
that | had lost little boy friend. The
story was listened to with apparent in
erednlity. Ny too happy tone and man
ner must, thought, be the cause
Of this belief 1 left after giving What
details could for the officers to work
upon. | felt little sobered and surpris
ed that had still farther to 90 for It'd
( ings.
/ l walked 10 the scene of the boys dis
I appearance, bat there / could extract
none Of the sought-for information.
"Is there a conspiracy ahoa: to battle
me, muttered, 'or has the earth open
ed her mouth and swallowed him up
But will hurry on. found nothing
but discouragement: did not find Char
lie. Ny want Of success was the more
disheartening fo- its expectedness. When
made my promised call at noon should
/ still be without news for Edith Asthe
sun rose higher my hopes declined.
At last put in my appearance at Hill
Villa again. My search had been quite
fruitless, but / made up my mind not to
betray my growing despair. must dis
semble. would assume the same con-
fident tone had used before.
I was ushered into the presence ofMrs
Mannering and her daughter. The for
mer greeted me as coidly IS she had eve-
done. As | took her hand, Edith said
eagerly, in trustful tone:
Tell US, Mr..Iatimer. You have not
come without news, am confident"
"Well, yoa see it is 50 early, yet,
began, not fiuently. can tell you
nothing very definite at present Lateron
l expect"
Edith turned away with a despairing
gesture, Mrs. Mannering interrupted me.
8" see do not give yourself 50 much
trouble to explain. You have ascertain
I ed nothing you have come without any
I news or cause"
Il am very sorry said. "Edith-er
Miss Mannering told me to come any
how"
Very good of you to DO so, am sure"
said her mother, dryly. ~Have you time
to sit down 2.'
sat
"Tell us what steps you have taken,'
said Edith 81 know you have done your
best"
81 have. indeed" I said. preparing TO
deliver the explanations | had ready.
L" First, let me tell you. / am going to
have notices inserted in aIl.the morning
papers. l will show you a copy Here
drew folded slip of paper out Of my
memorandum book From what have
asceEtained, think this will certainly
bring about the result we wish for.
Allow me to read it to you.
Mrs. Mannering evidently thought
was going on too fluently.
Wait moment, if You please, Mr..
Iatimer,' she said. q" viii you be good
enough to say what you have already
done This notice viii be thing Of to-
morrow-that is to say, if l pronounce it
suitable to appear"
Il hardly think you can disapprove Of
this said putting it into her hand.
" hare composed it with care"
Mrs. Maunering bowed stifiiy, but did
not glance at the paper.
Tell US what you did this morning,
said Edith. Mamma, will be glad TO
hear, | know"
miss Mannering takes great deal for
granted" said her mother, icily. Half
an hour ago she was confident that you
would arrive with Charlie in your arms"
Il meant 10 bring him." said Il
promised to; though of course l should
not carry him in my arms
4 said not said the lady, turning in a
triumphant way to her daughter.
Edith shrank hastily aside, as If had
dealt her blow.
''You said you loved him 50 - she
groaned.
81 cannot understand you" I replied
rather sharply.
'You hear that, Edith ~ observed Mrs.
Mannering
Mrs. Mannerinr, am willing to help
you in every reasonable way said. Il
have tried to do so, but seem to get lit
tie thanks. As to carry Charlie in nv
arms, it is absurd TO think Of l draw a
line at that, madam
Poor Edith A sob, such as had heard
earlier that morning. escaped her.
Mrs. Mannering wheeled sharply round
at the sound.
Edith You forgot your dignity. Leave
the room"
Her daughter guided quickly out
"You hardly wish to proIong this in
terview, imagine said Mrs. Manner
ing
We both rose to our feet. I repressed
my indignation.
''The advertisement" said, motioning
to the paper she held, you will let me
insert it, hope"
spoke imploringly, for remembered
that unless would lose Edith, l must
-. L - f,t..i.. Ir