Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1888-03-30
CHAPTER XIII.
THE SEARCH BEGUN,

There was naturally great surprise when
RobertJa Jameson returned home to dinner and
Agnes was found to be missing. 1t was evil
dent that it was not an accidental detention,
for her trunk had been sent for an hour prev
ious, and the messenger either could not or
would not give any information as to her
whereabouts. Mrs. Jameson was excessive
ly agitated-her faculties lost in a maze, like
one beholding an accident without power of
thought or motion. To Robert it was
heavy fow; he feared that his own advances
had BEEN the occasion of her leaving the
house, and he reproacned himself bitterly for
his headlong folly. Their dinner was sad
and cherries meal; the mother feeling all a
mothers solicitude for a friendless girl; the
son filled with a tumut of sorrow, remorse
love, and pity.
"Poor Agnesl" said Mrs. Jameson, aper-
haps she has found no home"
Don't, motherl The thought'of her In the
streets, or among suspicious strangers, or
vulgar people is dreadful. We must leave no
means untried TO find her. Did she leave no
word, no noteN
"No-none that l know Of"
"Have you lookedF'
She shook her head. Robert left his IN
tasted food, and hastily looked in the hall,
then in the parlor, and at last in the library.
There was the note in her own delicate
hand.
HDEAR RoBERT-Don't be offended. can
not eat the bread of idleness now that your
fortune is gone and your salary stopped. If
/ need your assistance, you will hear from
me. Comfort your mother, and believe that
/ shall be happier earning my own living
We shall meet in better times. God bless
IzAl e.. I. -. Il
no claim upon you'll AGNES"
"The dear creaturei" said Mrs. Jameson,
taking the note and kissing it.
"Why did you let her trunk go, mother.
You might have detained the man who came
for it, and sent for me. | would have fol-
lowed him to the ends of the earth"
81 don't know, my son. 1 was confused.
hardly knew what happened 1 shook so
that sat down, and Bridget must have got
it."
Tears ran down her cheeks, and her hands
trembled so that her fork dropped.
Never mind, dear mother. Pray, be calm.
/ don't wish to disturb you"
There was ring at the door. A gentle
man wished to see Mr.. Jameson. Rising
from the table, he went into the parlor
"Mr. Jameson began the stranger, in an
agitated manner, do you know anything
of young lady named Field-Ggnes Fieldf'
EYES," replied Jameson, with equal excite
nent, Il know her well. What of heri
Where is shea Have you found herr
aFound herr said the other with surprise.
aIs she not berep
aNo-she left this morning.
aAnd left no word where she was goingr'
sNone.n
@Let me beg Of you not 10 trife with me-
Did she not hear my voice, my step, and at
tempt to excuse herself through you"
HSirI" exclaimed Robert.
Il beg pardon. l have been in search Of
her for two days could not believe she
had eluded me Just st the last. do not
wish 70 doubt your word
land who may you be, sir to take such an
interest In the ladyr
Il can satisfy you fully. Ny name is Oak
hurst
RThe painterF'
Eyes. You must have heard her speak Of
me-
sNsver, 70 my recollection
slave you known her longF
EShe is my cousin. 1t is only recently
that she came here, and her acquaitances Of
ayear ago might naturally have been passed
over
you seem surprised at her leaving you 50
abruptly. You viii join me in making search
for herr
4 shall search for her, myself, as long a.
there is hope.7
Let me confess said Oakhurst, athat ]
have the strongest reasons for my haste. She
is betrothed 10 me-
@Since you have honored me with your con-
fdence, 1 VIII return it, 30 far as to tell you
what I heard from her this morning. j.