The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1888-06-13
CHAPTER XVIII.
A LATE VISITOR.

WIN "ACeAAOA bOMs CeiiitiN was 5OAAC.
CHAPTER XVIII.
LATE VISITOR.
About half past ten o'clock on the same
evening that Sandy Hill had visited Dun
baan, in Nora Stewards drawing room at
Rossmore two ladies were sitting, feeling
decidedly tired of each others company.
They had been together all day, and the
day had seemed very long. Nora was
charmingly dressed in tea-gown of pale
bronze plush, lined and trimmed with
very delicate blue. She certainly looked
a very handsome woman as she lay there,
pretending to read behind her shaded
lamp, but she also looked little wearied
and disappointed. She was disappointed; !;
she had fully expected that Biddulph
would have called during the afternoon,
and she had donned her new tea-gown in
this expectation. And now she was men
tally blaming Mrs. Conway-HOpe because
he had not done so, and this made Nora
feel rather unamiable.
eve have not had one visitor to-day /;
not even the doctor" presently said Mrs.
Conway-Hope.
NO. answered Nora, somewhat alb
ruptly.
'The scenery is certainly beautiful here
in simmer" now said Mrs. Conway Hope,
putting aside her knitting for the night;
"but at this season one requires a little
more social intercourse than one can eX-
pect to find in the Highlands. Have you
decided yet, Nora dear, when you start for
town.
81 have not thought of it yet. Surely
that was ring?"
The two ladies listened, and minute
later Alfred, the footman, came into the
room with a card
'AIr. Biddulph is in the hall, madam" :"
he said, addressing Nora, "and he wishes
to know if he can see you for a few mo-
ments, though he is sorry to disturb you
so late"
Certainly. Show him up" answered
Nora.
'Shall 1 retire?" asked Mrs. Conway
Hope, with affected jocoseness, for she had
not the least intention of going.
"Just as you like" said Nora; and the
next moment Biddulph was in the room.
He looked pale and grave, and went up
straight to Nora's couch and took her
hand.
'How are your" he said. "And will
you forgive me for coming at this unrea-
sonable hour"
IL thought you would come to-day"
she answered, with pleased bright look
How are you, MIR. Biddulph2 ?" said
Mrs. Conway-Hope, now going forward
with her claw-like hand outstretched. 81
must congratulate you"
'Thank you," said Biddulph, little
grimly, bowing over her hand, while
Nora's face grew crimson.
"Our good friend, the DOCTOR" con-
tinued Mrs. Conway-Hope quite play
fully, "told us how everything passed of
yesterday satisfactorily. l know the
sheriff."
''Then you know q very agreeable man, !"
said Biddulph. "AIiss Stewart" he added,
turning again to Nora; 81 am going to
make very unusual request; but can
see you alone for a few minutes, on
business"
81 am in the way. then, it seems?" said
Mrs. Conway-Hope. ain that case / shall
retire. Good night, Mr.. Biddulph. / shall
see you, Nora my love, later on in your
own room, j suppose ?" and Mrs. Conway
Hope bowed, and disappeared.
"You will wonder why L have asked
this" said Biddulph, going up close to
what agitated voice. miss Stewart, | am
sorry fear bring you i'll news"
"What2" said Nora, with little start,
and looking at him eagerly. Has any
thing happened 10 your
Not TO me; but you are sure no one
can hear us2 And Biddulph hastily
crossed the room and opened the door,
and as he did so there was rush of silk
garment, and some one made very quick
retreat up the stairs.
81 Just fancied that lady was listening" +"
he said, as he went back to Nora's side
"and what I've got 20 say none but you
and / must hear. You are fond OF your
cousin Jock Fraser and his wife, are you
not, Miss Stewart? VIII YOU try TO save
them from a terrible griefP
"a terrible grief Oh, Mr.. Biddulph,
not surely about that unhappy boy, Nal
colm?"
Biddulph's eyes fell.
"Unhappily," he said, "about that most
unhappy boy. Miss Stewart, have come
TO ask you to do tonight what in the eyes
of the law is wrong; but for his mothers
sake"
"What has he done2" asked Nora, grow
ing very pale as Biddulph paused.
For a moment he hesitated; then he
said slowly
"What he allowed mo 10 be suspected Of
doing; Malcolm Fraser's hand fired the
shot that killed poor Natalie in the Glen
of Balla."
"Malcoiml But what motive had he ?
And OH l understand nowl Mr.
Biddulph, is this murderp'
"It's an ugly word, but fear there is no
other name. Motive2 Shall i tell you
his motive. He did not mean 10 kill the
poor woman, but 10 kill me-"
ooh, this is too dreadfulp cried Nora,
greatly agitated; and, forgetting her in
jured ankles In her great emotion, she
rose all trembling from her couch. But
Biddulph caught her hands and gently
forced her back.