The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1889-12-07

been an exciting element. L nopeu W.
should have had the house crowded witt
nurses and brain specialists, and that per
haps he would have gone suddenly mad
and you would have restrained him in somt
heroic manner Instead of which he is as
humdrum as possible At least he NIGH
have gone a little crazy.
We'll, he may yet, said l. "He ha'
only been here week today"
That evening johnson demanded IN in
terview of me.
well. johnson p said to this old anG
faithful domestic.
I'm not easy about Mr.. Stormout, Sir
Francis, said johnson, carefully okine
over his should. though he had carefully
closed the door behind him when he en-.
tered
What about Mr.. Stormont?" | in
quired.
Hes an uncommouly queer gentleman
Sir Francis. replied johnson Several
nights I've found him wandering about
my pantry, aud yesterday he frightened
Mrs. Rowe out of her wits by coming in
when she and me vas holding a eonfden-
tal communication in the housekeeper'
room Mrs Rowe's heart Is weak, Sin
Francis
couldn't help smiling. for it was no
secret where the weakness in Mrs. Rowe's
heart tended.
What explanation did Mr.. Stormont
offer 2' | asked
None, Sir Francis, said johnson
He put his hand to his head aud looked
bewildered, and then went off He's been
caught up stairs by the girls just the same
and Jane met him at your dressing-roo
door. Aud it makes It worse because he
. walks 50 soft. We ain t none of us angry
with the poor gentleman, Sir Francis, but
I We think he's stark mad, aud we think
,hcre'il be murder if he amt looked sharp
after,
Il hope not, Johnson | said This
I is Just what Mr. Arrowsmith prepared us
for; his words were he goes incoming
aboR the piacc, a,sd ,raadcriRg into rooms
,chere he has no business | can't turn
my broyher-in-aw's friend out of my
house because he's odd
NHff'' hNAhtA- LAA1 ANthN W Ahs A'AA
Francis, said johnson solemuly
II trust not, said |. "Mr Stormont
will ~ soon. Meantime, don't let any
one irighten her Ladyship. There is moth
ing murderous in a tendency to poke into
strange places
Nevertheless, | felt somewhat uneasy,
and watched my guest narrowly. Bu,
there was nothing in his demeanor TO war
rant my apprehensions, and presently
forgot Johnsons revelations, and ceased
to lie awake at night listening for sudden
shrieks
Stormon, had been with Us fortnight
when We went to a ball at the Duke Of
Beugsls. Lucy donned her diamonds,
{ and ] thought she looked very beautiful
+ in them, aud told her SO was just kiss
ing her wheu We suddenly found that
StOrmout was in the room Lucy blushed
prctuly ai being caught in her husband 5
arms, sad dare say grew hot.
We are going TO ball, stammered.
. Il was just telling any wife her diamonds
became her,
'S1 heard. said Stormont. MAY
+ look al your diamonds, Lady Dennis p
I He approached and gazed admiringly at
her necklace and earrings
Beautiful he said several times.
Diamonds IT the first water | know
something about diamonds, my great-uncle
was a diamond merchant
If you were going with rs you would
see fsr finer diamonds than mine, said
Lucy. The Duchess has diamonds that
are absolutely priceless, and such guam
+ tity She has them sewn on To her dress,
and two detectives always close to her
Il wonder she dares walk about 10 such
precious things. observed S,ormont AT
large parties /, is impossible to say what
bad characters may not slip in.
We'll, as a matter of fact, she doesn [
walk about said Lucy. "A few years
ago she hurt her spine out hunting, aud
she is always on the sofa.
Wouldn't you ike To come with US, my
dear fellow ? said l.
Thank you, | think not, he replied
. plaintively; Il should like it, but fear the
noise aud heat would hurt my head. Thank
you, Lady Dennis, for letting me see your
treasures. / hope you keep them care
fully?
oh. yes Frank keeps them in his
strong box, and when we travel they 90 to
the bank she replied Frank viii lock
them up tomorrow as safe as church.
"To-morrow-n till tomorrow p ex-
claimed Sormont in a Mortified voice
NO said She why should he tire him
self? Nobody could take them out of our
room.
At this moment the carriage was an
uouuced, and | carried Lucy of. Il was
a good bail, aud the Duchess lay in state,
covered with superb diamonds, and watched
by acute aud intelligent funetionaries In
the course of the evening gentleman like
stranger, with a long fair beard and rather
long fair hair addressed me and asked if
| could point out Sir Francis Dennis. |
toli him that was the gentleman in ques-
ton, and he bowed courteousy.
"You will excuse the liberty took, he
said, bet believe my old friend, George
Stcrmont, is staying with you. | only
heard Cf his whereabouts to-day, and at
cockcros start for the Continent, or |
should have called to see him. Perhaps
YOU wiz say that you met Col, l. Estrauge "
wa.. pleased with the Colonel's manner,
/ and we entered into conversation, and after
a time he begged me to present him to the
/ Duchess This | did willingly, knowing
that the poor Duchess's chief pleasure lay
/ in talking with agreeable people, and after
/ that | lost sight of him.
\ Ii was late when we left, and on reach
/ ing home we found Stormont walking in
the drive, smoking. He followed the car
riagc quickly and helped Lucy to alight,
aud we stood talking in the hall for a few
minutes.
And the Duchess and her diamonds =
inquired Stormont presently.
the Duchess and her diamonds were
all there, said l. by the way, StormoDt,
| met friend of yours, Col. l. Estrange,
aud | introduced him to the Duchess, who,
| understand was charmed with him.
He is a very nice fellow" said Stor
mont; quite ladies man. wonder
what he was doing there! However,
mustn't keep you, Lady Dennis, you must
be very tired.
We went up stairs, and, as usual, Lucy
/ d;,u,onds ,vara left IN her dressino-tahle