Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1889-06-21

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to the humble roof that has given you
shelter.
Il have carried out your wishes to the
letter, gone to BOnnYview Hall, taken
your name and identity. But find my
self surrounded by undreamed-of dan
gers. I must see you at onee-take coun-
sci of you. Guys suspicious have been
aroused L dare not come to the refuge
you have found He has been prOWiing
about the neighborhoOd for days, and
might surprise us and discover all.
viii you come to Ridge6eld by the
noon train? Take the road leading from
the village toward the river. I viii be
there to meet you. If yCu care to keep
up this living lie, do not disappOint me.
There is news Of Philip. You see I
know your lovers name. 1 have SO much
to tell you, so many questions to ask! Do
come!
You viii know who writes these lines,
though have disguised my hand and
signed no name.
A cry broke from Toinette's lips. Such
a strange letter, but of course DuIcie had
written it! Who else had known her plans
when she took that mad leap from the
ferry boat? Even Dulcie understood them
but vaguely.
She glanced at the clock. There was
barely time to dress herself and get to the
railway station. She sent for a hack and
set out at once, closely yelled.
With plenty of time for reelection, TOi-
nette would never have undertaken that
journey But there was no opportunity
to weigh possibilities. She must act in
stantly or not at all.
1t was the reference to her lover that
decided her. News of Philip!
He has come back" she said to her
thrObbing heart. "Dulcie will tell him
where to find me. Then 1 need hide no
longer. viii be sheltered by his love.
The first futter of excitement over,
calmer thoughts prevailed. Long before
reaching her destination, Toinette was
asking herself uneasily if she had acted
wisely.
But what harm could possibly result
from yielding to Dulcie's request? She
must have been Influenced by some pow
erful motive, or the risk would never have
been incurred. Not a doubt crossed her
mind but that Dulcie was the writer of the
letter she had received.
TOinette got off alone at the Ridgeheld
station. Only two or three persons were
in sight. After looking all around she
approached man who sat tilted back
against the wall, pipe in his mouth, and
yentured to make inquiries.
That's the shortest route to the river,
the man said, eying the yelled girl curl
ously and pointing with one hairy, toll
hardened hand.
She thanked him and took the road in
Dictated. It wound through a marshy
thicket. 1t looked lonely and deserted.
The descending sun threw slanting rays
hOtly upon it. TOinette walked some dis
lance without meeting any one or seeing a
solitary haOitGtiOn. Finally she took of
her veil to breathe more easily.
I his stiffness makes me nervous, she
muttered, stopping short and strongly
tempted to turn back. How strange that
4(T7Icia ghnUfH +0T71lr If n n ca1aof
such solitude for our place of meeting!"
Just then there was a rustling IN the
thicket where the birds tWittered and sang
so fearlessly, and woman past middle
age rose from grassy bank by the road
side.
Miss Lynton?" she said, in a question
ing though respectful tone.
That is my name, TOinette answered
quickly. @You were waiting for me?"
~Yes; it was Miss Dulcie's wish. am
to take you to her If you please.
Where Is she?"
EAT the house you see yonder, through
the trees"
Toinette could dirnIy discern it-an IN
painted frame cottage of two stOries-iust
beyond a curve in the road.
She followed the woman unhesitating-
"; but, on approaching nearer, a vague
terror began to beat again with the quick
pulsing Of her heart.
stout planks; the yard OveFgTOwn with
weeds, rank grass and struggling bushes;
and the neglected path, leading up to the
front door, looked as if no human foot
step had pressed it for many a long day
The place is deserted" Toinette ex-
claimed, leaning against the dismantled
gate.
"Of course-or Miss Dulcie would not
have chosen it, said the woman, quietly.
1T was long ago abandoned to the rats
and vermin.
Must I go in there?"
Just as you please, Miss Lynton. It
isn't an inviting place; don't wonder
that you hesitate. You can wait under
those trees, if you like. Perhaps Miss
Dulcie will come to you there; viii see.
The cottage stood at some distance from
the road. The woman pointed to cIus-
ter Of larches, midway between the two,
where stood a dilapidated rustic bench.
Toinette walked to it and sat down.
All her misgivings came back with re-
doubled force the moment the WOman's
back was turned There could be no occa-
sion for this caution and secrecy. She
had almost made up her mind to fly from
the fear-inspiring spot, when her guide
returned alone.
You are to come into the house, please.
That is Miss Dulcie's message. She babe
me say a gentleman you know is waiting
there to greet you.
Toinette sprang up, her heart beating
fast. a gentleman to see her! Who
could it be but Philip, her handsome
young lOver2 He was back again! DuIeie
had told him all and brought him there to
give her q happy surprise!
In a moment she would be in his arms,
feel his tender kisses upon her lips.
aQuicki" she painted, cIUtching her lit
tie hands together, half mad with exite-
ment. Now am ready to go. Lead On!"
The frOwning old house and lonely neg
lected garden, no longer inspired her with
terror. Philip was there! Any place with
him would be a paradise.
The hall was dark, dirty, and smeIled
like vault. The woman went stumbling
along in the darkness, and threw open