The Sunday morning news. [volume] (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1886-1891, 1890-09-07
CHAPTER v.
TIE PLOT THIcKENs.

1VOlR ttfe ulSub ACAOWl1iS ttt5 c2CuISiOu
to Trevarroek bay he suddenly remem-
bered that Judith Female had given him
two letters, which he had thrust into his
pocket in his haste to follow the pony
cart, and which were still lying there
unread
He had not hastened to open them, for
he had recognized the handwriting on
one envelope only too well, and the
other in its hirnsy blue envelope ap
peared only a bill or circular, the post
mark being Penzance, from whence he
sometimes had things sent out to Tre-
varrock.
With a slight frown of WEAKNESS he
tore open the thick, cream colored en-
velope Of the first letter, regardless of the
dainty lilac and silver monogram adorn-
ing the TAP
The contents Of this note were brief,
and were written in thick and dashing
hand, obviously wonan's, in spite OF
its affected masoulineness. They ran
thus
am getting really angry with you, and shall
be glad TO know when this is to end. Surely you
mtrst have received my two last letters, telling
you al had blown over, and that you need not
fear 10 RETURN It IS not fair to leave me alone to
bear the brunt of everything, and feel cannot
parry inquiries much longer. What can you OF
all men In the world. find IN such outof-the-
way corner Of the earth to keep you away from
Lonaon now, Of all times in the YEAR, Anyway,
ask you TO come back. The part am playing
now is, as you know, Foreign 10 my whole nature;
but with you 20 support me, things were bearable
at least, Again say, Harold return, or Will not
ft41.ss Dufr
He read the letter twice through, with
an expression of irritation on his face.
Then his stern mouth relaxed again and
softened into kind smile.
Poor Beatricet A good creature, but
wish she would not be SO tragic; it is
hardly necessary in private life Still,
she is right; ought to be getting back,
and it is-as she says-hard on her.
Next week, then, I must pack up my
traps"
He sighed as the vision of Madges
gentle, childlike face rose before him;
and he thought how the bright tears
would gem her lashes at the news.
He still held the letter he had Just
read between his fingers. Then starting
from his reverie ne tore it across, and
crumpling it into ball threw it into the
empty CRATE.
He had almost forgotten the blue mis-
sive, which lay on the table at his elbow,
but as he rose his eyes fell on it. He
opened it earelessly and without interest.
the only contents of the envelope were
half sheet Of soiled paper, with few
words penciled on it, and newspaper
cutting.
But as Harold Darlington read them,
his face became blanched to ashen white
ness and cold drops of dew started to his
brow.
AT last-at lastl 1t has come to thisl
] always feared, always thought that
one day it would be So If he had only
trusted me; he knew could not be hard
on him-and yet, even while am talk
ing, am losing time. Something must
edone, but WHAT All! merciful Heaven,
whatr
Utterly stunned and crushed, he stood
looking in dazed way at the piece Of
paper in his hand. He had been in daily
dread of receiving the tidings it con-
veyed, had known that at any hour they
might come upon him thus. The thought
had been the hunting nightmare of his
life, and in his proudest, happiest mo-
ments had often come to torment him.
Yet the blow was none the less hard to
bear.
Taking out his watch he saw that it
was about a quarter to II. The inhab-
itants of the cottage oreakfasted at s; he
had, then, nine good hours before him in
which to think and act.
Fortunately for him his bedroom was
on the first floor. To open the front
door would be too great risk; the lock
was old and clumsy and creaked with a
Earring sound when the key turned But
his window was within easy reach of the
ground, and could be opened and closed
without any noise.
He began to take off his white linen
suit, then paused irresolutely, ending by
drawing on his coat again. He took
from hanging press long, dark ulster
and wrapped himself within its heavy
folds. 1t covered him almost completely.
Yes, that will serve my purpose best, 4"
he muttered. Then, his eye falling on
small box at the top of the press, he ex-
claimed under his breath, 1.-THE very
thing! What fool was not to think of
that beforei 1t seems almost providen-
fial, and yet how enrsged was when
found that ass, Jean, had sent them by
mistalei little dreamed for what pur-
pose should one day use them"
He stood motionless an instant, a look
of excessive pain on his face, and then,
rousing himself, unlocked the box and
took from it wig and beard, most ex-
quisitely made Of the finest soft white
hair; also some small pots of pigments
rouge and grease paints.
With unusual skin and dexterity he
altered his face, and put ON the false hair
and beard, which fitted him admirably.
No one would have recognized him, so
extraordinary was the change in bis ap-
pear&nce.
He murmured few words, initiating
the toethless murnbling Of very old
man, and STOPPING slightly, looked at
himself in the glass The whole thing
was perfect, and shabby felt hat, hav-
ing the brim well bent down, completed
the disguise.
Harold took up the letter and put it in
his breast pocket, then, opening the win
-