Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-04-11
A DARK SECRET.
The Story Of a Tragic
Life Drama.
By E. NJ. DAVEs
CHAPTER XII.

I L
wv ~ saw DR.. Gascoigne.
AEVI/ - ~ 1t was a N t
In EIthaE.Z# ..Dl.S tx dusk, but l reCOg-
Hin %%Iezz5 - Aknized instantly his
3HI>$ZIHHk%5a Nz74SbrOad shoulders, his
SAA1| ".S-----21-zly2 lIJ@ erect, sOldierly walk.
1 had not seen him since my marriage
day and was determined he should not
pass me, though it almost appeared he
meant TO do so.
Good evening, Doctor!" I called out,
refining up my horse; you should have
been out with the COaldale to-day. Some
thing like spOrti"
I'D plenty of that kind Of thing once
in India, he said. My day is over. But
Tn glad to ind you're enjoying life. How
is Mrs. Dudley"
Quite we'll, thanks, answered; she
finds the country rather dull, that's all.
The fact is, we knocked about too much
abroad. She is feeling the reaction"
Then she is not quite well?" He put
the question, it seemed, little anx-
iously
Her health is perfect, replied. at
is only what I say. But come and see US,
GascOigne. L wish you would. Will you
dine with us-say tomorrow"
You wish it, L presume, otherwise you
would not name a day."
He spoke slowly, as though bordering
over the matter.
"Of course I do"
Anu-ArS. Dudley?
All at once it flashed upon me that
George had said she hated this man. 1
was, however, becoming used to my wifes
very fOrcible forms of expression; already
some of them had proved meaningless;
therefore, after q moments hesitation, 1
said:
q Will tell my wife I have seen YOU, Doc
tor. You may expect note from her to-
Thanks" he said very heartily. "ru
accept your joint invitation with great
pleasure"
After this rode home, meditating deep
ly; all recollection of the days sport van
ished. I thought only of DIR. Gascoigne.
1 thought how, from the first hour of
making his acquaintance, he had inter
ested and puzzled me. There was some
occult power in him that had compelled
me- to regard him as no ordinary mortal;
and now, on meeting him again, I felt a
kind of presentiment that somehow he
was going to be mixed up with my life.
The idea was not altogether new to me; it
was merely the renewal of a family re-
ceiVed previous impression, with more
intensity.
On reaching the Grange I dismounted in
the stable-yard, and, entering by side
door. made my way directly to the music
room, where George usually took her 5
o'clock tea.
She was singing-the first time for
weeks. Before I could open the door she
ceased and male voice took up the air
"a voice not unknown to me-One that
carried my memory back some years.
entered the room, for the moment upper
ceived.
The man who was singing to my wife's
accompaniment stood by the piano. He
was a little man, looking younger than
his age, with light hair, parted down the
middle, and long, fair, curled mustache,
There was more Of the dandy about him,
and time had added btdse air, but not
to be easily mistaken was my old ncquaint-
ance, Charlie Hawks.
Ha! Here's our sportsman, here's our
country Squire, the boss of the Grange,
he exclaimed, shaking my hand as though
he would shake it of. Thanks, thanks,
ole fler, he continued, hardly waiting to
hear my words of welcome. Surprised
to see me, Ell? Returning from a run
down in Scotland. Never thought of
you till the train neared WaXham Sta
ton. Then-by JOve! quite an inspira-
ton, wasn't it'll sprang onto the plat
form, hauled out my baggage and drove
here. Sent in my card. Old friend of
husbands. Good that? Seer"
Il sent to the station for Mr.. Hawks
things, and assured him you would wish
him to stay, said George, her eyes spark
ling with fun and merriment.
You've got as much go in you as ever,
Hawks" 1 was beginning.
More, my dear fler, more. But don't
talk of go to q man who's just come, and
wants to stay a couple of days. I've
crossed the Herring Pond since last I saw
you, Jack. Got my ideas expanded, picked
up
mot a few Yankeeisms, Charlie, sug.
gested
why, certainly"
His twang was inimitable. and set both
George and me laughing. Meanwhile
drank the tea my wife poured out for me
then went upstairs to dress.
We were quite merry trio at the round
table, drawn near the fireplace in the large
dining-halI. Charlie told travellers tales
with gusto, listened, and George seem.
ed amused. 1t was not until my wife lef
the table that recOllected In,
promise to the Doctor. With word o
apology to my guest I followed her from
the room.
George" said 7, coming up with her a
she was entering the MUSHROOM, I wan
you to write note to Gasooigne- VII
you, dear?"
She turned with suddenness tina
startled me: