Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-07-04

man s liEe hangs on your evidence, so tell
as all that happened between you ana my
wife on that night.
There was a carGfs Of water on the
table, and filling a glass from 1t Lena
drank 1t up quickly, and then turned
with ashen face to the three men, who
sat cold and silent before her.
L viii tell you all she said in q shaizy
voice, and you can form your own conclU-
sions.
The three settled themselves to listen,
and she began to speak in trembling
voice, which gradually became steadier,
the following story:
L need not tell you my early history,
as you already know it. When I left
FOlkestOne I went abroad with Lord Cal
llstOn, and when we returned he took the
house for me in st. Johns Wood
stayed with him because I loved him, and
he promised to marry me-a promise he
has STAGE fulfilled. When my sister be-
came known in London as Lady Balls
cOmbe, L soon found it out from CaliistOn,
and then implOred him to make me his
wife. He laughed, and said he would.
Then my sister fell In love with him-nOt
he with her, I swear, for he loves no one
but me-and in the end she persuaded
him to elOpe with her. I discovered the
fact from my maid, who learned it from
Lady BaIscOmbe' maid, Anne LlHCrd,
and in despair I went to see CaIlistOn
and implOre him to give up the mad idea.
Blinded with rage and despair, I took a
dagger from the wall of my drawing
room, intending to kill CallistOn if he did
not agree to give up my sister Sounds
melOdramatic, know, but look what I
had at stake! CalistOn was not in, and
L only saw Mr.. Desmond, who tried to
persuade me to 60 home again. He tried
to get the dagger from me, and I flung it
across the room. By accident be put his
foot on it and broke it. So, seeing it was
useless, I made 10 further attempt to get
it, and he put the pieces in mis- pocket.
Then I went home in despair, but could
not rest. went out with the intention
of catching an early train to ShOreham,
cOncealing myself on board the yacht,
and then confront my sister when she az
rived.
Then thought would call and i'm
plOre her to give up my lover. She had
gone to a ball, but L waited for her, and
when she came into the room revealed
myself. We had stormy scene-she
refused to give CaIlIstOn up, and, at
length, the only thing I could obtain from
her was this, that she would 90 to Calls
toms chambers, ask him if his love was
for her or me, and when she got his an
sWer return to me at Park Lane. 1 agreed
to this, but proposed, as she would com
promise herself in going 10 a bachel Or's
should put on my clothes, and, as we
were very like one another, she could
pass herself of for me IN the event Of
discovery. We changed clothes, and she
went away while I remained and locked
myself in her room. I waited nearly all
night for her return, but as she did not
come L left the house about 4 o'clock In
the morning, and went to London Bridge
station, where I caught the 5:45 train to
ShorehRm. I was dressed in Lady Balls
cOmbe's clothes, and went straight on
board the yacht without awaking suspi-
ciOn, as they were expecting my sister. 1
went into my cabin and fell asleep, worn
out with the events Of the night. When
I woke about 10 o'clock, I found we were
on our way, and that Lord CallistOn was
on board. Being told that Lady Balls
cOmbe was on board asleep, he did not
trouble himself to see me, or else he
would have discovered the truth, but said
was not to be disturbed, and gave or
ders for the yacht to start. When he did
see me I need hardly tell you his sur
prise. I told him all, and we had a ter
rible battle over things. He wanted to
60 back again to England but 7 swore I'd
throw myself overheard if he did, so he
yielded, and in the end we made it up.
We started for the Azores, but the Yacht
became disabled in a storm, and put in to
a French port, where we were married by
the English Consul. Then we started
back for England, and arrived Yesterday.
Lord CallistOn went up to town on bust
ness, and I remained here; so that is all
I know of the affair.
Then you are now Lady Calliston?"
said Sir Rupert
Yes, he has done me that justice at
last.
Then I hope you'll have a happier
life and end than your sister, said the
barOnet, bitterly; but even what you
have told Us does not solve the mystery
Of her death.
ct solves good many things, how
ever, " said DOWk9r, cheerfully; 1T proves
the truth of Mr.. Desmond's statement
about the dagger, and shows us how it
was Lady BalscOmbe went to Lord Calls
tons chambers, instead Of Miss Sarschine
II beg parton, Lady CallistOn-bUt tell
me, madame, did your husband know Of
the murder before he left England"
mo, how could he?" she said, in sur
prise. He came down to Shoreham by
an early train and the yacht left at once.
But he would be sure to see about 1t
in the morning papers?" suggested Nor
wood.
@He would only see the announcement,
but no details" said DOwker, and think
ing Lady BalscOmbe was on board the
yacht and Miss Sarschine at home he
would never think one of them was the
victim.
Well, gentlemen, said Sir Rupert,
turning his haggard face toward them,
now we have discovered the dead woman
to have been my wife, what is the next
thing to be doue2"
"See Lord Calliston," answered Dow
ker, promptly, Il want to know all his
movements on that night.
you don't suspect him?" said Lena,
turning on him like a tiger,
Il never said did, he replied, quiet
~. Il merely want to find out his move
ments, and daresay he'll have no hest
tatiOn in giving an account of them"
3Of course he won't, she replied,
YEARLY. And now, as I've told you all,
you'll permit me to retire. I'm quite worn
out.
She bowed to the three men, then left
the cabin slowly. When she disappeared,
DOWker shook himself briskly.
Well, gentlemen, we must go back to