Wichita eagle., 1890-02-09

"WeIl, that is just it, you see,- said
Paul Armstrong, struggling back into
his professional courage. Il am the
bearer of news, and very bad news, and
wish any6ne else save myself had had
the task of bringing it here. However,
Guy-Mr. L'Estrange-desired it should
be SO, and his word is law to me"
May looked at him with eyes full OF
terror.
'.Guy asked you TO Gomez" she said.
so, pray, Mr.. Armstrong, do explain!
Suspense is far worse than the truth, be
lieve me. Tell me, has any accident be-
fallen him:'
He took her hand and gazed at her
wistful face kindly.
''You must be brave, Miss Fielding.
he said, ''for my news is very bad. M-.
LEstrange is alive and well, but he is in
sore trouble; he has been arrested-now
calm yourself, Miss Fielding, for all is
tempted MURDER
May uttered gasping cry.
Could this be true, or was it some hid
eous dream? Guy-her Guy, her be
trothed husband-arrested on so foul a
charge! 1t seemed impossible.
At first the world seemed swimming
round with her; then. catching sight of
a look on Clares face which she had
never seen before-a look Of malignant
triumph--she reused herself.
Tell me all. Dir. Armstrong" she
said, Il viii not interrupt you again
Briefly then he narrated what had
happened in the woods; the claim which
the strange woman had made upon him;
his hurried departure home and the sub
sequent finding of the woman in the
wood, severely wounded.
But is that all?" asked May, claspine
and unclasping her hands. and looking
at them with wild, staring eyes. "DId
he send me no message?'
'Ay, that he did, my dear" said Paul
Armstrong placing his hand on her shoul-
der and bending over her tenderly. "He
bade you be of good cheer, for all would
be well; that you were to believe him in
nocent OF everything; that he had never
seen the woman before in all his life, and
that no blow from him had struck her
down. AS long as May thinks me inno-
cent he said, L can bear up through
ALL"
Il think viii go TO my ROOM" STAN
mered May, attempting to rise.
But the effort was too much for her
as she rose the room seemed to turn
round with her, and she fell insensible
into the lawyers arms.
With the aid of Clare and a servant,
Mrs. Raymond contrived, after few
moments, to bear the fainting girl to her
own chamber, from which Clare quickly
returned.
This story has proved a terrible
shock to her, Mr.. Armstrong" she said,
Though it is as well she heard it as she
did from your lips. She must have
learned the facts tomorrow, and. per-
haps, not in so delicate a way"
The shrewd lawyer, accustomed to
read character, had not passed unno-
ticed the strange looks which had crossed
Clare's face as &c vas telling his sad
narrative.
"What is your opinion of it all, Miss
he asked abruptly.
She answered by another question.
''Are you our family solicitor as well
as Mr.. l. L'Estrange's, tht one upon whom
he depends to prove his innocence"
Certainly" cried Paul Armstrong
decisively. Il am his. legal adviser, as
| was his fathers before him, and shall
move heaven and earth to prove him
of this foul charge
She gazed at him with strange and
look
"In that case, Mr.. Armstrong" she
said, II would advise you to leave me
and my opinions out of the matter alto
gether. Good night"
And with low bow, which seemed to
have a spice of mockery in it, she swept
from the room.
The lawyer unused a moment ere he
thought of taking his departure.
That girl knows more than she cares
TO confess" he muttered. "Well, well,
it's no use going in for cross-examina-
tons tonight. We will wait and see how
the affair goes off before the magistrates |
tomorrow. Dear mel | wish some one (
would come down. | can't 20 back to /
that poor fellow without any message at /
all"
After a little longer waiting he was
relieved by the appearance of Mrs. Ray /
mond
How is Miss Fielding:" he inquired. I
Better, hope-well enough to send
message? / really don't like the idea OF 4
facing Guy unless can carry him
word Of comfort"
Mrs. Raymond smiled through her 4
tears.