Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1891-07-10

they seemed black, at another gray, at
another blue. They rarely looked at one
direct, but when they did their gaze haunt
ed one.
Mile. Annette cast her strange eyes mod
estly to the ground as she answered my
question as to the possibility of our sleep
ing at the house for the night
81 will ask mother" she said in low,
soft voice; 81 am sure she will be glad to
be of service"
Then she nodded gracefully and with
drew
Presently Nine. Lafarge came to speak
to us.
She was as great contrast 10 her beau
tiful daughter as it is possible to imagine.
Although little more than forty years of
age, her black hair was rapidly turning
gray. The neighbors declared that it had
become visibly grayer in the three weeks
that had elapsed since Aaries disappear
ance. She had heavy features, beetling
brows and dark, hollow eyes, and her lips
were thin and covetous.
Altogether her appearance was evil look
ing, and took hearty dislike to her from
the first moment of seeing her.
She was evidently by no means as anxious
to be of service rs her daughter had repre-
sented, but, on the other hand, she did not
promised her, so ultimately it was agreed
that we should occupy kind Of loft under
the roof for that night, and for longer if
the storm continued.
Then we sat down and made ourselves at
home in the kitchen, where Mile. Annette
was preparing supper.
We tried to talk to her, but it transpired
that the I.afarges had recently removed
| from French speaking canton. and the
girl did not know much of German, nor
did we of French moreover. Annette did
not seem to possess great conversational
power in any language, for | noticed that
she and her mother rarely spoke when not
compelled to do so. | thought her silence
might be partly accounted for by her grief
for the loss of her half sister, to whom she
was said to have been deeply attached.
However, it was amusement enough for
me to watch the girls graceful movements
and lovely face, and even fastidous Ray
wood began presently to vouchsafe little
interest in her.
Fate had ordained that we should be-
come better acquainted with the Lafarge
family however, for as Haywood was
mounting the ladder that led to our bed
chamber he missed his footing. fell and
sprained his ankle
At first HAYWOOD was far more impa-
tent at the delay than myself, and jok-
ingly told him he had better console him
self in the society of the beautiful Annette,
while explored the mountains.
Pm afraid shouldn't find much conso-
lation in the society of Mile. Annette"
said he.
Isn't she pretty enough to meet your
approbation9"
Yes, but one gets sick of staring at a
pretty doll that hasn't got two ideas in it's
iaxen head
However, it seemed to me presently that
Haywood had consoled himself in spite of
the fair Annette's dizziness, for when | re-
turned found them sitting on a sunshiny
seat in the little Enclosure which did duty
for a garden, and seemingly well content
with each others society.
Thus "A week passed rapidly away. Ray
woods ankle was well enough for us to go
now, thought, but to my surprise he
never spoke of resumng our journey.
began to he very impatient to leave the
place. | strongly suspected that Nine. La
FARCE knew more about her stepdaughter s
death than she would have cared to own,
and thinking this was naturally anxious
to quit her house
| again suggested to Haywood that We
should go. lie iiatly refused.
could not understand his proceedings
but as | should have felt responsible il
case of accident if | had insisted, again
waited
Two days later went into the kitchen
at an unusual hour, and found Haywood
sitting with Annettes hand in his and
gazing into her fathomless, mysteriou,
eyes with an infatuaton that appalled, me
- Ia 81 ID r,fN1 N
good family and brilliant prospects, had SC
far forgotten his own position and his
duty to Lady Marion as to fall in love
with an ignorant peasant of doubtful ante
cedents?
Il must stop this at once" thought
and calling my friend aside demonstrated
sterny with him on his unjustiflable con
duct in making love to girl who coulC
never be his wife.
To my intense surprise he listened calml,
to all had 10 say, but positively refused
, to leave the house. Haywood was yieldn!
to fault as a rule. Twas completely puz
zled
This Annette must be a shrewd, de
signing girl, under her show of simplcit,
and good nature, thought |. "I'll try ant
solve the mystery about Marie Lafarge
Surely, if | can prove that Nine. Lafarg
!, is a murderess, or is shielding murderer
that at least will bring Haywood to hi
senses"
, was lying awake one night thinking
uneasily of Haywood and Annette, WREN
, heard door open softly on the groun
floor.
Madame ami her daughter slept there
not together, but as far apart as possible
= the large Kitchen separating their rooms.
[ listened atuentively for everything tina
went on had "A painful interest for me now
r Presently there was "A sound as of som
; one talkingin the kitchen.
I arose without awakening Raywoo
and raised the trapdoor little.
: 1t was Nine. Lafarge walking to and fir
, in the kitchen. She was talking to hersel
q and apparently in great anguish of mind.
r perhaps she is i'll" thought l, and wa
/ on the point of descending TO her assistanc
/ when caught glimpse of her face in tn
+ moonlight.
/ 1t was the most CHASTITY sight have eve
+ seen. The woman was evidently a son
r nambulist. Her great black eyes WEI
! wide open and staring blankly before he
/ 4