Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1891-07-15

tHio uIeuuiul IuulOT uclnuuueu lu-
slant investigation.
As matter of course, the ladies
questioned Mrs. Vaudeville, while the
gentlemen Intercepted Mr.. Vande.
vile, who nervously admitted that
he and his wife, hearing strange
sounds issue from the Winsums' room
which adjoined theirs, considered it a
duty to society to listen, and in con,
sequence thereat had heard the most
dreadful things, adding, under his
breath, ut makes my blood run cold
10 think of it, and you must excuse
me, for will say no more"
This was enough. Several guests
who still remained loyal to the Vande.
vile colors congregated in that lady's
room at late hour the same night
not only to verify Mr.. Vandeville's
statement, but also to crafty their
own curiosity,
The door of large closet which
separated the two rooms was purpose.
ly left open, and ordinary converse
ton could be easily heard.
Mrs. Vaudeville looked virtuous
and important her husband disgust
ed and abashed. A tiny clock on the
mantel chimed eleven. A slight rush
ing could be distinguished. and the
listeners became interested.
Suddenly a low voice broke the
oppressive stiffness but the confused
tumble of undertones was too indis-
tinct, and disappointment was plainly
visible on every countenance.
After few moments of inaudible
conversation, the voices grew louder
and still louder, until the occupants
of Mrs. Vandeville's room, in their
excitement, exhibited signs of imme-
date betrayal.
That lady made an imperious GEES
ture, and the evesdroppers listened
breathlessly to the following dialogue,
81 will hear no more, | tell you,
What haye l to live for? l placed
my honor in your hands, and how
have you repaid me p
Indeed, Harold, / have always
loved you, always been faithful unto
you!"
Harold p' echoed Mrs. Courtenay,
the Vandevilles dearest friend.
"Then his name isn't Frank, after ALP"
"fIush !"
The stern voice continued
"Oh, Marion!"
marion !" CALCULATED Mrs. Courte.
nay in horror, "why, she said her
name was Eleanor
Hush % murmured the assembled
party again.
ooh, Marion, you dare not assert
your innocence, knowing that | hold
the actual proof of your guilt here in
my handp What is this letter, but
an avowal of love for the man whom
| have taken by the hand and called
friend, and who deceived me beneath
the very roof we both called home.'
Gracious me" whispered Miss
Merton, a gentle spinster of forty.
Gle must mean Brother Fred. You
know how outrageously she fiirted
with him."
"Silence !" said Mrs. Vaudeville.
Harold, have mercy; do not shut
me out from your heart. See, upon
my knees | plead to you. In memory
of the many happy hours we have
been together, listen to me, and ! can
explain all"
How dreadful !" gasped Miss
Merton; land they pretended to be
bridal couple"
Enough not one word. Tonight
you leave me for ever"
ooh, this won't do at ALL" cried
Mr.. Courtenay, who was usually an
extremely quiet and punctilious man.
"Something must be done. The pro-
priety of this establishment ought to
be maintained A departure at such
an hour would be ruinous and create
disagreeable gossip. Mr.. Vaudeville
you must knock at these peoples
door and tell them all is known, they
will be more than welcome to make
their leave, but by all means beg
them to make no disturbance at mid
night. We will follow and endorse
anything that you may consider
proper to say.
The party fell in line, and in anoth-
err moment were facing Mrs. Winsum's
door, from which faint cry was at
this instant audible.
Embroidered by this sound, Mr..
Vaudeville raped hastily, and a
hearty Come in !" responded.
Pushing her husband aside, and
drawing Mr.. Courtenay by the arm,
Mrs. Vaudeville entered the room,
followed closely by the remainder of
the party.
The picture that confronted them
was decidedly embarrassing. Frank