Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1891-05-15
VlDA'S = REVENGE.
CHAPTER XIV. CONTINUED.

hep
Goodness gracious, nor' exclaimed Pho
be. "What nonsense you are talkingW
'But you have seen him talking to gypsy
girl; come now, haven't you"
mo" said Phoebe; 'and Pm afraid that
Mr.. Moore has been giving you wine, or you
would not talk such rubbish. So will bid
you good-day."
The inspector went off more puzzled than
ever. He was cropping about in the dark,
and had no idea which way to face so as to
get ont of the mystery. But as he said, duty
was duty, and with regard TO Basil his course
was clear. ..3.s-...-t
As the whole country had rung with the
story of the mysterious murder in the bel
fry an elucidation OF the affair would be OF
material professional service TO him. Apart,
therefore, from the sense of duty, he had
his own interest at his back to urge him on.
OF course Mr.. Moore did not keep the in
terview a secret He saw no reason for do
ing so, and Mr.. Brandreth was soon after
made acquainted with what had passed. He
laughed at the idea Of Basil being guilty OF
the gipsy's death, and Mrs. Moore smiled
at it; but they were one and all uneasy.
There was still so much of the mysterious
attached to Basil's story.
Vida was admitted by Mr.. Moore TO the
discussion which followed, and only Ruth
kept in ignorance Of what had passed.
''She has suffered too much already" said
Mrs. Moore, land it would be cruel to antici-
pate further evil"
Vida earnestly advocated Basil's inno-
cence, and succeeded in allaying Mr.. Bran
dreth's suspicion Of herself, il indeed he en-
tertained any. She also suggested some
thing that was at least very reasonable.
Al think, she said, that the fellow must
have been making love to some girl, and,
having betrayed her, paid the penalty OF
his falsehOod with his life."
al never thought of that" said Mr.. Moore.
''Nor l." said Mr.. Brandreth, land itdoes
not appear to have suggested itself to our
friend the inspector"
Mrs. Moore quietly said:
sour rustic maidens are not given TO as
sassnate their false lovers They may weep,
and go to the extent Of taking their own
lives in the nearest pool, but they have
neither the brains nor the resolution to
avenge themselves in the manner suggested
by Vida"
at may not have been a rustic maiden"
said Mr.. Brandreth.
"Who else would listen TO that class OF
vagabond%' said Vida contemptuously, but
she was white with sudden fear, and her
voice had lost half the music of its tone.
Mr.. Brandreth again looked at her with
curious earnestness, and with puzzled air.
He was like man with problem before
him, Of which he knew not even the direc-
ton of the answer.
The change in Vida was noticed also by
Mrs. Moore, and when she had withdrawn
from the little circle and retired, she said:
vida has not been well for some time
past; wonder what ails herr"
81 have noticed it also," replied Mr..
Moore, "but women of her age are change
able. 1t is the unsettled era of their exist
ence."
And so the subject was dismissed.
The morning of the thirteenth of February
broke unproptiously There was heavy
murlzy sky above, and a mist below upon
the earth. The little wind that rustled the
buildings trees was raw and chill.
Among the first to be moving was Phoebe,
and it was evident by her heavy eyes and
feverish that she had passed restless
night The corridor was still wrapped in
gloom when she crept TO Ruth's door.
Listening intently she could just hear the
soft breathing of the sleeper, and clasped
her hands in thankfulness. For days she
had been haunted with the belief that Vida
would in some way attempt to take the life
of her young mistress.
Long before the usual hour she quietly
entered Ruth's room, and without disturb
ing her proceeded to dust and arrange it
Ruth awoke earlier than usual. and for
the first time during her long trial showed
nervousness.
She had borne up bravely through suffer
ing, but now that JOY was near at hand she
was in danger of breaking down.
won't you come for walk, mssP" said
Phoebe; ''its not so fine as 1t might be, but
the air will do you good"
mot until after breakfast" replied Ruth.
'tAnd when you go, miss may l attend
,upon your
~ do not think tina. shall need you,
Phoebe"
ut is fancy of mine, miss" urged the
girl. Now that Mr.. Basil is coming back
feel as if was going to part from you,
and you have been so kind to me-"
Nonsense, Phoebe" said Ruth, smiling;
~ am not going to part With you, and If
havebeen good mistress you have fully
deserved all youhave received from me and
more"
'Its kind OF you to say so, miss, and I'll
ask it as favor that you will keep me by
you il you go out to-day"
''Very we'll, Phoebe" said Ruth.
Vida appeared shortly after, and seemed
80 be in the highest spirits She rallied
IKuth on her pale cheeks.
NFie upon you to keep awake" she said,
"and so rob your cheeks of their rosesi
Basil will scarcely know YOU"
y Il shall be better soon," replied Ruth.
The feeling of agitation was not,confined
to her: 1t pervaded the whole household,
from Mr.. Moore to the servants.
Only Vida was calm and self-posssesed.
She was resolute in the course she had
decided upon; all she needed was the oppor-
tunity. Prompted by her embittered feel
ings she was resolved TO turn the joy of that
house into mourning.
"He shall come here with heart fnil Of
lovers yearnlng," she said. sand find her
dead"
She had the small phial Elled with poison
In her dress-peeket ready for use, but sought
in vain for an early opportunity for using 1t.
At the breakfasttabe they sat apart, AID
afterwards Ruth dressed for walk.
81 will go with you" said Vida.
"Do, DEAR" said Ruth.
Vida went upstairs. dressed. and came
down again TO fnG not only Ruth ready, bu.