The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-05-11


and implore him to give up the mad idea.
Blinded with rage and despair, took
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 ]
had at stake! Calliston was not in, anO
I only saw Mr.. Desmond, who tried ia
persuade me to 60 home again. He tried
to get the dagger from me, and I flung il
across the room. By accident be put his
foot on it and broke it. So, seeing it was
useless, I made no further attempt to gel
it, anu he put tnna Pieces ir his pocket
Then went home in despair, but coulc
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 al:
rived.
Then thought I would call and i'm,
plore her to give up my lover. She had
gone to ball, but waited for her. and
when she came into the room revealed
myself. We had stormy scene-she
refused to give Calliston up. and, al
length, the only thing could obtain from
her was this, that she would 60 to Calls.
toms chambers, ask him If his love wat
for her or me, and when she got his an.
swer return to me at Park Lane. I agreed
to this, but proposed, as she would COM
promise herself in going to bachelor'i
rooms at that hour Of the night, that she
should put on my clothes, and, as we
were very like one another, she coulc
pass herself off for me in the event OF
discovery. We changed clothes, and she
went away while remained and locked
myself in her room. I waited nearly all
night for her return, but as she did not
come left the house about o'clock in
the morning, and went to London Bridge
station, where caught the 5:45 train to
Shoreham. 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.
went into my cabin and fell asleep, worn
out with the events of the night. When
I woke, about 10 o'clock, 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
I 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 ter
rible battle over things. He wanted to
90 back again to England, but swore I'd
throw myself overheard if he did, so he
Welded, and in the end we made it up.
We started for the Azores, but the yacht
became disabled in storm, and put in to
o French port, where we we're married by
the English Consul. Then we started
back for England, and arrived yesterday.
Lord Calliston went up to town on busi-
ness, and remained here; so that is all
I know of the affair"
Then you are now Lady Calliston2"
said Sir Rupert.
Yes, he has done me that justice at
last"
aThen I hope you'll have 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"
1T solves a good many things. how
ever" said Dowker, cheerfnlly; it proves
the truth Of Mr.. Desmond's statement
about the dagger, and shows US how 1t
was Lady Balscombe went to Lord Calls
toms chambers, instead Of Miss Sarschine
Il beg pardon, 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 papers9" 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"
We'll, 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 done?"
@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 tiger.
II never said 1 did, he replied, quiet
ly. Il merely want to find out his move.
ments, and I daresay he'll have no hest
tation in giving an account Of them"
of 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 60 back to
town at once and see Lord Calliston.
want an account Of all his movements on
that night, and I already know where he
was at 8 o'clock.
"Where?" asked Norwood, curiously.
AT the Pink 'Un,' Soho, to see box
ing match; afterward ! don't know where
he went, but 1 must have a satisfactory
explanation"
SBut you don't think he murdered Lady
Balscombe?"' said the baronet.
Dowker looked wise.
No." he replied, significantly. Il
don't think he murdered Lady Balls
combe, but he might have murdered Lena
Sarschine.
You mean he might have mistook my
wife for herr"
Exactly"