Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-03-03

before Ollin, whose telegram had pro-
coded him but a brief time, should ap-
pear upon the scene.
Allan North was in better spirits than
he had been at any time since he began
this investigation. Success had attend
ell his efforts to trace and identify the
long-missing hcircss; and, though an
undoubtcd source of anxiety yet re-
manned, he believed that, with this nc
complishcd, the danger that mcnaced
the good name of the family could be
avcrtcd Further than this he scarcely
dared allow himself to hope; and yet
there was n hope down deep in his
heart, SO closely akin to despair that it
sent the color from his face as swiftly
as n summer cloud obscurcs the sun
light, when he entered Mrs. Maynard's
drawing-room and found himself in
Myra llilary's presence.
His entrance was unexpected and I'M
announced, and no had advanced half
way across the room before the two Ia
dies, who were convcrsing together in
low, earnest tones over their needle
work became aware that he was there.
Then, with noticeable lack of cor
diality, they both greeted him, and Mrs.
Maynard coldly invited him to be seated.
North was sufficiently annoyed by
this reception to be quite thrown out of
his usual suavity for the moment.
Il fear that l am intcrrupting an
agreeable tctc-a-tctc, Mrs. Maynard ~
he said stifly, but l shall ask your in
diligence long enough to communicate
to you the results of my recent trip to
Charleston. The fact that your own in
tcrests arc so closely involved therein is
my sole justification for ihtruding the
matter upon you now"
''You have secured my eager attention
III advance, Mr.. North" said Mrs. May
nary, with quiet sarcasm, as she leaned
| back idly in her chair and folded her
hands with an air of expectancy. 81
cannot be indifferent to communica-
| ton that affects my own selfish inter,
ests. Pray allow me to ask, is it the
mystery of Annie Dupont that you arc
about to clear away?"
That Is, indeed, the purpose that ]
| have in mind" returned North, with an
involuntary glance toward Miss Hilary
1t was the mcrest idle glance, yet she
fancied that it had purpose, and she
rose at once to withdraw from the
room. Mrs. Maynard hastily intcrposed
"Please remain, Miss Hilary" she
said. You are sufficiently familiar
with the matter that have mentioned
to feel an interest in this promised solu
ton Of the mystery. Indeed" she added
in n significant tone, turning toward
North with cold inquiry, lit is possible
that your Forthcoming revelations will
prove to have a deeper personal interes
for Miss Hilary than for myself. How
is this, Mr.. North?"
North looked at her sharply for mo
ment, while family perceptible shade
| of amusement blended with the grave
annoyed expression on his face; then ht
said, with furtivc satire:
Your disccrnment astonishes me
Mrs. Maynard! But indeed, 1 had ne
intention of excluding Miss Hilary from
this interview. have every reason K
believe that she will find the story o
Annie Dupont interesting, and that sht
will rejoice as earnestly at the goot
fortune of that young lady as do my
self, or as you will, Mrs Maynard, af
ter q time"
You are quite convinced then, Mr.
North" said Mrs. Maynard, as sh
trihed nervously with her dainty lac
handkerchief without looking at North
that there is such n person as Anni
| Dupont, and that she is truly Mrs. Dun
kinks niece?"
81 am quite convinced of it, Mrs