Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1894-07-26
CnApTER YlI-UontInued.

1t was within few days OF this con-
yersaticn that Wyatt gratiiied himself
with the pariOr nance OF u little eXper-
iment which he had devised in the
comfortable retirement OF his bachelor
Dom at Davenant. He had come into
Mrs. Sinclairs morning-room after
breakfast to consult her upon the de-
tails of an amateur dramatic perform
ance that was to take place shortly,
and la for wonder found the hus-
band and wife alone together
"Perhaps we'd better discuss tho
business at some other time, he said.
az know Sinclair doesn't care much
about this sort Of hing
rs that your theatrical rubbish
asked Gilbert. you'd better say what
you We got to say about 1t. You needn't
mind me. ! can absorb myself in the
study OF Bell Life for a quarter OF
an hour or so"
He withdrew to one Of the wind ,ws,
and occupied himself with his nowspa-
per, whifo James Wyatt showed Con
stance the books of some farces that
had just come to him by post and dis
cussed the fitness OF each for drawing
room representation
Every amateur in polite society be-
lieves himself able to play Charles
Matt ews bu sines5, he said laughing.
"It rs fixed delusion of the human
mind. OF course we shall set them all
by the ears, do what we may, Per-
haps it would do better to let them
draw lots Tor characters, or we might
put the light comedy parts up to auc-
tion, and send the proceeds to the poor
box"
He ran on in this strain gayly enough,
writing lists Of the characters and
pieces, and putting down the names OF
tho guests with q rapid pen a5 he
talked, until Gilbert Sinclair threw
down his newspaper and came over to
the fireplace, politely requesting his
friend to stop that row"
II was a hopelessly wet morning,
and the master Of Davenant was sorely
at a loss for amusement and occupation.
He had come to his wife's room in
rather defiant spirit determined that
she should favor him with little more
of her society than 1t was her habit to
give him, and he had found her writ
Ing letters, which he declared were
imperative, and had sat by the fire
waiting for her correspondence to be
finished, in u very sulky mood.
Whats the last news, WYATT" he
asked, polcing the fire savagely; "any-
thing stirring in London?'
Nothing in London, There is
some news of an old friend Of mine
who's far away from London--news l
don't altogether like.
IS me client who has bolted in order
to swiudle you out OF a long bill OF
costs, suppose answered Gilbert, in
differently.
mo the friend am talking Of is a
gentleman we all know-the late owner
OF this place"
"Sir Cyprian Davenant?" cried Gil
bert
Constance looked up from her writ
ing
"Sir Cyprian DNvenant," repeated
james Wyatt
elias anything happened to him?"
about the last and worst thing that
can happen to any man, l fear, an
swered the lawyer. For some time
since there have been no reports OF
Captain Harcourt's expeditions and
that in negative way, was about as
bad as could be. But in letter re-
ceiyed this morning, from member Of
the Geographical Society, there is
worse news. My friend tells me there
is very general belief that Harcourt
and his party have been made away
with by the natives. OF course, this /:
all club gossip as yet, and | trust thai
it may turn out false alarm"
Constance had dropped herpen, max
ing great blot upon the page. She
was very pale, and her hands were
clasped nervously upon the table before
her. Gilbert watched her with eager
angry eyes. 1t was just such an oppor
tunity as he had wished for. He want
cd above all things to satisfy his doubt
about that man.
Il don't see that it much matter
whether the report Is true or false, h
said, "as far as Davenant Is concerned
The fellow is scamp, and only lef
England because he had spent his las
sixpence in dissipation"
81 beg your pardon, Sinclair" re
monstrated Mr.. Wyatt, the Davenan
property was impoverished by Cyr
rian's father and grandfather. | d.
not say that he was not extravagan
himself at one period Of his life, but h
had reformed long before he left Eng
land.
Reformed yes, when he had n
more money to spend. That's a con
mon kind OF reform. However, SUI
pose you've profted so much by h.
ruin that you can afford to prais
him."
Hadn't you better ring the bell
asked James Wyatt, very quietly;
think Mrs. Sinclair has tainted.
He was right; Constance Sinclair
head had fallen back upon the cushic
of her chair and her eyes were close
Gilbert ran across to her and seize
her hand. 1t was deadly cold.
Yes, he said, she has tainted. S
Cyprian was an old friend of hers. VI
know that better than do, though "
have never chosen to tell me the trut
And now | suppose you have trump,
up this story in order to let me s
what a fool have been.
1T Is not q trumped-up story" |
turned the other TT is the comm
talk among men who know the trav,
ers and their line of country.