The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-03-28

eSSary toilet appurtenanceS. But tne
most terrible proof of all was staple
driven in the wall, with long chain at
tached, from which the poor man, now
dead, had cut himself loose.
Then there lay the iron shelves that
had so long revolved, bringing the daily
allowance of disgusting food, how dis
gusting could be seen, as large dish OF
it stood on shelf in one of the closets.
Every link was now perfect. The hor-
rible tale was true,
If further confirmation was needed 1t
was at hand, in the shape OF the one
hote written by Reginald TO his brother,
when he had given him pen, ink, and
paper, at his earnest request
This note fell from Q hook that Mr..
Lee picked from the table.
Lawyer Huntley knew the writing at
once, as he had often received notes from
the false baronet, in relation to legal
matters.
Everything was examined, and every
thing was found to be exactly as de-
scrbed in the journal.
Then the Doctor related his experience
on the night Of the escape, and after
telling Of his discoveries in "The Haunt
ed Tower" he led his friends up to the
scene of that stupendous fraud.
Astonishmsnt and Indignation blended
In the explanations that again broke
from each lip, as they saw the frightful-
looking figure, and all the colored lights,
with their workings, used so long and so
successfully to operate upon the fears OF
q whole community.
Turning away then with disgust from
the spot, Elfenstein led them back, and
endeavored to open the door leading to
the wardrobe in ,Ethel's former room,
but he found it as he feared, securely
bolted within. The same fastenings de-
barred entrance into the baronet's room.
Having discovered all that could be
done that day, the three gentleman
wended their way from the place, and
after returning to their homes for their
evening meal, they all decided to meet
at the village inn, and there make known
the contents Of the mysterious wallet
CHAPTER XXI
PAINFUL INTERVIEW.
It was the morning after the events
related in the last chapter had taken
place, that Ethel sat alone in Lady
Claire Linwood's private boudoir,
apparently engaged with some pretty
fancy work, but in reality more occupied
with her own sad thoughts than the
needle work.
Her grace the Duchess Of Westmore-
land and Lady Claire had accepted an
invitation from their agent, Mr.. Bradley,
to visit an estate he had recently added
to their possessions, quite long distance
from the castle. In order to thoroughly
examine it, they expected to occupy the
entire day, and as Ethel had quite
headache, she declined accompanying
them.
Seated by the broad open window, she
watched the little party as they drove
away, then resumed her own thoughts
and work.
She was really glad to be alone this
day; glad to rest from teaching, even
while she liked her daily occupations.
Her heart had been very sorrowful ever
since she entered this charming home.
Her detection was caused entirely by
the coldness which had arisen between
herself and the young physician she had
learned to love,
During the weeks she had been in this
place everything had been done to pro-
mote her happiness. She was ever treat
ed with the greatest kindness, and by
LADY Claire with true affection. She had
entered into al her pupils pleasures with
seeming sympathy when her soul was
even most cast down.
To-day occupation was irksome. Her
mind rebelled from study and the school
books, and, as I said, the holiday was to
her welcome relief.
How beautiful everything looked to
her weary eyes as she cast them from
the Window How full the air was of fra
GRANGE, from flowers and bush, and how
merrily startling was singing from the
branches of an old elm near by!
But its innocent glee awoke no answer
ing echo in her own heart; there all was
desolation and sorrow.
She felt so lonely in this her youth-no
mother, aunt, relative near in whom to
6nd sympathy and love.
Yes, she was utterly alone, and would
be until claimed by an unknown father;
and when she might be cheered by the
love of one true heart, her misfortunes
had alienated its respect, and all she
could do was to constantly battle with
her own self, and strive to overcome the
unfortunate attachment that was wear
ing upon her health and spirits.
To-day, the more she resolved to forget
this man, the more she studied over his
coldness, the more she fondly remem-
bered him, and told herself that it was
her own want Of frankness, and the sus-
picious circumstances in which he had
found her placed that had shaken his
confidence in her integrity, and merited
only his scorn. But, bound as she had
been to solemn secrecy, she could not
conceive how she could have acted
differently, and she felt convinced that.
In order to be true to the trust imposed
upon her, she had done no wrong.
So deep had been her reverie that she
heard no bell, no opening door, no
sound, and not until the words,
"Miss Nevergail, hope do not inter
rupt you," fell upon her ear, did she
dream that she was not alone!
Starting to her feet, she turned to face
DR.. Elfenstein.
She would have extended her hand and
welcomeo MIN Joy1mly, puJ MS grave
almost stern, looks deferred her, and, as
he offered no further greeting, she merely
assured him she was perfectly at leisure
and then wheeled up q large easy-chall
for his use.
Not noticing the latter, however, the
Doctor took lighter one, and, placing
it opposite the one she had resumed, said
as he sat down:
II am glad to find you alone, as M
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