Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1894-03-21
CHAPTER ".

The White Sulphur Springs had bored
Gerald Ravelow severely for number OF
weeks past. He saw in hundred of the
pretty girls that haunted the lawns and
piazzas of the hotels resemblance to
Brenda, vague yet irritating. He avoided
all chances of being presented to any of
these damsels, and soon won, in conse-
uuence, the name of woman halter. This
put him into a still more unpleasant
humor, from which his only refuge was
found in taking very long horseback rides
among the breezy Virginia hills. Mean
while his mothers health had improved
but slightly, although her malady was
fraught with no symptoms of danger.
Learning by accident that New York
physician of note CHANGED to be at small
hotel about ten miles distant, Gerald
persuaded his mother to accompany him
thither. They retained their former
apartments at the hotel, which they now
temporarily left. and to which they pro-
posed returning in at least three days
from their time of departure.
As matters arranged themselves, how
ever, the new quarters proved charming,
the new doctor a very agreeable man
and the new project most unforeseen
success. His mother seemed so much
brighter and stronger that Gerald deter
mined to give up his apartments at their
former hotel and remain for an indef-
mite space in the spot whittier he had
All ha FL
whatever letters that might have ar
rived at their recent abode, directed
either to himself or Mrs. Ravelow. Sew
eral letters had arrived and were duly
sent. Among them was telegram from
Miss Brenda Bond telling of her broth
er's death.
Gerald was horribly shocked. For the
first time since boyhood his mother saw
him weep. He bitterly reproached him
self for having seen his friend SO seldom
Of late; he pitied Brenda with lovers
exorbitant power to pity; and finally he
told his motner that it would be imper-
alive for him to leave on the next north
ern train.
"Of course, my son." she acquiesced.
II would not have you remain away
from the funeral for worlds-that is, il
there is any possible chance Of you reach
ing it in time"
Gerald did his best. But the journey
was long and Brenda's telegram had
been cruelty delayed. When he arrived
at Shadyshore the funeral ceremony had
been over about three hours. Brenda,
clad in the deepest mourning, met him
with sob and little cry.
my poor girl" he said, and took her
in his arms. A servant had just glided
from the drawing room, leaving them
alone. Gerald's lips found their way to
hers, and the kiss that followed was one
of betrothal, as both silently understood.
81 have so much to tell you," faltered
Brenda, looking about her with nervous
chances. "But there will always be the
thought that she is listening. 1t is such
. lovely afternoon. Let us walk out un-
der the fir trees"
Their walk lasted until nearly dusk.
Finally. with binding headache caused
by grief and excitement, Brenda redi-
rected her steps toward the house.
"And you tell me-" said Gerald, as he
walked ruminatively at her side, "that
DR.. Southgate declared your brother
died of heart disease?"
eyes. He wrote that on the certifi-
cate; saw the two words myself"
"But you yourself think"-
"Oh, think nothing, because I've not
vestige of proof"
Gerald was silent for some little time.
He would have liked to tell Brenda the
reason her brother had caused her to
place that paper in his coffin, but re-
membrance of his oath forbade. After
once having made the midnight visit to
Louis tomb he would be privileged to
speak Of ii, but before doing 80 the
terms of that curious, whimsical COM
pact precluded all reference to his in
tended act.
"You. too, seemed mystifed by his
having bid me to conceal that paper in:
side his coffin" said Brenda. "You can
not guess, can you, Gerald. what it
contains?"
mo, can not" replied Gerald, glad
to answer SO directly. "Unless," he
went on, "a list of accusations against
his wife is to be found there"
"Oh, have thought of that" said
Brenda, "but surely if Louis had wished
that you should see the paper he would
not bave"-
The words died on her lips, for just
then, while they were ascending the
piazza steps, Natalie came forward from
the inner hall. Her mourning did not
become her as it did Brenda, and, be-
side the extreme pallor of her face,
there was certain wildness noticeable
in her odd hued eyes.
(ro BE coNTINUED.)
A Penal Offense.
The girl had lovely complexion; but, sad
to relate, it was mostly from the drug store.