Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1895-10-27

/ cOulU see JndI neT HduuS MSlS SioSPNN
convulsively. She stole into the draw
ing room so softly that the player was
unconscious of her presence and | see
ing how deeply she was moved, forbode
to intrude and took a seat in the vesti-
bule instead.
When the music ceased ! heard the
sound of voices. The kindred souls
had discovered each other | do not
know how long they remained together
as went for my usual walk, and when
| returned the gong had already an
nounced for table d'hote. If it had not
been for my afternoon experience, l
should have marvelled at the change
in my young friend. I had never seen
her lock more lovely. She was gowned
in cream and wore a great bunch of red
roses at her waist-the first touch Of
cOquetry had ever observed in her |
also noticed that the stranger had been
placed on the same side as myself, a
little higher up, and he and Evelyn
were constantly locking at each other
in the mirrors which ran the length Of
the room. AS her eyes met his faint
blush would steal over her face, and
she would look down confusedly.
After this | was not surprised to find
that she no longer absented herself in
the evenings. Mr.. Gerard, the new
conner. proved unremitting in his at
tentions. and music now formed the
principal attraction Of the drawing
room. He was certainly rather GOOD
locking, of the bold brlgand type which
some women find so irresistible, and 1t
was easy to see that he soon obtained
complete mastery over Evelyn, and
that his will was her will. Personally
l never liked him, although he strove
to ingratiate himself with every one.
To mo there was something mystic
| ricus about him and / warned MIS-
/ Hiilyard not to let her daughter be-
come too intimate. I am afraid she
rather resented my Interference, think
ing herself capable OF managing her
own affairs and 30 she drifted on to the
rocks Ike many good women have done
before her. She protested that the love
of music was the sole bond between
them, and so 1 let her have her own
way.
One afternoon was standing in the
| conservatory, which opened out OF inc
drawing room and was concealed by
draperies. when ] heard the sound OF
voices which l Immediately recognized
as belonging to Gerard and Miss Hill
ward. Before ! had time TO move q
fragment of their conversation reached
me- which made me feel extremely I'M
easy. Gerard's tones sounded plead
ing. vet imperative, and | could just
see through a division in The drapery
that her hand was closely clasped IN
his. and her head rested on his breast.
you want money, and you must
have it," ! heard him say.
~ want money and I must nave IL,
she reDeated after him. Then their
voices dropped to whisper, but l
heard sufficient TO give me food lor re,
lection. Here was a girl enyironed
with luxury. with a parent of undispu-
ted wealth who never refused her any
thing. making confessions OF p0VeIIy
10 a man. to whom a few weeks DelolT
she had been an absolute stranger. l
decided to say nothing TO her mother,
hut 10 await further developments
quietly But a new sensation was on
the taDis which for the time turned my
thoughts in another direction.
For some time past a series OF cieV-
orI,, MANNED robberies had taken place
IN tbe hotel. Watches, jewelry ana
cash had disappeared from the visitors
rooms in the most mysterious manner
An,one the greatest victims was MIS-
IIillvaTd who missed a splendid pa
rrre Of diamonds. The manager, VINO
vas Thoroughly honest, straighu0r-
werd fellow. was greatly upset, tle
r,ora ca rs Mrs. Hillyard had Unreal
orod IN hiring en- action against INC
Dronriefors for the value Of her prop
ertv. AS I had plenty OF tine On ~ ny
hands. I promised to assist MN III u
ing to discover the tnlei.
Aqa rule I never entered my room az az
Tor dinner till finally retired lot tHv
night but On this particular evening /
d Ji,',lS that my cigar case was emp
~ and went up stairs to replenisn IT,
The door was slightly aiar and Wna-
MS nv amazement on walking u %
eco EVELYN Hillyard with my cashbooK
c,en before her. and the contents IN h@1
bands WAS too startled 10 say Woiu
and stood rooted to the spot JUST Insult
the doorway, through when she mus
mass. In silence / watched her drop uAe
gold pieces into her Dockat-there were
but five of them, as l had previously
settled my bill-then she closed the ia,
locked il With key which she carried
and walked out Of the room. Her eyes
had the same peculiar expression that
I had noticed in them the day | met her
on the stairs when Gerard was play
ing. and. now, as then, she seemed qu-te
unconscious Of my presence.
This was a physiological study, IN
deed, felt It was we'll worth the 70
had lost and more too. I was greatly
perpIexed as to the best course to pur-
sue 10 take in this most difficult posi-
ton. The poor child was undoubtedly
acting under the influence Of the scoun-
drel Gerard. To expose her was out or
the question. It would deal a death
blow 10 her mother and herself. l de-
termined to tackle Gerard, make him
acknowledge his villany and return all
the stolen articles, which were undouDt-
edly in his possession. But IN this l
reckoned without my host for the fol-
lowing morning the gentleman was non