Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-21

prepared his mind. and yet if he only knew
it, an exhibition of Jealousy might have
made Louise think more highly of him.
Such is the aggravating Inconsistency OF
young women-some of them.
So Mr.. Philbrick called on the EeXt day,
and on the day after that Mrs. Williams
observed his assiduous attentions to Louise,
and was disturbed for she thought of her
son. She did not venture to speak plainly
to Louise about the matter. for ner posi-
ton in the house hardly warranted that.
Mrs. Williams was sensible woman In most
respects. She saw that her presence at
Fairview was a mere formality, and was
not intended an actual guardianship,
and she saw, too that she could not help
her son by attempting to plead mis- cause
for him. There We're times, too. when she
doubted whether she desired his success
with Louise overmuch. Nevertheless, she
took occasion, now and again, TO eXtol Ma
sons qualities, speaking of his struggles
to gain education and livelihood at the
same time, his loyalty and true kindness
of heart. and excusing his defects. If he
had any, on the ground that his early loss
of his father had deprived him of proper
counsel during his boyhood.
Perhaps Mrs. Williams good sense failed
her a little in these well meant discussions.
Perhaps 1t is generally ildiscreet to try tC
influence & young womans heart. At all
events. Lo;,ise did not give the doctor any
special comfort in the way of showing him
that he was advancing in her favor He
met Philbrick at Fairview occasionally.
and took pains always TO conceal his hos
tility, a matter that was comparatively
easy now that there was an Understand
ing between them. Philbrck, on his part
sedulously refrained from indulsing his
satire at the doctors expense. and so the
Gays passed without apparent friction.
A week after Mrs. Williams went to Fair
view, an elderly woman was driven to ;he
house in depot carriage. She brought q
note to Louise from her father. in which
he introduced Mrs. Appleton, successor to
Dnt- Itt1NI I'd n1
How much she looks like Betsey."
thought Louise. "only older and sourer.
I'm afraid we shan't have any more good
times"
Williams, asking her to remain day or
two longer. until my return, if possible, or
at all events until Mrs. Appleton has got
in the way of managing the house" Mrs
Williams agreed to this. and promptly set
to work to make the situation pleasant for
the newcomer.
day or two after this the doctor was
startled by an announcement from Con-
stable Minot Hawkins.
It's come at last Mason" said he
Twas bound to. and now there's no stop
ping it. even if anybody wanted to-"
whats Gomez" asked the doctor.
1.-The official inquiry into young Stark
weathers death A brother of his has
turned up and brought smart lawyer with
him from New York. 1 think there's a de-
tective with 'em, too, and they're stirring
placed in my hands before the day is over"
The doctor made his round of visits in
hurry. He was anxious to be at Fairview
when the blow should fall He had by TO
means lost sight of the mystery during the
days of his mothers occupancy of the
house. but he had accomplished nothing.
Once he had secretly tried to get into the
professors shop, and had failed. He had
been content to let matters rest with that
attempt, for he could not see that Phil
brick was making any progress. In fact
Philbricks interest in the mystery seemed
to have vanished utterly. He never re-
ferred to 1t. or did anything that looked as
if he had 1t in mind.
Everything at Fairview was as usual
when the doctor returned. He sought for
Amelia to tell her the disagreeable news
so that she might prepare her cousins
mind for it, but he was utterly unprepared
for the way Amelia herself received it.
1.-The worst has happened Miss Willis"
he said. "A brother Of Mr.. Starkweather
has come to Belmont, and an official in
uuiry will be instituted at once"
AT last" she exclaimed, with cleaning
eyes.
"What!' cried the doctor; you welcome
a public Investigation"
YES" she replied, with energy. II saw
how you were placed, and while l regret
ted that had spoken to you, l sympathized
with you 1 do now, believe me. You could
and would do nothing. So 1 sent to Mr.
Starkweather's people, and this, thank God!
is the result"
(To be continued tomorrow