Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-05-14
CHAPTER xxx.
Lady Esler's Rubies.

with growing sense of uneasiness
She saw neither of their retreating
figures again and the thought finally
stance at all who had accompanied
Rene from the house. But who was
it then? Was it one of the maids or a
companion of his own, who had re-
manned concealed until he wanted her?
In the doubt and confusion of her
MIND, Madeline at last rose UP and left
her room, going out into the corridors
until she came to the head of the STAIR
case, down which Constance must have
passed when she left the house; here
she waited a moment or two and then
proceeded to Constance's room. The
door was closed and there was no ap-
pearance of light, no sign of move
ment. Madeline hesitated to knock.
She walked undecidedly up the pas
sage, pausing a moment at Lady Esler's
dIessingroom door, which, as she no.
ticed, was slightly ajar; then she turned
back again. She had to make strange
turn in the passage before she came in
sight of Constance's room and when
she had done so she started and stood
aghaSt. For Constance herself was
standing at her door, in a long white
dressing gown, with her hair unbound
and on her shoulders and beside her
stood her maid in somewhat sketchy
costume. Madeline, as we have said,
slapped short, with an air of amaze
and even of guilt, as if she were a con-
sciOus criminal.
What is it? What is the matter?''
said Constance, clasping her hands to-
gether nervously 81 thought I heard
steps in the corridor and I called Mar
tin. Is anybody in?'
mo, no; don't think So" said Made
line, not yet regaining her self-posses-
sion
doing here? Why have you been to
Aunt Selina's room?''
Il have not been to her room-at
least, I only went along the passage
and back again" stammered Madeline.
81 did not know
said Constance, with a flash of vindic-
tive anger, as if she OWNED that Mad
cline had for some reason or other been
keeping watch. "Prowling about in the
dead of night must say it is very
odd"
"Constancei''
Madeline calculated the name with
Indignation, yet with entreaty in her
look. 1t meant as plainly as possible:
Send your maid away and I will tell
you why [ am here" But Constance
turned and clutched her maids arm, as
if desperately anxious for her to re-
main.
II think it has a very mysterious
look" she said. "I don't understand
it at all and you do not seem very
ready to explain. I have good mind
to wake my aunt and see what she
says to it all"
Constance, don't do that. You can
guess why l came-you say you heard
noises-you must be well aware that
some one was in the house who ought
not
She could not finish the sentence, for
Constance uttered a faint shrek and
the maid a louder one.
Burglars! Burglars in the house,
walled Martin. "Oh. we shall all be
murdered in our beds,'
BE quiet, Martini said Constance,
in a firmer tone. Don't be foolish
let us hear what Miss Despard has to
say. What does it mean? What
noises did you hear?"
Send your maid away and I will
speak to you" said Madeline, in desper-
alton.
Certainly not. Martin. remain here.
if YOU please. feel your presence
some protection
Consumer
1T is no use addressing me in that
manner, Madeline Despard. I am sure
you had no good purpose running about
the house at this hour"
You might at least wait until we are
alone before you insult me, Constance. -
There are some people one cannot
insult" said Constance. looking back
into her room a little way. 81 don't
know what motive you had for com
ing along the corridor-indeed, I do
not like to think"
ct was no unworthy motive" said
Madeline with dignity Il was an
xious to screen another"
Constance hastily Interrupted her as