Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-09-17
|Betore TheyWere Married.;
BY HENRY c. PARKER.
By HENRY c. PARKER.

reproach you. Go to your room and
wait"
Amelia slowly and softly went up
stairs. Both could hear the ripping
laughter of Louise, quickly recovered
from the horrors of the inquest, as she
pottered about Mrs Williams room.
From below stairs rose the faint drone
If the serving women as they discussed
household affairs TIL exciting scene
had passed without attracting the
slightest attention.
At the top of the stairs Amelia
turned and saw her uncle Watching
her.
Slowly she turned toward her room
and a moment later the professor heard
long breath. went into the dining room,
threw himself into chair, and leaned
his head upon his hands. Louise and
Mrs. Williams found him thus when
they came down a few minutes later
Mrs. Williams entered the dining room
and Louise went to the front door.
why, the door is locked! she ex-
Gained, turning the key. How fun
NY"
Il must have locked it myself" said
the professor rousing. Il was preoc-
cupied and must have thought it was
bed time"
He smiled good humoredly
You are fatigued from your journey
suppose" suggested Mrs. Williams.
"Preoccupied" | should say so,
cried Louise What do you think you
have done now, papa? What is it
you've forgotten?'
What question, Lou" he retorted
gayly IF knew what had forgot
ten how could | have forgotten it?
Puzzle that out. young lady"
"Oh, WELL" said Louise, Il didn't
ask riddle and won't try to answer
one. but what about that immediate
return to the village?"
My stars. | did forget that, didn't
10" he answered. Il shall have to
start at once"
He went into the hall and put on his
hat.
Have you seen Amelia, papa"
ed Louise
"Ncs," he replied. Il was just about
tc speak of her. | saw her while you
and Mrs. Williams were busy. | adj
terrific headache.
she fairted at that horrid inquest, :"
said Louise
she did, exclaimed Mrs. Williams,
getting up. Il will go up and see what
| can do for her. Why didn't you
speak of it before?"
Il wouldn't go up if | were you" in
tcrposed the professor. shes proba-
bly, asleep, and it would be better not
to disturb her for awhile"
"Papa's given her dose of his Won
derfu powder, | guess laughed Lou
Use, her eyes shining mischievously.
He gave me some once and it didn't
work at ALL.
She slept twenty-four hours, rs.
Williams" said Professor Drummond,
and never could be persuaded that
she lost day out of her life. However,
| must be off, I'll step up myself and
see how Amelia is and let you know"
He went up the stairs quietly and
cautiously opened the door to Amelia s
room. 1t was large chamber, with an
About half of the bed could be seen
from the door.
.tmelia's travelling bag was on the
floor at the entrance to the alcoye and
on the bed he saw her skirt with one
shoe peeping from its folds.
The professors face was suddenly
distorted with passion, and his body
again trembled from the force of it.
He clinched his teeth as he looked at
his niece SO near and SO helpless AS
If instinctiyely his fingers sought a
pocket and closed upon a knife.
Then with an impatient shake of the
head he drew the key noiselessly from
the door.
THE other way is better he NUT
tered
He closed the door, locked it, and put
the key in his pocket. At the dining
room he paused to say
Amelia is sleeping from exhaustion.
| wouldn't go to her room for two or
three hours. | shall be back before
then"
No sudden departure this time.
hope, papa" called Louise.
I'm home to stay" he responded.
Professor Drummond kept his word
He returned to Fairview about half an
hour before dinner time Not long be.
fore his arrival DR.. Williams came lie
entered the house as usual, without
ringing, and paused at the door TO the
dining room, whore his mother and
Louise were busy with fancy work
May speak 10 you a moment, Miss
Drummond9" he said
Louise promptly laid down her work
and went with him into the room on
the opposite side OF the hall Mrs.
Williams felt a sympathetic trepida-
ton. well knowing that interview must
he one Of great importance to her sons
'relfare and happiness. She bent more
irtently over her work, wondering