Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1896-05-21

Ter was losing her temper. You were
the only person, according to all ac-
counts, who Is likely 10 know anything
about them. ! must make inquiries.
| I should have sent for the police di-
rectIy II 1t were not that did not wish
TO make the matter more public than
can be helped seeing that relation
OF my own IL concerned.
Make every inquiry, by all means,
said Madeline, turning to her aunt,
| with flushed cheeks and blazing eyes;
II should like every possible inquiry
to be made: but do not say-oh, do not
say that you suspect me OF such
treachery-of such wlckedness You
know-you must kIow-that | am In
nocent." The fire in her eye was
quenched by a sudden rush OF tears
and she clasped ner hands with ges-
ture OF appeal, such as ought surely to
have soitened Lady Esler's heart,
But Lady Esler was impervious TO
appeal. She sat looking straight be
fore her, with an expression of the
I deepest annoyance on her clear-eut
face. 81 must consult my husband,
she said. coldly.
"As TO belief in you, Madeline, OF
course | cannot forget your unfortunate
history Yoni' father is VIGOROUSLY
dishonest man and your antecedents
before you went to Miss Joyce's--'
you may say what you like Of me,
but not OF my father" cried Madeline,
passIonately "Your injustice to me
is nothing but ! will not listen TO
anything against him. I would rather
leave the house"
II dare say" interpolated Constance,
very quietly. Lady Esler heard and
looked at her, but Madeline did not
hear.
II will go back to Miss Joyce If you
please, she went on 81 would rather
not stay here any longer-indeed
would rather not | will go today and
although am grateful to you for your
kindness, Lady Esler. please do not
ask me here again
II am not likely to do so, said Lady
Esler, after surveying Madeline majes-
moment or two, land | think you do
not quite understand the state of the
ease. DO you really suppose that you
can leave the house when you please,
so long as this mystery remains unex-
plained?"
against my wilt?" said Madeline,
breathing quickly and casting a rapid,
startled glance round the room, like
that of wild animal that sees itself
entrapped
Il certainly do not hink that you
can be allowed to 80 away until you
have answered the questions OF the po-
lice inspector" said Lady Esler 1T
is OF course very dreadful. very annoy
ing: but cannot sit down calmly and
bear the loss OF those rubies. which
have been for so many years In my
family, without doing something 10
recover them.
Lady Esler was more anxious to
frighten Madeline than TO confide her
suspicious to the police; and the girls
pallor and dilated eyes showed that
her object was attained. But even
then her consistency of purpose did not
fail hor Her lips might be white, bur
her voice was steady, as she replied;
III you think II necessary, of course |
shall not think Of leaving the house.
Lady Esler stitlly inclined her head.
1T would be we'll perhaps ii YOU re
mained in your room until | send for
YOU. | presume | can depend upon
your promise to remain?"
Certainly" said Madeline. with Il
curling lip. but pray do not hesitate
to turn the key on me II you have any
doubt
Lady Esler WINGED 4 little. he zone
was TOO proud, too defiant to please
her; Innocent Or guilty she thought
that Madeline ought 10 be moro hum
Bile in her tone
No, she said, Il do not wish 10 do
that | do not desire to treat any one
as criminal unless proved guilty
least Of all person connected with my
own family You can SO. If you
know nothing about the matter | can,
not Understand why you do not explain
your presence IN this room last night"
4 VAS not here
Excuse me Constance saw your
Constance did not sec met
DO you accuse my niece Of telling
lies
Yes I do You aave accused me Of
stealing lntN Eslprt'
Constance had been standing III the
background Tier face Was rather
euriousR White and her eyes had a
strained look IL SHE now stepped for
ward, g say in her smooth, calm
voice
Il " quite natural taat Madeline
should say | am telling lies, dear aur1.
There Il nothing else for her 10 say,
i there only Wish | had not been
questioned Al all would so willingly
taye keft silence II Ma thought il
Tight
Rieht,e said Madeline. aer eyes
ero~lrs dark witl Indignation 10
Jaw know any diGeltnee hetw sn
lfgb1 anl Wtong