Rock Island Argus., 1896-01-27

for it must be done promntly. You
must be ready Who is that?''
Mr.. Mitchell spoke the last two words
III sharp tone, rising from his seat
and taking step forward. The large
room was bat dimly lighted, the gas
having been lowered to please Emily,
who adhered well lighted rooms. At
the farther end some one was standing,
and had attracted Mr.. MitcheI's atten-
ton. 1t was Lucette, and she replied at
once:
Your mother sent me to know if
you are ready for supper, Miss Emily. -
"Say that we will be in iii few
minutes, replied Emily, and Lucette
left the room.
"Who is that girl?" asked Mr.. Mitch
ell.
Emily explained how the new maid
had been engaged, and Mr.. Mitchell,
speaking III tone louder than was real
ly necessary, said:
"She seems to be a quiet, good girl.
Rather too quiet, for she startled me
coming IN so noiselessly. Shall we 60
in? What have to tell you will keep.
1t is something I wish you to do for me
the day after tomorrow.
After supper NIr. Mitchell took the
two girls and their mother to the thea
ter, much to the delight of the latter,
who was always shocked whenever En-
lily went unattended by a chaperon.
The party walked going and coming,
ana as Dora and her mother We're ahead
Mr. Mitchell had ample opportunity to
explain to his fiancee the favor which
he wished her to do for him. When
leaving the house that night he said:
"You will not see me again for q
couple of days. Keep well till then"
Lucettc, who had overheard this re-
mark, was therefore rather astonishod
to sec Mr.. Mitchell walk in the next
morning as early as 10 O'Clock. She was
still more surprised to have her mis-
tress Announce that she was going ont.
What puzzled her most of all was that
Emily went out alone, leaving Mr.
Mitchell in the parlor. In fact, this
seemed to give Eer so much food for re-
Election that, as though struck by the
conclusions arrived at, she herself pre-
pared to go out. As she was passing
along the hall, however, the parlor door
opened and Mr.. Mitchell confronted her.
"Where are you going, Lucette?"
II have an errand to do, SIR" she re-
piled, with a slight tremor.
"Come into the parlor first. wish
to speak to you" She felt compelled to
obey, and walked into the room, Mr..
Mitchell opening the door and waiting
for her to pass through. He then fol-
lowed, after closing the door behind
him, locking it and taking the key from
the lock.
"Why did you do that?'' asked Lu-
cette angrily.
"You forget yourself, Lucette. You
are a servant, and good servants such
| as you have proved that you know how
| to be never ask questions. However, !
will answer you. 1 locked the door be-
cause I do not wish you to get out Of
| this room.
81 won't be locked in here with you.
am a respectable girl
mo one doubts it. You need not get
excited. l am not going to hurt you III
any way"
"Then why have you brought me in
here:''
"Simply to keep you here till-well,
say till IL O'Clock. That is about two
hours. Do you mind:''
eyes, do mind. won't be kept in
here alone with you for two hours
"You amuse me. How will you pre-
vent it?''
Lucette bit her lip, but said nothing.
She saw that there was no help for her.
She might scream, Of course, but Mrs
Remsen and Dora had gone out before
Emily. She and Mr.. Mitchell were
alone in the apartment. She might at
tract the attention of the janitor Or of
people in the street. As this idea occar-
Ted to her she glanced toward the Win
low. Mr. Mitchell OWNED her thoughts
| in moment.
Don't try screaming, Lucette," said
ae, "for if yon do 1 will be compelled
TO gag you. You will find that very un-
comfortable for two hours"
"Will you tell me why you wish to
Keep me herc?'
81 thought did tell you. The fact
is, do not wish you to do that little
errand Of yours"
81 don't understand you.'
"Oh, yes, you do. You are not such
fool as al that. Now, my girl, you
may as well bow to the inevitable.
Make yourself comfortable till IL. Read
! the paper if you wish. There is an in
terestiug account Of the murder case