The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1897-02-20
xvii.

"Ao. A1hAoS Aisb 1hPNisS ia oiuoAt!lS thS
carriage WAS to use it herself. One look at
the child reminded her that her freedom of
action began and ended at the bedside. Two
hours at least must elapse before Sydney
Westertield could be brought back to Mount
Morven. The bare thought of what might
happen in that interval, If she was absent,
filled the mother with horror. She wrote to
Mrs. MacEdwin and sent her maid with the
letter.
or the result of this proceeding it was not
possible to entertain Il doubt.
Sydney's love for Kitty would hesitate at
no sacrifice, and Mrs. MacEdwin's conduct
had already answered for her. She had re-
ceived the gOverness with the utmost kind
ness, and she had generously and delicately
refrained from asking any questions. But
one person at Mount MorveB thought it nee
essary to investigate the motives under
which she had acted. Mrs. Presty's inquir-
ing mind arrived at discoveries, and Mrs.
Presty's sense of duty communicated them to
her daughter.
"There can be no sort of doubt, Catherine,
that our good friend and neighbor has heard,
probably from the servants, of what has hap
pened; and (haying her husband to consider
linen are so weak y has drawn her own con
illusions. Ii she trusts our fascinating gov
erness, it's because she knows that Miss
Westertield's affections are left behind her
In this house. Does my explanation satisfy
your
Mrs. Liniey said: Never let me hear it
again!'
And Mrs. Presty answered: How very
ungrateful!"
The dreary interval Of expectation, after
the departure of the carriage, was brighten
ed by a domestic event.
Thinking it possible that Mrs. Presty might
know why hef husband had left the house,
Mrs. Linley sent to ask for information. The
message in reply informed her that Linley
had received a telegram announcing Ran
dals return from London. He had gone to
the railway station to meet his brother.
Before she went downstairs to welcome
Randal, Mrs. I.inley paused to consider her
situation. The one alternative before her
was to acknowledge ut the earliest oppor-
tunity, that she had assumed the serious re-
sponSlbillty OF sending for Sydney Wester-
tield. For the first time in her life Gather
inc Linley found herself planning before
hand what she would say in speaking to her
husband.
A second message interrupted her, an
nouncing that the two brothers had Just ar
rived. She joined them Immediately in the
dr%awing-room.
Linley was sitting in Il corner by himself.
The dreadful discovery that the ctlild's life,
(by the doctors coltession) was in danger
had completely overwhelmed him; lie never
even lifted his head when his wife opened
the door. Randall and Mrs. Presty were talk
ing together. The cid lady's Unsuitable curl
osity was eager for news from London; she
wanted to know how Randall had amused
himself when he was not attending to bust
ness.
He was grieving for Kitty; and he was
looking sadly ut his brother. II don't re-
member" he answered, absently. Other wo-
men might have discovered that they had
chosen their time badly. Mrs. Presty, with
the best possible intentions, demonstrated.
REALLY, Randall, you must rouse yourself.
Surely you can tell us something. Did you
meet with any agreeable people while you
were away"
II met one person who interested me, he
said, with weary resignation.
Mrs. Presty smiled. "A woman. of course!'
"a man," Randall answered; "a guest like
myself at a club dinner"
who is hep
"Capt. B%ennydeck."
'In the army"
mo; formerly in the navy"
"And you and he had a long talk togeth.
erg!'
Randal's tones began to betray irritation,
no" he said; I'VE were at opposite ends o
the table-and the captain went away early
Mrs. Presty's vigorous intellect discovered
an improbability here. Then how camt
you to feel Interested in himM' she objected
Even Randal's patience gave way. 81 can
account for it," he said, sharply. 81 onl,
know I took a liking to Capt. Bennydeck.'
He left Mrs. Presty and sat down by hi
brother. you know | feel for you" h,
said, taking Linley's hand. ''rry to hope
The bitterness of the fathers despair brok,
out in his answer. Il can bear other troubles
Randall, as well as most men. This affection
revolts me. There's something so horribl,
unnatural in the child being threatened b,
death, while the parents twho should di,
first are alive and WE'LL He checked
himself. 81 had better say no more, l slial
only shock YOU"
The misery in his face wrung the faithful
heart of his wife. She forgot the concilia,
tory expressions which she had prepared her
self to use. Hope, my dear, as Randall tells
you" she said, because there is hope"
His face flushed, his dir eyes frightened
"Has the doctor said itp' he asked.
"Yes.'
why haven't | been told of 1t before?'
when | sent for you | heard that you tat
gone out"
The explanation passed by him unnoticet
perhaps even unheard. ''rell me what the
doctor sald,' he insisted; II want it exactly
word for word"
She obeyed him to the letter.
The sinister change in his face, as the mar
rative proceeded, was observed by both thu
otlerpersons present, as well as by his wife
She waited for a kind word of encourage
ment. He only said, coldly: What hav'
you dore?'
Speaking coldly OH her side, she answered
81 have sent the carriage to fetch Miss West
erfield."
There was a pause. Mrs. Pressy whisper
edto Randall: Il knew she would comt
back again! The Evil Genius of the famil,
that's what l call Miss Westertield. TIL,
name exactly fits her!'
The idea in Randsl,s mind was that tn