Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-08-01

BY ]. CoLNE DACRE.

Heron described the weird tableau
whereof she had been an unwilling
spectator.
Her recital completed. neither Of the
listeners spoke; but Sir William Ben
son took three pinches OF snun IN
quick succession, in evident uncon-
seriousness Of what he did.
Then his sauye voice broke the
silence.
1t was the anniversary OF Sir Jas
per Welland's murder, you say
Yes. He died on Christmas Eve
year ago
his body was carried into the Ii
brary and laid on a couch just under
meath that window" said DR.. Freeman.
1t lay there until the funeral"
And that had been his favorite
room, Think you said, Miss Heron?'
continued Sir William Benson.
Yes. IL was not used after his
death Sir Wilfred respected it as
having been his Uncle's favorite room,
and Lady Welland always detested it,
and never would enter it willingly
Did she give any reason for dis
liking it," asked the elder man.
Il remember her saying it was dis
nal, and gave her 'creeps, replied
Miss Heron.
And the whole scene was enacted
before your eyes? Every one saw the
same thing?'
oh, yes; / think so. None Of the
guests went TO bed last night; and they
all hurried away as early as they pos"
sibly could this morning
THAT looks as though they had been
badly scared, said the doctor. Now,
tell me, did this cycling figure resem-
BILE any one you know
Miss Heron bowed a reluctant as
sent
Some member of the Welland fam
ily?" pursued the specialist smoothly.
Miss Heron cast pleading glance
at DR.. Freeman, who made haste to her
rescue.
Il think, Sir William, without tor
turing Miss Heron by making her say
so much in plain words, We may as
sumo that this figure resembled our
patient
Miss Heron did not refute the allie
CATION.
Pardon my asking just one more
question; but how does Sir Wilfred
take this?'
Sir Wnfred is quite distraught. He
will see no one, nor will he speak OF
anything
And his wife-how does he regard
herr"
He has not mentioned her.
He was a loving husbands"
"Oh, most devoted cried the poor
lady, breaking down at last, and burst
ing into UnwOnted tears.
Come, come, Miss Heron. This is
unlike you. Remember, it is on you
that we all depend. What will Sir
Wilfred do if you break down. said
Dr.. Freeman, jumping up and ringing
the bell.
1t was quickly answered by Fan
Ghetto but a Fanchette very different
from the smiling and natty maid who
had for many years delighted TO adorn
her mistress. She was pale, red-eyed,
and seemed suffering from extreme anx-
iety.
An. this is the woman the nurses
could not allow to assist, she was so
overwhelmed with grief" murmured
Sir William soto voce.
20 messieUrs, learned raessieurs, save
pauvre madame" she implored, wiring
ing her hands.
You may be sure we will do all that
lies in mere human power" said the
elder man gently. ''Will you bring a
little wine for Miss Heron, and then
we should like to ask you some Ques-
tiOns. as We shall be able TO treat your
mistress better when we know the
right answers
Il Will get the wine downstairs my
self, and l know Sir Wilfred needs me.
So, Fanchette you can remain said
Miss Heron, drying her eyes and hur-
rying from the room.
Sir William Benson's fatherly tone
cOmfOrted Fanchette, as it had soothed
and treasured thousands Of suffering
women during the good physicians life,
and, taking the chair offered her. she
was prepared 70 tell all she knew.
Did your mistress take morphia
regularity asked Sir William, but he
put the question as if the taking of
mOrphia was the most natural thing
in the world.
"Oh, but yes. sir. Of late, that is"
1t seemed to me as though she had
taken il for some months. Ii is a very
soothing medicine, " went on the astute
old gentleman. Now, il would be of
infiCite service TO us TO learn exactly
how long ago she began TO take it.
But I'm afraid you won't know"
THAT I can, monsieur, to the day.
IL is nearly a year ago now. Just
before the marriage of madame. she
did not sleep. She had the bad dreams.
But that cured her.
Very good. Lady Welland is
lovely woman. Il was a grief to cut
her hair of.
"Oh, monsieur, the fineness of it,
and the quantity
Il wished she had cycled. This is a
good exercise for bracing up ladies who
are not robust"
But. monsieur, of a truth milady did
cycle. When in France she did il
ever. and in what they call the rational
dress, too. But last year she gave it
up"
About the time she took to NOR
phia?" insinuated the doctor. Il won
der what was her reason for giving it
up"
Madame said it was immodest in
this country. monsieur, so she nevarre
do it again
I'm afraid the shock of the foot
mans death would upset your mistress,
too, Chimed in DR.. Freeman, as he
was one of her old servants. But she
was not interested in him.
oh but she was, sir. Milady show