Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-08-05
CHAPTER y-(Continued.)

linen ne was OveFpOWereu Dy pnyS
and mental fatigue. and fell into a dis
turbed sleep. from which he was reused
by the knocking Of housemaid at the
door of his room. 1t was difficult, in the
light of a bright January morning. to
realize all the marycs which had come
under his notice since he last saw day
light. He was careful to examine the
bedstead, and found that it was fixed to
the floor close to the wall: in the center
of the upright frame at the head of the
bed was the usual small embossed iron
orn .ment where the bars crossed; this
was exactly on level with the head of
the sleeper. In the middle the ornament
was hollow, and behind this hollow was
. hole in the wall which proved, on care
full inspection, to be covered with graf
ing of the finest wire. This. Armathwaite
had no doubt was the opening to tube,
or series Of tubes which. in days dating
before the telephone. formed an ingenious
means of communication with another
room. He had just resolved, without
much need for deliberation, to keep his
discovery to himself. when he heard an
other knock at his door. and the voice OF
Uncle Hugh asking if he was ready for
breakfast.
my nephew has to be ont early. and
% he has breakfasted." Mr.. Crosmont
explained as they went down stairs. AS
they came to the last step of the stair
case. Mrs. Crosmont met them, coming
along the corridor from the back of the
house. She looked very fresh and sweet.
'.Ned's gone, l SUPPOSED" asked Mr..
Crosmont.
''Oh, yes, long ago! He's going to lunch
At The Crags, and won't be home till
dinner time" she answered, as she led
the way to the dining room, where break
fast was laid.
But uncle and niece questioned Arma-
thwaite with much interest as to his ad-
ventures in the Dolly Warden room, and
he had met with none.
They had left the breakfast table and
were standing at the window, looking
through the struggling, thick-growing ivy
at the snow-laden evergreens, and at the
hill on the opposite shore of the lake,
when Uncle Hugh suddenly stopped in
the middle of something he was saying
to put his head on one side in listening
attitude.
U .Bells!" he said; then he added after a
pause. during which sort of dead calm
ness had fallen upon his niece: Sleigh
bells"
Nobody spoke again for a moment, un-
ill the jingling of the bells had come quite
near and stopped. ''Hallo!' cried Uncle
Hugh. in astonishment. Its stopping
here!'
.'They are at the gate said Alma,
quietly. Then in explanation she turned
to her visitor: ut is Lady Kildonan-the
wife of my husbands employer. You
will be glad to see her-she is quite a
celebrated beauty"
Ill have seen her" stammered Arm
athwaite.
In spite of himself the blood had rushed
ND into his face. As Mrs. Crosmont look
Cd at him, he saw what seemed like d
fIlm of disappointment come over hel
soft eyes. The next moment she was lead
ing the way to the door. glancing at the
gentlemen to follow her.
A maid entered and announced thai
ssher ladyship" was in the drawing room
They all filed out Alma walked first
and had reached the drawing room door
talking as she went, when her power,
seemed suddenly to fail her, and falling
abruptly into silence, she stood for q sec
ond looking with intent, imploring eyes
straight up into the young doctors face
Then abe resumed her self-command, ant
signed to him TO open the door for her
a Lady Kildonan's bright voice, singing
softly to herself, reached their ears.
CHAPTER vi.
If the morning light improved Almi
Crosmont. 1t did more for Lady KildOnan
II transformed her. Every brilliant tin
of her skin, the silvery sheen on her vel
low hair, the luster of her blue eyes, an,
of the even teeth which she showed ever.
other minute in light-hearted laughter
gained new and more dazzling radianc
in the brightness of the sun. She wa
lkneeling on the door. playing with two o
the dogs like a merry child: and as sh
,sprang no on the entrance of the mistres
Of the house, the retriever bounded AM
placed his fore paws against her waist il
the belief that her quick movement wa
but ruse Of the game. She was dresse,
as plainly as man. in tailor-mad
gown Of dark-brown cloth, hat to match
with a single straight feather, and al
cutter garment reaching almost to he
feet, cut like mans overcoat, and line
with dark sable. The coat was unbnt
toned and thrown open, displaying til
curves of tall. slight figure in perfect
" fitting dress. Her right hand. froI
which she had drawn the glove while play
ing with the dogs. was white and slim: tn
left was covered by dogskin drivin
glove.
"Down, down, down. Lancer!' she said
20 she came forward, trimming over wit
nniles. "Oh. Mrs. Crosmont, where d
you get these heart-breaking dresse
hOmY' she cried, her tone suddenl
changing to mock plaintiveness as sh
shook hands with Alma, and surveyed tn
ruby colcred morning gown that lady wor
with hearty admiration. you Away
look like picture: but it's really too har
70 bear ones husband always saying