The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1897-07-24

yards above them. one of the red, pointed
gables of The Crags
Armathwaite uttered q cry of surprise.
Though certainly very steep and, as it
seemed. All unnecessarily difficult way. it
brought one to the house in about a guar
ter of the time that it took TO go by the
road. and he was on the point of asking
Alma how she came TO know of this path
when he perceived that she had met with
an unexpected obstacle Before them was
high wooden gate. flanked on either side
by long paling, which reached on the
right 10 an impa ssably steep slab of rock,
and on the left to somewhat distant
tnicket. Alma had approached the gate
and mechanically pushed it, as if expect
ing it to open at her touch. But il did not
She pushed it again with more force: then
she shock it, but still without result. Ar
mathwaite came up to her.
1T is locked. Mrs Crosmont," he said,
looking at her attentively.
''Locked' she repeated in Il low tone.
The gate is locked
She paused. and again touched the
wooden bars mechanically.
I'VE must go back again, and get to the
house by the road"
The road. she echoed. in the same
tone as before. Il don't know the way"
1T is all right. know that way" he
sad, II Il reassuring tone: and without
any comment on this strange adventure,
every detail of which was stamping itself
on his mind, and awakening there many
strange ideas, he helped her to descend the
steps and the slippery path which follow
ed. and hurried her back towards the
more circutous road. while he kept M
some sort of idle talk about snow storms
and the long frost.
The whole house was full of novemen t
and life, and Brightness The brass Ian
terms which hung from the roof of the
great hall shone on the armor trophies.
and threw Il pretty. subdued light upon
groups Of laughing girls and their admir-
erS, and heyies of chnttering oh lperones
among whom Mrs Pcele stood conspicu-
Gus III severe majesty. Every other min
ute the Marie Antoinptte curtains We're
lifted and the buzz Of voices and the
pretty clatter of teacups and teaspoons
came through the coister. ~ a couple
went through TO the morning room or re-
turned to it. Lord kildonan. kindly and
genial rs ever. came forward with out
stretched hands towards Mrs. : rosmopt
Welcome, welcome. my dear child. You
must forgive an Old man for calling Won
my dear child but Won are so subduai
and shrinking that one forgetS YOU are Il
full-grown woman. Bless me, Your
dress is quite wet. Dear dear! " here is
my wife, | wonler:"
Thank you. it is nothing of any con
sequence. indeed. It is only that my iack.
ct has got rather damp with the snow
If | can take it off aud have it shaken II
will soon be quite dry"
Yes. yes to he sure. Have if shaken. =
said Lord kiIdouan. offering with a very
gentle hand to help her To take off hor
jacket. All. but your dress is wet. too
Come through" he continued. ending the
way to the gallery ut the back of the hail
on the right hand. "There is n room here
whore there is no fireplace. You can
shake the snow off there before it melts
William. light here, Or Armathwaito
YOU come too
Lord kitdoTan Went first Alma follow
ed. and ArmathWaitc brought up the
rear. No sooner however. had Mrs Cros-
mont taken half a dozen steps along the
corridor than she staggered, and. with a
faint ,'rl. fell back against the young doc
tor, VIII" supported her while Lord XII
DOMAIN. IN great distress. sent the footman
in search Of his wife and Of Ned Cros-
mont.
1T IS all right" said Armathwaitc. re-
assurngly. as he lifted the lady in his
arms. carried her into the room indicated
deity unfastened her jacket and bodice,
and kneeling down on the ground. laid
her head back and watched her face
The candle, please. Thank you.'
He looked at Alma With lines of deep
anxiety on his face
She has only tainted" he said. in a
grave tone. Then looking up suddenly
with Il very stern expression, he asked
Where is her husband:'
Lord kildonan, who in his perturbation
and distress had upset a quantity of
candle grease on Alma's dress. and was
now trying vigorously to rub il off with a
silk pocket handkerchief, looked at him
apologetically.
Il have sent for him. William went
just now. Shall | gof | will do any
thing -
Armathwaite's face changed rs he look
cd al him.
Il am sure ynu would he said, with
depth If gentlcness and sympathy which
struck the old Scotchman with wonder.
You think this illness is serious" his
host asked most anxiousIy.
Not in itself It may be a symptom
Of serious illness must give that
young fellow an aduonition to look after
his wife. In his attention to business he
n"giects her" DR. Anna hwaite said. dry
l. and briefly
Dear ne. dear me. You make me feel
thar | am in fault. OF course. II is not
vh. h,. !, ~