Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-02-18
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CHAPTER III.

AS they re-entered the larger room they
We're astonished 10 come upon Miss Page
standing in the doorway. She was gazing
az the recumbent figure of the dead wo-
man, and for a moment seemed uncon-
scious of their presence.
How did you get in? Which of my men
Were weak enough to let you pass. against
my express Instructions" asked the con-
stable, who was of an irritable and sus-
piciouS nature
She let the hood drop from her head, and
turning, surveyed him with slow smile.
There was witchery in that smile sufficient
TO AFFECT much more cultivated and cal
lous nature than his, and though he had
been proof against it once he could not
quite resist the effect of ITS repetition.
Il insisted upon entering said she. DO
rot blame the men; they did not want to
use force against u woman" She had not
a good voice and she knew it: but she COW
et ed up this defect by a choice of intona-
| tons that carried her Hghtcst speech to
the heart. Hard-visaged Amos Fenton
gave a grunt which was as near an en-
preston of approval as he ever gave to
any one.
We'll! well.' he growled, but not lima
turedly, its morbid curiosity that brings
you here Better drop it, girl; it won't do
You any good in the eyes Of sensible
people,
THANK you" was her demnre reply, her
lips dimpllng at the corners in a way to
shock the sensitive Mr.. Sutherland.
CHANGING from her to the still outlines of
the noble figure on the couch, he remarked
with an air of mild reproof:
DO not understand you, Miss Page. If
TINS solemn sight has no power to stop
your coquetrieS nothing can. AS for your
curiosity, it is both ll-timed and unwoman
~ Let me see you leave this house at
once, Miss Page; and if in few hours
which must eiapse before breakfast You
can ind time to pack your trunks, you Will
still further obiiGe me-"
Of, don't send me away, l entreat you.
1t was cry from her inner heart, which
she probably regretted, for she instantly
sought to cover up the anxiety 1t showed
by submissive bend of the head and
step backward. Neither Mr.. Fenton nor
Mr.. Sutherland seemed to hear the one or
see the other. their attention having re-
turned TO the more serious matter in hand.
Inc dress which our poor friend wears
shows her to have been struck before retir
ing, commented Mr.. Sutherland, after an
cher short survey of Mrs. Webbs figure.
IF Philemon"
Excuse me. sir" interrupted a voice,
but the young woman is listening to what
you say She is still in the hall" 1t was
the young man speaking, who had been
left in the hall.
She is. is she! exclaimed Fenton. sharp
~ MS admiration for the fascinating
stranger having oozed out at his compan-
lens rebuff. II will soon show her" But
tle words melted into thin air as he reach
Nooi' nc SOuHS SUI 'i'tu uiSdp-
peared, and only faint perfume remained
IN the place where she had stood.
most extraordinary person, grum-
bied the constable turning back. but stop
ping again as faint murmur Game up
The gentleman is walking called up a
voice whose lack of music was quite per-
ceptible at distance
With bound Mr.. Fenton descended the
stairs, followed by Mr.. Sutherland.
MISS rage stood before the door of the
room in which sat philemon Webb. AS
they reached her side she made a little
pow that was half mocking, half depreca-
tory and slipped from the house An al
most Undesirable sensation of incongruity
vanished with her. and Mr. Sutherland, for
one, breathed like a man relieved.
I wish the doctor would come" Fenton
SAG, as they watched the slow lifting of
Philemon Webb's head "Our fastest rider
mas gone FOR him, but he's out Portchester