The Saint Paul globe., 1899-03-12

There was nothing to be found and in no
enviable frame of mind, Philip took his leave
CHAPTER VI
A Female Sleuth-Hound.
Portia Dupres' engagement at the Opera
House had expired, and at her last appear
ance she received a wildly enthusiastic re-
ception from her appreciative audience, for
it was generally believed that, after a short
rest at some Continental spa, she was going
to fulfill an engagement at New York.
A few days later she left town, oStensibly
to visit an old friend in the shireS, leaving
her two maids to take of her house dur
ing her temporary absence.
Il snail not be away more than a fort
night" she told Philip Haldane; but | want
absolute rest and quietude for short time
and l shall not tell even you where 1 am go
ing
1t was vain for her lover to demonstrate
against this decision, for Portia was not to be
moved, and on the day after she had given
this as her ultimatum, Philip Haldane called
as usual, to learn from the maid servants that
their mistress had gone
Despite all his questioning, he could aScer-
tain nothing from them, for the very good
reason that they knew nothing.
he was staying with Sir John in London,
for the latter had become so alarmingly ILL
that he could not be moved.
The terrible shock he had sustained had in
tensned the painful symptoms and DR.. AL
wyn held out no hopes of his recovery
When Philip Haldane returned he was told
that Sir John had had replapse and was
sinking fast.
The invalid had fallen into comatose
state, and was thus mercifully bereft of feel
Ing or recollection.
Godfrey Davenant was with him constant
1y, and, although secretly Philip resented this
he did not dare to make any objection
Sir John liked and esteemed Geofffey Dave
nant, and believed that he loved Madeline
with strong and enduring devotion
Il will find her, Sir John. Something tells
me that all will yet be right; but swear that
l will rest neither day nor night until L have
traced her!''
This VOW, made few hours before Sir
Johns last seizure, had comforted the dying
man, and rendered his last hours happier
Late that night, Godfrey, Philip and the
doctors were waiting for the end when the
former remarked, suddenly
If Miss Haldane were found now, at the
eleventh hour, could his life be saved?"
There was peculiar expression upon
Philip Haldane'S face, he crossed to the
window
DR.. Alwyn shook his head
mo; it is too late, nothing could save him
now. A few days ago he might have rallied
but his life would have been precarious at
BEST
Sir John passed away before the dawn
He had never recovered consciousness, and
appeared to have fallen into his long last
sleep quite painlessly.
''It was better so," Godfrey thought. as he
turned away, his mind absorbed in the one
problem of how to find the girl whom he loved
better than his life.
Philip Haldane was virtually master of the
position, for were Madeline dead-and there
was a very general feeling that she must be-
he was heir to all Sir Johns great wealth
When Godfrey had gone, Philip sat down
to think the matter out in all it's bearings
There was no flinching, remorse, in his
evil heart; he was prepared to pay his accom-
plices heavily for the concealment of his
crime, and of Madeline's cruel fate he seldom
allowed himself to think.
By-and-by, she would accept the inevitable
and, if she fell into madness or imbecility by
long detention and hope deferred, it would but
render her obliViouS to her melancholy fate
Yes, he had staked high, and won.
Portia DupreS would marry him now that
he had wealth and social position to offer
her.
His heart throbbed high with exutation
The thought maddened and intoxicated
him.
His divine Portia!
What mattered it to him that to win her
he had STEPPED himself to the lips in crime
had sold his soul, like Faust, for the possess
sion of his hearts desire
The funeral was arranged for the fourth
day after Sir Johns DEATH
1t was conducted on a costly scale, for
and affectonate
He and Godfrey were chief mourners:
many friends attended.
Sir John was inferred in the family yault
at Bellminster, and shortly after the funeral
Godfrey left the Towers, and returned to
London, keenly desirous of laying before the
officials some fresh idea that had occurred to
ance.
As he was walking along tha I'm, bo nl,,,,e,+