The Norfolk weekly news., 1900-02-08
~opreioAr. 1887. sy ANNA x
CHAPTER XXXy.
EXPLANATIONS.

The cause of Lucetta's joy was soon
explained Mr.. Ostrandcr had not fall
en- victim to Mr.. Trohm's mania, but
was in Y. alive and we'll. That Mr.
Gryce knew this at the time of showing
her the telegram was apparent to mo
and probably suspected by her, but no
words were ever exchanged on the sub
ject, possibly because she was soon
made too happy by her lovers explana
tion to regret anything which had led
up to this satisfying hour.
He, SO it seems, had found it impos-
sible to leave Lucetta. Upon issuing
from Lost Mans lane he had met Mr.
Gryce and learned enough from him of
the doubtful position in which the
Knollys stood to make his stay seem
imperative even at the risk of losing
the position upon which all the hopes
of his future advancement depended.
He had therefore staid, but quietly
and to a degree in hiding, place having
been found for him by Mr.. Gryce in
remote cottage, where his presence at
tracted no attention and awoke no COM
ment That Mr.. Gryce had any ulteri-
possible witness whose testimony nigh,
be Of value, will not even suggest
Mr.. Gryce never neglects it. but Mr.
Mr.. Gryce understands his business and
Gryce has a heart, too, and that heart
has a way of working even amid his
most urgent affairs in manner to bring
light out Of darkness as we'll for the
happiness of those concerned as for the
elucidation of the mystery he has un-
dertaken to clear.
The hour we all spent together late
that night in the old house was unlike
any hour which that place has seen for
years Mr.. Ostrander, Lucetta, Loreen,
William, Mr.. Gryce and myself all
were there, and as an especial grace
Saracen was allowed to enter, that there
might not be cloud upon a single face
there assembled. Though it is small
matter, will add that this dog per-
sisted in lying down by my side, not
yielding even to the wiles of his master,
whose amusement over this fact kept
him good natured to the last adieu.
There We're too few candles in the
house to make it bright, but Lucetta's
unearthly beauty, the peace in Loreen's
soft eyes, made US forget the somberness
of our surroundings and the meagerness
of the entertainment Hannah attempted
to offer us. Ii was the promise of com
ing joy, and when, our two guests de-
parted, l bade good night to the girls
in that grim upper hall it was with
feelings which found their best express
sion in the two letters 1 hastened to
write as soon as 1 gained the refuge of
my own apartment. l will admit you
sufficiently into my confidence to let
you read those letters The first of them
read thus:
DEAR OLIvE-To make others happy is the
best way to forget ourselves. A sudden we'd
ding is to take place in this house. Order at
once for me from the shops you know me to
be in the habit of patronizing wedding gown
of dainty white taffeta II did this not TO re-
call too painfully to herself the wedding dress
helped her buy and which was, as You may
remember, of cream white satin with chiffon
trimmings and wedding veil of tulle. Add
to this a dress suitable for ocean travel and
half dozen costumes adapted to a southern cli-
mate. Let everything be suitable for delicate
but spirited girl who has seen trouble, but
who is going to be happy now if little atten.
tion and money can make her Do not spare
expense, yet show no extravaganza, for she is
IA shy bird, easily frightened. The measure.
ments you will find inclosed; also those Of an
other young lady her sister, who must also be
supplied with white dress, the material of
which, however, had better be Of Grape.
All these things must be here by Wednesday
evening, my own best dress included. On Sat
urday evening you may look for my return.
shall bring the latter young lady with me, so
your present loneliness will be made up to you
by an agreeable guest. Faithfully yours,
AMELIA BUTTERWORTH
The second letter was longer and
more important one. 1t was directed to
the president of the company which had
proposed to send Mr.. Ostrander to South
America. In it related enough of the
circumstances which had kept Mr..
Ostrander in x. to interest him in the
young couple personally, and then
told him that if he would forgive Mr..
Ostrander this delay and allow him to
sail with his young bride by the next
steamer l myself would undertake to
advance whatever sums might have
been endangered by this delay.
did not know then that Mr.. Gryce
had already made this matter good with
this same gentleman.
The next morning we all took walk
IN the lane. Il say nothing about the
night. If did not choose to sleep or if
l had any cause not to feel quite as ele
waited as the young people about me-
there is surely no reason why should
dwell upon it with you or even apollo
gize for weakness that is, hope, but
the exception setting off my customary
s,rength.)
Now walk in this lane was an
event. To feel at liberty to stroll among
its shadows without fear, to know that
the danger had been SO located that we
all felt free to inhale the autumn air
and to enjoy the beauties of the place
without thought of lurking trouble in
its sweetest hooks and most attractive
coverts, gave to this short half hour
distinctive delight aptly expressed by
Loreen when she said:
Il never knew the place was SO beau
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