Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-09-12

Can you let me have trap this
afternoon, Iver?"
"of course, of course. But you're
not going to leave us, | hope?"
Only just for the evening. lin
fact have to go to Blent.''
There was moments silence.
Chances were exchanged while Neeld
made half-hearted efforts to grapple
with an egg. Then Bob Broadley
broke out with laugh:
20, hang it all, out with it, Mr..
Neeld.!"
We'll. I'm not told to be silent, and
it must become known Immediately.
Nine. Zapriska telegraphs to me that
they are to be married early this
morning, and will come to Blent by
the 1:30 train. She herself leaves by
the II o'clock, will be there at 5, and
wishes me to join her."
by Jove! he's done it then" ex-
claimed Iyer.
Everybody looked very solemn, ex-
cept Neeld, who was sadly confused.
Dear, dear murmured Mrs. liver
"She must be very much in love
with him." remarked jamie.
Its his conduct more than hers
which needs explanation" observed
liver drily. And what do they want
you for, Neeld?"
"O-er-why-why no doubt it's
its only a fancy of Nine. Zabriskas.
"A very queer fancy" said jamie
liver coldly. 1t was really a little an
noying that old Mr.. Neeld should be
the person wanted at Blent.
1tI11 1riun Dol ", ",
volunteered.
"Er-thanll you, Broadley, but she
asks me to come alone
We'll, I'm hanged muttered Bob,
who had seen a chance of being in at
the death.
They were coming straight down to
Blent. That fact assumed an impor-
tant place in Neeld's review of the
situation. And his presence was re-
quested He put these two things
together. They must mean that the
secret was to be told that evening at
Blent, and he was to be vouched as
evidence if by chance Cecily asked
for it. On the very day of the we'd
ding the truth was to be revealed
In ignorance, perhaps in her own des-
pite, she had been made in reality
what she had conceived herself to
be; today she was Lady Tristram in
law. Now she was to be told. Neeld
saw the choice that was to be laid be-
fore her and, at the same time, the
use that had been made of his silence.
He fell into sore puzzle. Yes, Harry
could play deep game when he
chose.
do you think Disney will repeat
his offer-will give him chance of
reconsidering now?" asked Iver, who
had heard of that affair from Lord
Southend.
I'm sure he wouldn't accept any
thing" Neeld answered with remark
able promptitude and conviction. 1t
of speaking the truth.
"The least he could do would be to
leave that to her"
Shed say just the same" Neeld
assured him. I'm convinced there'll
be no question of anything of the
kind
"Then its very awkward.'' liver
grumbled Grossly.
In all his varied experience of the
Imp-which included, it may be re-
membered, good deal of plain speak
ing and one embrace-Neeld had
never found her in such state as
governed her this evening. Mason
gave him tea while she walked rest
lessly about; he gathered that Mason
was dying to talk, but had been sore
wounded in an encounter with Nina
already, and was now perforce hold
ing his tongue.
They'll be here by 7, and you and
are to dine with Them" she told
him. quite informally"
Dear me- IL don't think l want
-" he began.
Hush" she interrupted "Are you
going to be all day with those things,
Mason?"
81 hope 1 haven't been slower than
usual, ma am" said Mason, very stiff
ly.
At last he went. In an instant
she caught him by the arm. What
have you to tell me?" she cried.
ITO tell you? /? o, dear no, Nine.
Zabriska. / assure YOU"
60 there's no need for that. Har-
ry said you We're to tell me before
they arrived. That's why l sent for
you now"
HE said l was to tell you
Eyes, yes. Something you knew and
didn't Something that would eX-
plain it ALL
She stood before him with clasped
hands. Its quite true. He did say
So" she pleaded. Its all so delight
full and yet SO strange. And he told
me to be ready either to stay here OF
go home tonight! Tell me, tell me,
Mr. Neeld."
why didn't he tell you himself?"
81 only saw him for an instant after
the wedding, and before it he didn't
say word about there being any
thing to tell. There's secret. What
is it?"
He was glad to tell it. He had car
riel his burden long enough.
We've all made great blunder.
Harry is Lord Tristram after all.
Nina stood silent for a moment.
CO.. she gasped. and he's mar
RED Cecily without telling her?
That's what he has done. | regret
to say And | take it that he means
to tell her tonight.