Waterbury Democrat., 1901-01-05

puy Slcal bangs oI all StSEAAty III DuTu- ing flames than to bear this a month longer"
 Father Surtees clasped his quivering hands between his knees. God have mercy on you," he said. seen creature nearer to God, my friend.''
 For about five minutes nothing more was said. Then Goddard broke the stiffness.
 q have thought of suicide,' he said.
 s'That could not possibly help you or her," declare the priest.
 q am withheld even from that cow ardIy act because the shock would kill her. Don't you see how am buffeted about by the consequences of my crime?"
 q see I see. And for the same req son you cannot tell her that she is not your wife"
 i "No, that would kill her. Dr. Flen- ! ing said she would not be able to bear the slightest shock or excitement" | "When did you see him?" '1 have not seen him since he exam ined Blanche"
 How did you find out that Blanche has this-this terrible disease?"
 II have just told you that Jeanne told me that pr. Fleming had con- fded it to her. he enjoined it on her to keep it even from me, and by all means from Blanche.''
 "Ah!'' Father Surtees' brows were knitted together. As he uttered that exclamation he rose and began to walk back and forth across the room. Suddenly he turned and stood over Goddard.
 "Do you think she sould have in- duced you to take hand in this plot if you had believed Blanche to be per- fectly sound, physically"
 "Certainly not; it is because she has such a short life, and-''
 Father Surtees laid his hand on the majors shoulder.
 "Then,'' he said "your wife must have known that it would require most extraordinary pressure to induce you to enter into her scheme. and and has it never occurred to you that her story may be a deliberate lie out of whole cloth?"
 The major could hardly formulate an answer. His eyes were wide open, and his face was like death mask.
 ''Blanche," he began, presently, ''is taking Dr. Fleming's medicines. I have seen that
 'Medicines," said the priest, fare often given for slight ailments. That fact ought not to substantiate the statement of your wife-that fiend in- carnate-especially when it looks as if she could have gai-ed her purpose by misleading ..-ou.''
 Mai Goddard groaned. As he bowed there beneath the earnest look of his friend he seemed ;l wreck of past man. Illness.
 "What can I do? Is there any, thing?"
 There is but one thing right now" answered Father Surtees. You oueht to % at once to see this pr. Fleming. I see by the papers that he arrived yesterday and is at the Sher- man house."
 There was a startled stare in the eyes of the major as he rose.
 "Come with me- he said, huskily; "come with me-"
 q should like to. I am very impa- tient, Rowland. to know the truth on that point. Much depends on it; very much.''
 In a moment the priest had put on his overcoat and hat, and the TWO men were walking down the avenue to- wards the hotel just mentioned.
 q shall wait down -ere for you" said the priest, when they had entered the office of the hotel and been told that Dr. Fleming was in. Goddard sent up his card and in few mo- nlents he received permission to go
 Ah, Maj Goddard!" cried Dr. Flem- ing, a tall, heavy-set, full-bearded man, as he came to meet his visitor. T was half expecting to meet your wife today, but this is an unexpected surprise. Ihope she IS not indisposed.'
 ''I think she is no verse; said the major, helplessly, as he drew off his gloves. ''1n fact, she did not know J was coming"
 'But you are not going to fancy yourself i'll, Mai. Goudard," said the physician, lightly. 'You are nervous; that's all. 1 detected that fact wher l took your hand: but otherwise yor are as sound as a block of me steel
 Ut is about Blanche, who is now my wife, that I ca1led," said the major "You-you knew, I presume, that my first wife"
 Dr. Fleming saw that Goddard wa: unable to finish his remark.
 And I was awfully shocked to heal of the accident, I assure you; and was glad to hear of your recent mar riage. Your ward was one of my most interesting patients. You vii pardon an old man like me, who is ole enough to be her father, when I tak' the liberty of saying sSe is one of thu finest characters I ever met. Yor know it is almost an instinct with m, profession to be able to read human nature well. Maj. Goddard, you are t be envied."
 T am sorry" said the major, "tha + you did not speak to me of her physi cal condition when she began to talk your treatment; but, of course, yo' knew best as to the advisability o taking me into your confidence. may as well tell you .hat Mrs. God dard, just before sailing for England