Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1901-02-24
XIX.

CHAPTER XIX.
Having finished his task with what
speed he could make, the butler slipped
tie sheet of paper into IN envelope, fas-
tened 1T, and addressed it to Randall
Palgrave, Esq, SOL Cleveland square,
s.. w, adding the word Urgent in
large letters at one corner. He then
took the packet to the cooks assist
ant, who had previously been ordered
to be in readiness, doled out a sover-
eign (Which was to be paid for the mes
senger, and the change brought back,
and counseled speed. I've bought
stamps at half-past eight, n or twice
when the master was away" he said,
excitedly, so you ought to be in time
to get in. You send that letter off
somehow, so the messenger can go by
the next train, and you snail have five
shiilings for yourself"
Having thus conscientiously done
what he could to obey his masters In
6Ii uOIl0ho, tAO bGCiNI w sAS
Duke for further orders. Would not
his Grace reconsider his decision, and
have dinner, or at least something to
drink? Was there nothing at all his
Grace would require?
Nothing whatever thank YOU" said
Maynard. II shall probably stay here
and read and smoke till feel like 60
ing to bed. You might just tell me tho
way to the blue room, in case I've for
you should all so to bed ait your usual
hour, without thinking of sitting up for
me. l shan't want to go out again, I'M
less for a short stroll, so lock the doors
when you like
Perhaps your Grace will remember
sleeping in the blue room a couple of
times before your Grace's house-boat
was in readiness. 1T is the first bed
chamber at the head Of the main stair
way, on the Ieft-hand side. But 1
would really prefer to sit up, if your
Grace would allow me-"
His Grace did not for obvious rea-
sons remember sleeping in the blue
bedroom, but nevertheless he said that
he did; and finished by insisting that
he particularly desired the butler and
all the other servants to go to bed.
What time do you usually get off to
your rooms?" he inquired, with appa-
rent carelessness. THAT is, of course,
when Mr.. Palgrave is away"
by ten O'Clock, your Grace. But"
There's no but about it," interrupt
ed Maynard. do tonight as you are
in the habit of doing, if you wish to
please me. Meanwhile, you can put
lights here and there, if you choose. |
may want to prowl around a bit, get
ting a book from the library or having
a look at the drawing-room; or if the
weather clears a little, | may stroll out
for a walk. Don't be frightened if you
hear a noise. 1t will only be but l
dare say I shan't be very late about
going up to bed"
When the butler had departed, softly
closing the door after him, Maynard
took from an inner breast pocket a
small folded piece of paper, which he
proceeded to spread out on the table
before him. 1t was a roughly sketched
plan of the house, with the moat run
ming along the side, and had been
drawn at his request by Anne, on the
might of their last meeting and part
ing.
1t represented such rooms as she had
made herself acquainted with during
her visit to the Grange, but there were
necessarily many blanks, in one of
which he could now fill in the smok-
ing-room where he sat.
1t adjoined the drawing-room.
though there was nc connecting door,
and was reached by descending a short
digit of steps and going for some dis
tance along a passage. but Maynard be-
lieved that the one window must look
out oyer the moat.
The cry that he and Anne had heard
had come from the direction Of the
moat, also the strange and inexplica-
-