News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1901-05-22

pie' VI COuTse. but Wnen ne nnally
left her was as much surprised as
any one"
She paused suddenly, and Stuart was
silent. The great gilt clock on the mar
BILE mantel dropped a silver ball into a
bowl. and Aunt Royal turned her head
slightly toward it. Stuart still looked
at her reflection in the mirror.
when did Louise leave New York
for Champion he finally asked.
Il don't know anything about it," re-
piled Aunt Royal. with the first mark
of irritation she had shown.
DO you mem to say, aunt, that after
Vasp.aine's desertion of her, Louise
never came near you" asked Stuart,
turning full upon her and looking into
her face almost as resolutely as if he
really knew the facts.
Again Aunt Royals face paled. She
could not control her blood, even after
so many years of artificial repose in
the exercise Of society manners.
81 tell you l did not see her after
Vasplaine's disgraceful desertion Of
her He turned out to be a gambler and
a dissipated fool of the worst sort and
flung Louises property and money
away like a mailman. l don't know
where he is now"
Il have not asked about him." said
Stuart dryly; 81 am anxious for Lou
ise''
He remained moment more in silent
thought. He could not help believing
that this woman had not told the truth,
but he was powerless to prove his be-
lief. At last he found his heart so
sick at the thought that he longed to
escape from the house.
"You will stay to lunch?" Aunt Royal
asked politely as he rose and moved
to go.
"No. l thank you" replied Stuart
quietly. 81 must start back to Cham
pion this afternoon"
Il hope poor Louise will recover"
she said, and was about to add some
thing more, when one Of the servants
came into the hall and announced an
important message at the telephone
from some one connected with Aunt
Royals proposed summer tour.
Excuse me while answer this. l
will let you see yourself out! she eX-
claimed with her conventional polite
ness, and was gone.
Stuart was just going out when the
servant, who had opened the door for
him when he came in, spoke to him.
II can tell you something about your
sister, sir, if you will wait a minute"
"Of COURSE want to know all can"
Stuart was surprised, and reflected
that this man might be simply a tale
bearer, or trying to earn fee, but the
thought that Louise might possibly be
the gamer by knowledge he might
learn of her quoted Stuart to listen.
81 haven't time to tell it all out"
whispered the man hurriedly But
Mrs. Vasplaine, she came here one
night about a week ago, and | couldn't
help hearing what went on in the
drawing room. She begged her aunt to
take her in and shelter her till she
could find place. Her husband had
run off with another mans wife and
gambled away all the money, as near
as l could make out, and the poor lady
was almost crazy over the shame and
ruin of it. She begged and begged, but
her aunt wouldn't listen to taking her
back, with all the scandal. You I'M
derstand, sir, how people in society
look at those things, and so at last
Mrs. Vasplaine went away. She look
ed as if she would drown herself, sir.
felt so sure of it slipped out back
way and followed her, and saw hel
take depot bus, and then l lost her.
| don't mind telling you, sir; this is