The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1901-05-09

wv acting this evening, dear Mrs.
stcrling?"
The time was four p. m. Through
the window we could see the rain
sweeping over the lawn, as it. had
never ceased to do the last 4S hours,
and my guests lounged about the big,
uncomfortable hall in various stages
of ennui.
''0h, yes. Please act for u.s." came
in chorus from all parts of the hall.
And young Charlie Fleetwood excited
" sprang up and offered to improvise
1. temporary stage if 1 would consent
to perform on it.
| would not make any rash prom
ises, being doubtful, indeed, whether
my somewhat limited repertory in
eluded anything that would serve as a
monologue. And the subject was still
under discussion when tea was
brought in, and with its fragrant pres
ence carried our thoughts away from
+ things theatrical to the more impor-
tant matter of satisfying the cravings
of physical nature.
Over the sodden lawn, battling with
the wind and rain, half dozen eager
looking men advanced and steered
straight for the entrance porch.
We watched their progress in mild
/. surprise. and then suddenly my curios-
ity was whetted by recognizing the
foremost of the six as one of the keep
ers at the big lunatic asylum which
stands, grim and silent, about a league
from Winston Lodge.
This mana burly, hard-faced York
shireman-walked straight into the
aall, after knocking, and asked to see
Mr.. Sterling. My husband lazily rose
and went with him to the door.
The keeper Immediately commenced
TO talk to him in a loud, excited voice
so loud, in fact, that we could not
avoid overhearing part of what he
said. And that had the effect of throw
ing my guests into something like a
panic, fe- the keeper spoke of a luna
ne who had escaped from the asylum
mat morning after nearly numbering
an attendant. The lunatic was still
at large, and had been seen. not half
an hour ago, lurking in a plantation
near our house. ..t..s.
IL was with rather grave face that
my husband returned to US. But he
spoke some words to allay our alarm
Nothing to be frightened about. He
would soon be caught. They were now
securing the country side in search OF
him. ~
but nevertheless it was some time
before the more nervous members OF
our circle quite recovered their euua.
siiinity, and when the time came for re
uring to dress for dinner that lunatie
was still the leading topic of conversa.
ton.
wen, have you prepared your pro-
gramme for tonight, Mrs. Sterling ~
.harlle Fleetwood asked when we met
70 the dining-room.
Don't ask questions!" I answered
Le. II be pleasant surprise for YOU
a1terward both question and an.
s"er proved to have strange signifi
cance. -.
II.
we were sitting in the drawing.
room after dinner. Felix was talkino
20 the blonde widow about a curious
nook OF heraldry he had been reading
ne said he would show her the volume
IN question, and rose to go to the Ii
orary to fetch it.
now Winston Lodge, which we have
oeen accustomed to take each yea,
,or the shooting season, consists of ar
imposing central pile, with two Ions
wings extending east and west. The
mouse was too big for our require.
nents; consequently we only occupied
ene center and the west wing. But !,
vas INTO the east wing that nv hus.
naho had now gone, the library beino
Situated there.
s. ne had scarcely left the room wber
ses<Aceted that tic book he wantef