The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1901-05-02
: Stuart paused. and his heart

III, II STUART paused. ana MS near
almost stood still as he caught the ex
preston on Aunt Royals face. He
was not looking at her. but at her re
nection in the large cheval glass. And
II was the reflection Of an absolutely
selfish and heartless enjoyment Of so
cial standing, unrufiied by the coarse
sins and miseries and aches Of dyina
humanity.
Aunt Royals voice came to his ear,
with Its usual placid smoothness.
Louise left me on her wedding toul
Immediately after her marriage. They
went south and then took a trip out
west. When they returned. they tool
rooms in the Avenue hotel. saw then
often, but not intimately. Vasplains
had begun to drink. There was trou
BILE, Of course. But when he finally
left her I was as much surprised as
any one"
She paused suddenly. and Stuart wa:
silent. The great gilt clock on the mar
bic mantel dropped a silver ball into q
bowl, and Aunt Royal turned her heat
slightly toward 1t. Stuart still looked
at her reflection in the mirror.
when did Louise leave New York
for Champion he finally asked.
II don't know anything about It," re
piled Aunt Royal, with the first mark
Of irritation she had shown.
"Do you mean to say. aunt, that after
Vasp.aine's desertion Of her. Louis,
never came near your" asked Stuart
turning full upon her and looking into
her face almost as resolutely as If ht
really knew the facts.
Again Aunt Royals face paled. She
could not control her blood, even after
so many years of artificial repose il
the exercise Of society manners.
II tell you l did not see her after
Vasplaine's disgraceful desertion OF
her. He turned out to be gambler and
dissipated fool of the worst sort anC
flung Louise's property and money
away like a madman. l don't know
where he Is now."
II have not asked about him." SAID
Stuart dryly; II am anxious for Lou
lse."
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 sc
sick at the thought that he longed tc
escape from the house.
"You will stay to lunch?" Aunt Royal
asked politely as he rose and moved
to 60.
mo. thank you." replied Stuart
quietly. II must start back to Cham.
pion this afternoon"
II 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 I answer this. ]
will let you see yourself outr 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 be came in. spoke to him.
II can tell you something about your
sister. sir. II you will wait minute"
"Of course want to know all can
Stuart was surprised. and reflected
that this man might be simply tale.
bearer. or trying to earn fee, but the
thought that Louise might possibly be
the gamer by knowledge he might
learn Of her Quieted Stuart to listen.
II haven't time to tell 1t 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 ia
take her In and shelter her till she
could nnd a place. Her husband had
run OF with another mans wife and
gambled away all the money. as near
as could make out, and the poor lady
was almost crazy over the shame and
ruin Of II. She begged and begged. but
her aunt wouldn't listen to taking her
back, with al the scandal. You un.
derstand. sir. how people in society
look at those things, and 50 at last
Mrs. Vasplaine went away. She look.
ed a. II she would drown herself. sir.
I felt 80 sure Of It slipped out back
way and followed her, and saw her
take a depot bus. and then lost her.