Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1901-04-19

against the mantel shelf; while Lhe
paced up and down the room in cx-
treme agitation.
Got such a good berth yourself,
thought" The thought was too
far back in the recesses OF Neville's
muddled brain for him to bring it to
light. .-
THAT could ask Miss Seymour to
take you in as we'll as myself" said
Janetta bitterly. you must go, Ne
vile. I can't stop and talk to you to-
night. You are not fit to talk to-"
60 whereof" asked Neville, with
dazed eyes. II thought you'd never be
the one to turn me Quit"
"Oh, what can do?" cried Janetta.
And then. came the remembrance of
Doctor brakes strong, kind face. He
would help her If he knew in what sore
trouble she was. Look here, Neville"
she said, trying not to let him see how
she shrank from him. Il have ono
friend in this place, who believe, if
sent him note by you, will take you
in for the night. Tomorrow will see
you and think what can be done"
She was scribbling swiftly as she
spoke:
Dear Doctor Drake: am in sore
trouble. The bearer Of this note is my
brother--my only living relation---and
he is as you see him. l cannot send
him to any lodging or hotel tonight
I send him to you, because you are
bachelor, and will understand what It
is to me, his sister, for him to call
upon me like this. Will you Of your
great goodness take him in for this
one night and hide his shame, and to-
morrow will see him and settle what
he must do. Yours gratefully,
"Janetta Howard"
She folded and directed the letter,
putting it into Neville's nerveless hand.
This man will give you bed for
tonight. 1t is not far to goodwin the
hill. When you get outside turn to the
right, and about hundred yards down
the street there is gate with brass
plate on it. That is Doctor brakes
house."
Almost before he knew what his sis
ter was doing, Janetta had led Neville
to the door. reiterating her directions
in soft, low tones.
She went back to the drawing room,
determined to tell Clarice the story;
but her intention was checked by the
presence Of Mrs. Mortimer, who stood
by Clarice's sofa, pouring out an eager
torrent Of accusation. Clarice had
raised herself to q sitting posture. and
listened with flushed cheeks and shin
ing eyes, and with rather scornfu'
smile.
I'm glad you've come back, Janetta.
Mrs. Mortimer has been amusing me
with really wonderful stories, which
she seems to have gathered from her
own and Mason's personal observa.
ton"
eff the amusing stories you refer to
are about myself, l shall be glad 20
hear them," said Janetta, standing be-
fore Clarice, with a burning red spot
on either cheek. She would not even
look at her accuser
"F'irst item: A drunken lover is sup
posed to have just come to see you"
"He is not my lover. Later on,
shall be glad to tell you who he is;
but not in the presence of third per-
son."
docs that mean, Miss Howard, that
you wish to explain your rather ex-
traordinary conduct to Miss Seymour
alone?' inquired Mrs. Mortimer acidly.
1T does" replied Janetta, with one
fearless glance. THAT explanation IS
necessary to her, but unnecessary to
YOU"
II think perhaps you had better
leave u.s." said Clarice. AS the door
closed behind her, Clarice stretched
out her hands to Janetta with quick
entreaty. "Oh, Janatta, what brute
you must think me to question any
thing you do! But she has limited at
such awful things! l only wait for
your word to declare everything I'M
true, and shall believe YOU"
(To be continued.)