Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-07-25
CHAPTER XIX.

Blanche sat, her face In her hands, an
awful fear gripping her heart. She
heard Talley. in the library adjoining,
giving instructions to the nearest po-
lice station. II was Hike a horrible
dream. Out of it All she continued to
hear in the voice she loved 80 we'll:
"Stand behind mel"
Half an hour later the doctor came
to her. She stood up like one who Is
about to receive a death sentence.
I have extracted the ball" an
nounced DR.. Randall. He Is sleeping
quietly. He ought not to be dis
turbed. He seems so anxious no talk
to you, but It really would not be ad-
visatie. I finally agreed to allow him
to telegraph to his friend. Father Sur
tees!"
obi groaned Blanche, quite mis-
understanding him. Isle it 500
serious?"
HE is in a very critical condition"
admitted the doctor. at is but fair
to tell you that, but he wants his
friend to talk to YOU about some
trouble that is preying on his mind.
/ think he may reach Lyndhurst about
ten o'clock"
Then" said Blanche at is not be-
cause"
ooh, no. it is not that. assure
you" said Dr.. Randall, quickly at
Is some private matter concerning
your immediate welfare. He thinks
Father Surtees may explain some
thing to you that you ought to know
at once. I think il will be better for
your husband to get this off his mind
as soon as possible. He seems utterly
hopeless, and hope would be a big help
in his case
and may I go in now?" asked
Blanche, in pleading tone.
81 am afraid even your presence
Nould rouse him; it is often SO when
there is close affinity. Perhaps you
had better remain here till the priest
comes You know him, believe"
Eyes" answered Blanche; "he is our
best friend"
A little after ten Father Surtees ar
rived The doctor met him in the
hall, and as the major had just walked
the priest was allowed to go in to him.
~ am awfully sorry, my dear
friend" he said to Goddard.
Jeanne did it. concealed in the
wood below the garden" answered
the major. "She was shooting at
Blanche, and 7 covered her
think / saved her life. and thank
God for it. 1t would be better for me
to die, and it looks like a benign dis
pensation-to be able to die for her.
If only l did not have to leave her
with the other stain on her name.
I was starting to tell her all when the
first shot was fired"
"Try to be calm" cautioned the
priest softly.
81 want you TO break it to her." con-
tinued the major. shes in the next
room. You tell her the whole story.
I am not strong enough. She will
want to leave when she knows"
The major began to cough, and the
doctor hastily came into the room,
You'd better stop now" he said.
Goddard motioned towards the room
where Blanche sat.
go to her" he repeated, in low
tone.
AS Father Surtees went into tho
next room Blanche did not rise. She
seemed completely stupefed.
Rowland is anxious for me to make
certain disclosure to you the priest
said. taking her hand Il must first
ha
with a man who loves you with all his
soul. OF that there is no doubt"
"He has lost my fortune?' cried
Blanche, sharply, what do you sup
pose | care for money when-when he
is dying?"
at is not that. my dear Mrs. God
dard," said the priest. averting his
solemn gray eyes. II am afraid it is
even more serious than that
What is it? What is wrong. then ?'
questioned the young wife, laying a
trembling hand on the arm of the priest
Can you bear blow from a most
unexpected source?" asked Father
Surtees, "a revelation which will
shake your faith even in the man you
love?"
"Hush!" Blanche cried firing imme.
diately, do you dare to speak agains,
him when he is dying? Oh, my Godn
Father Surtees shrank from her an
instant, and a look Of pain spread over
his fine face. He allowed her indig
nant eyes to rest on him for a mo-
ment, then he said:
! He has begged me to make con-
fession to you of the greatest i'm
, portance, My poor child, you will
have to have great fortitude to lister
calmly to what l am going to tel
you"
What do you mean?" Blanche ques
| toned, the FIRE still kindlingin her eyes
, Would you not be shocked if wer,
to tell you" Father Surtees began tc
look about the room as il searching
for the gentlest means of conveying
I his meaning, "if l were to tell yol
T. that there was "a mistake abou-
Mrs. Goddard's death 2"
Blanche's eyes grew large,
"You mean that-that she is alive p
; she asked, slowly.
Yes, she IL alive"
Blanche fixed his eyes with steady
? stare of incredibly.
! mot dead--not dead?"
l The priest nodded
"And there Is something else" h,