Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1902-04-26
CHAPTER IT.


light of its lamps fell full upon our faces
and my Cousin Paula's voice from with
in loudly called my name.
I gave q start of utter amazcmcnt. 80
far from my thoughts had Paula been,
NO beyond the bounds Of probability seem
cd her unexpected presence at this place:
then. Involuntary. began to walk rap
idly. feeling sure that the carriage would
presently stop. For the fraction of n
second i had forgotten my strange COM
panion. hut she brought herself to my
recollection with light touch upon my
arm.
wait" she said. Don't go on for a
moment yet Tell me quickly. who is in
that carriage? Is your uncle, Sir VIII
frid Amory. thcreY'
II don't know" I hnrricdly replied.
"My cousin. Miss Wynnc. called to me.
think In all probability my uncle Is with
her. lie would not have allowed her to
come alone. Though what can have
brought"
Remember your promise. Now Is the
time to carry il out. There's only Il mo-
ment to arrange how 1t shall he done.
See. the carriage is stopping! l invited
you to dine with me this evening ut the
inn. take back that invitation. and you
must HiNc uic OHc lustcuu. VIII you uo
this--fOr me? All! you are hcsitating
and ! know why. I am stranger 10
you; our meeting has been most uncOn-
vcntional. You are thinking Of your
cousin"
II do not at all understand you"
said: but you put your request in such
way that ! must grant It or be mis-.
judged"
Thank you. Then here we part. They
will wonder at your delay when they
have stopped the carriage for you, but
You can easily say that you waited for
moment to take leave Of your friend
Miss Hope"
As had expected my unclc's pale pre-.
maturely aged face was thrust through
the carriage window. anxiOusly watching
for my temperance. Paula had sunk
back against the cushions. doubtless Of
Tended at my delay.
1T IL n very welcome surprise. Terry"
he said. ito find you apparently well and
unframed"
well and unharmedY' echoed blank.
~. why. what do you mean!"
Evidently there's been mistake
somewhere-a mistake for which Paula
and l can afford to be very thankful.
Your surprise ut my words II answer
enough for the moment. and no I think
the best thing we can do. as there won't
be- another train to London for couple
Of hours at least, Ii to 20 on together to
the inn. where VIC were fastening for
news OF you. Will you tell the driver.
Terry, and then get insidcY'
Still somewhat daxcd, l did as he re.
nucstcd. and took the seat opposite my
uncle and cousin In the musty vehicle
which they had obtained at the station.
"NOw," said, Twill you explain what
has brought you and Paula down iron,
town. You. as ! understand. were to
await wire from me. II 1t appeared
10 me that u great many repairs and i'm.
provemcnts about the old place were nee
cssary, ] was TO remain, and you were
to come down. II not, ] was to go back
tonight, and"
There's been no mistake NO far as all
those arrangements were concerned. But
before We proceed any further. let me
ask how you explain this:" And he hand.
I'd me telegram without an envelope.
l glanced It over by the light OF little
travellers lamp. which my Uncle Wilfrid
was In the habit Of carrying with him.
Gone at once" I read. "Your nephew
has met with an accident. Is ut the
Bear Inn. Mnrtcnhead."
''Of course l came" said my uncle
while ! continued 10 stare at the paper
In blank establishment. "And, OF course
Paula naturally wished to come with
me-"
! was utterly ut loss 10 explain the
telegram, and the discussion which FOL
lowed was fruitlcss. 1t was almost q
relief, therefore. 10 attempt to satisfy
Paula's yelled curiosity about my com
panioN. got out Of this dilemma az well
rs l could, aud finally gave my invita-.
ti0n, laundering between truth and nc
ton.
The tall clock In the hall Of the inn
WAS striking the quarter after 3 as
ran down the stairs, from the room which
was to be mine for the night. and opened
the door OF that In which our dinner wa,
10 be served. ! had gravitated instinc
lively toward the fire, when the whisper
Ing Of silken garments caused me I,
raise my eyes.
II have come alone, because | hcart
you open the door, and peeped out from
my room, which Is opposite this sh,
said. II wanted to say something had
not time for when | left you. Your 9th
or friend whom you have so kindly n
yited to meet yOnr uncle and cousin, II
my companion. Her name Is a strang,
one-Aiiss Traill--but her face Is stran
ger still. want to prepaye You fol
them both, and don't mind IL she bring,
with her the only creature she reall,
loves in the world. They are never part
ed for u moment, night or day. 70,
have kept your promise nObly, and now
before anyone comes, l will keep mine
When you go to live at LOrn Abby, 6.
something tells me that You will soon
take my advice and follow the eXampl,
Of the poor old woman who was muir
dered there-chOose the room in the clOcl
tower for your own. Believe me, sh,
was wise, and had her reasons for do
ing So"
"Why should ! live In place haunted
by such evil associations" l asked
when there must be SO many bright
pleasant, untainted rooms In the house!
Because in that room alone, you vii
be able to learn and profit by-you
catechism."
MY catechism"' echoed stupidity.
"Hush! someone Is coming. 1t Is Mis-
Traill!'
With the strange words she had jus
uttered ringing in my ears, turned, b!
way of doing my duty as host, and tool
u step toward the door.
Had ! been few years younger ant
less well schOoled In the lesson of self
control, / think ! should have started
and shown my discOmpOsure, as my eye
fell upon the face of Miss Trail. Sh