Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-04-10

to obige her, or you, If could. There
is, however, such thing as the truth,
you know"
Kendall was beginning to feel pain
fully anxiovs. There seemed to be n
strong probability that Blair was per-
fectly convinced in regard to this mat
ter of identity and that he was reserv-
Ing his statement until the nature Of
the case should disclose itself. If Elsie
should die, there was little chance that
man of Blar's type would withhold
his evidence, for in that event some
body would be directly accused. and 4
just person would feel that all the evil
dence should be brought forward
Blar's present position was such that
Kendall did not know how to attack it,
and so he fell back upon the matter Of
his real GRAND. As TO that there was
no difficulty. Blair promised TO call at
the hospital within an hour.
Having received this promise. Ken
dali returned at once and notified Elsie
of the approaching visit. Her manner
was very significant. She was evil
IDENTIFY bracng herself for consider
able ordeal. There could be no doubt
that she had determined to save Bren-
da from the annoyance to which she
was being subjected and from the
much more serious trouble that might
follow. AS she had expressed n wish
TO speak with DR.. Blair few minutes
alone there could be but one inference
she intended to tell him something
which she had withheld up to that
time. AS Blair was the first physician
who had been called to attend her she
could claim the right of a patient and
put him upon his professional honor
not to disclose what she might say.
Indeed. certain questions which she
asked made Kendall sure that she had
considered this phase of the situation.
1t was possible that she might intend
to so to the length of confding to Blair
the actual facts of the case, for by
naming the author OF the crime she
could most surely relieve Brenda from
any further suspicion. Even upon the
supposition that Brenda had really
gone to that house and had been seen
by Blair he would probably consent to
shield her from offensive publicity it
he knew her to be entirely innocent.
Kendall was conscious of a strange,
boyish feeling of discomfort that Elsie
should not have chosen him as the re-
cpient OF this confidence. He could
understand that there might be rea-
sons why she should tell Brenda ev-
erything, and, as to that, indeed, he
had no positive knowledge that she had
not already done so. Moreover, to have
told him would have been merely to let
another person into the secret, what
ever it might be, since it was not he.
but Blair, who had the power to check
the attacks upon Brenda. Still, he
could not help feeling isolated the mora
because of his reflection that Brenda
might already know all.
From this youthful frame Of mind be
passed to one more mature and practi-
cal. 1t might be that Blair was not
worthy of this confidence. Without
pretending to know what Elsic's secret
might be, Kendall surely did not wish
1t to be betrayed. All consideration OF
abstract justice had vanished in per
tonal interest He was for Elsie with
genuine loyalty. and Blair had not
impressed him favorably. He seemed
"A morOse and discontinued man, with
an unSatiSfed craving for something,
| probably money, and he had not per-
| foctly honest eye. Surprising that FL
sizes secret involved Alden and that AL
den had really become rich in a way in
visible to his closest friends-well. in
that case it might be that DR.. Blair
would be able to afford better office.
With these thoughts in mind Kendall
ventured to caution Elsie against the
evils incident to an unwise trust in ths
discretion and the promises of ones
fellow creatures, but Elsie seemed to
have an excellent opinion of her own
good Judgment, as often happens with
the young
When Blair appeared, Kendall men,
toned to him that Elsie desired to see
him alone for a few minutes, adding.
"She seems to have some communica-
ton which is in the highest degree con-
fidrntial."
Il shall treat whatever she says as a
matter between doctor and patient"
replied Blair. somewhat too promptly,
as Kendall thought.
Nothing of Importance occurred dur
ing the time when Brenda and Kendall
were present with Blair in Elsie's room.
II might have been one Of the doctors
regular professional calls.
The private conference lasted not
more than five minutes, and it pro-
duccd no very notable effect upon FL
sic, but Or. Blair seemed to have re-
cciyed considerable surprise. Ken
dali was far from satisfied with the
mans looks. He was not only agtat-
ed but he had the air OF one who is
both scared and pleased, like man
who sees an opportunity the nature OF
which both attracts and frightens him.
And the thought came to Kendall that
this secret might affect Brenda whose
father was very weak In the nerves
and very strong in the pocket.
On the face of the matter, however.
it appeared that Elsie had achieved a
notable success. for Blair said to Bren-
da:
Miss Miller tells me that you are
much disturbed by the absurd attempts
to identify you with the so called 'mys-
FERROUS woman in this unfortunate ;rf-