Omaha daily bee., 1902-12-28

apprehension, for the ingenuity of that mar
is, I've heard, absolutely astounding. Ever
Scotland Yard seeks his aid in the solving
of the more difficult criminal problems"
II tell you plainly that fear Ethelwynn
may expose u.s." his wife went on slowly,
a distinctly anxious look upon her counte-
nance. "As you know, there is a GOODNESS
between us, and rather than risk losing the
doctor altogether she may make a clean
breast OF the affair"
mo, no, my dear. Rest assured that she
will never betray US" answered Courtenay,
with a light reassuring laugh. True, you
are not very friendly, yet you must recol-
lect that she and l are friends. Her inter-
ests are identical with our own; therefore
to expose us would be to expose herself at
the same time"
"a woman sometimes acts without fore
thought.
quite true. But Ethelwynn is not one Of
those. She's careful to preserve her own
position in the eyes of her lover, knowing
quite well that to tell the truth would be
to expose her own b~aseness. A man may
overlook many offenses in the woman he
loves, but the particular one OF which she
is guilty a man never forgives."
His words went deep into my heart. Was
not this further proof that the crime-for
undoubtedly a crime had been accomplished
in that house at Kew-had been committed
by the hand of the woman ! so fondly owed?
All was so amazing, so utterly bewildering,
that stood there concealed by the old tree,
motionless as though turned to stone.
There was a motive wanting in It all. Yet
l ask you who read this narrative OF mine
II, like myself. you would not have been
staggered into dumbness at seeing and hear
ing a man whom you had yourself certified
to be dead moving and speaking, and, more
over, in his usual health.
H loves her!" his wife explained,
speaking OF me. HE would forgive her
anything. My own opinion is that II we
would be absolutely secure 1t is for us to
heal the breach between them"
He remained thoughtful for a few mo-
ments, apparently in doubt as to the wisdom
of acting upon her suggestion. Surely in
the situation was an element OF humor,
for, happily, I was being forearmed.
ut might possibly be good policy he
remarked at last. "Tf we could only bring
them together again he would cease his
constant striving to solve the enigma. We
well that he can never do that; never
theless his constant efforts are as annoy
ing as they are dangerous
That's just my opinion. There is danger
to us in his constant IL quiries. which are
much more ingenious and careful than we
imagine"
well, my child" he said you've stuck
TO me in this in a manner that few women
would have dared. II you really think II
necessary TO bring Boyd and Ethelwynn
together again you must do 1t entirely
alone. for could not possibly appear on
the scene. He must never meet me or the
whole thing would be revealed
For your sake I am prepared to make
the attempt" she said. 1.-THE fact of being
Ethelwynn's sister gives me license to
speak my mind to him."
IAN to tell him some pretty little fiction
about herr" he added, laughing.
Yes. It will certainly be necessary to
put an entirely innocent face on recent
events in order to smooth matters over"
she admitted. Joining in his laughter.
Rather a dihicult task to make the
tragic occurrence at Kew appear innocent"
he observed. But you're a really wonder
full woman, Mary. The way you've acted
your part in this affair is simply marvellous.
You've deceived every one-even that old
potterer, Sir Bernard. himself"
i've done II for your sake" was her
response. II made a promise and I've
kept il. up to the present we are safe, but
We cannot take too many precautions. We
have enemies and scandal seekers on every
side"
Il admit that" he replied, rather i'm
patiently. l thought. III you think 1t a
wise course you had better lose no time
in placing E~thelwynn's innocence before
her lover. You will see him 10 the morn
ing. l suppose?"
Probably not. He leaves by the s O'Clock
train" she said. when my plans are ma
tured / will call upon him in London"