Omaha daily bee., 1902-12-21

her with a harsh laugh which showed con-
ndence in himself and an utter disregard
for any statement she might make.
At Victoria the pale-faced girl descended
quickly and, swallowed in a moment in the
crowd on the platform, l saw her no more.
She had before descending given me a
ANAL glance and l fancied that a faint smile
OF recognition played about her lips. But
in the uncertain light Of a railway carriage
the shadows are heavy and l could not see
sufficiently distinctly to warrant my re-
turning her salute. So the wan little figure
so full of romantic mystery went forth
again into oblivion.
was going my round at Guys on the
following morning, when a telegram was
put into my hand. 1t was from Ethel
wynn's mother, Mrs. Mivart, at Nenetord,
asking me to go down there without delay.
but giving no reason for the urgency. I
had always been a favorite with the old lady
and to obey was, Of course, imperative,
even though l were compelled to ask Bart
lett, one Of my colleagues, to look after
Sir Demands private practice in my abb
sence.
Neneford Manor was an ancient rambling,
old Qneen Anne place. about six miles from
Peterborough on the high road to Leicester.
Standing in the midst Of the richest grass
country in England. with the grounds slop-
ing to the trimming river that wound
through meadows which in May were a
blaze of golden buttercups, 1t was a typical
English home, with its quaint old gables,
high chimney stacks and old-world garden,
with yew hedges trimmed Enthusiastically as
in the days OF wigs and patches. l had
snatched a week end several times to be
old Mrs. Mivart's guest. therefore l knew
the picturesque old place we'll and was en-
tertained by its many charms.
Soon after 5 o'clock that afternoon I
descended from the train at the roadside
station and, mounting into the dogcart,
was driven across the hill to the Manor.
In the hall the sweet-faced, silver-haired
cid lady, in her neat black and white cap,
greeted me, holding both my hands and
pressing them for a moment, apparently
unable to utter a word. / had expected
to and her unwell; but, on the contrary,
she seemed as active as usual, notwith-
standing the senile decay which I knew
had already laid it's hand heavily upon her.
You are so good to come to the doctor.
How can ! thank you sufficiently" she
managed to exclalm at last, leading me
into the drawing room, a long old-fash-
Toned apartment with low ceiling supported
by black oak beams, and quaint diamond
paned windows at each end.
"Well?" I inquired, when she had seated
herself, and with the evening light upon
her face l saw how blanched and anxious
she was.
IT want to consult you, doctor. upon a
very serious and confidential matter" she
began, leaning forward. her thin white
hands clasped in her lap. I'VE have not
met since the terrible blow fell upon US
the death OF poor Mary's husband"
ut must have been a great blow to you, IS
I said, alphabetically. for / liked the old
lady and realized how she had suffered.
Yes, but to poor Mary most OF ALL" she
said. They were SO happy together, and
she was so devoted to him"
This was scarcely the truth, but mothers
are often deceived as to their daughters
domestic felicity. A wife is always prone
TO hide her sorrows from her parents as
far as possible. Therefore the old lady
had no doubt been the victim Of natural
deception.
Yes" l agreed. at was a tragic and
terrible thing. The mystery is quite I'M
solved"
ITO me the police are worse than use
less" she said, In her slow weak voice.
They don't seem TO have exerted them
selves in the least after that utterly use
less inquest with it's futile verdict. As
FAR as I can gather, not one single point
has been cleared up"
mo" I said. "Not one"
And my poor Mary exclaimed old Mrs.
hivart. she is beside herself with grief.
Time seems 10 Increase her melancholy