Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1902-09-25
CHAPTER w.

with the amiable expression of an en-
ragged bulldog, stopped short on lind
ing himself in the presence of a
stranger, and gave Armathwaite an
opportunity of noting well every de-
tail of his personal appearance. He
was a man of about five feet nine
inches in height, SO wellbuilt and
erect that he would have passed as
handsome, in spite of an ill-featured
face, to which prominent grey eyes, a
short nose, and protruding lips gave
a canine cast, which was rendered
more unprepossesging by an express
sion which, on this particular occa.
sion, was alternately morose and
savage.
He had black hair, a small dark
moustache, and a rather sallow Skin;
he was dressed in a Norfolk suit, and
riding boots, a costume which showed
off the proportions of his figure to
great advantage; while his hands,
one of which still held his gloves and
riding-whip, were white and well
shaped.
Who's this?" he asked shortly, and
in the logged voice of person who
had been prepared for an unwelcome
encounter and meant to make himself
as disagreeable as he could over it.
"And where's Alma? And what's this
hear about her going out by herself
at this time of night? It's not proper;
it's most improper, and | won't have
it, and so she must understand. Where
is she?"
Armathwaite, who was watching
him steadily, making up his mind that
this was quite the most offensive
brute he had ever seen, saw, from a
look which passed suddenly over
young Mr.. Crosmont's face, that the
latter had recognized him, and that
the recognition had the effect of
frightening him and calming him
down. Before the irate gentleman
had had time to do more than make
half-turn towards the door, Arma-
thwaite had reached 1t In two long
strides, and looking down with the ex-
preston of superb contempt which his
superior inches enabled him to as
sumo with particular effect, he said
coldly:
You have forgotten to hear my
name: it is Francis Armathwaite.
am sorry you should think my pres
ence an intrusion. Mr. Crosmont and
Mrs. Crosmont were kind enough to
take pity upon a traveller and a
stranger. | deeply regret that their
generous hospitality should seem to
you ill-timed. as 1t was certainly UNI
deserved. | will not obtrude myself
upon you any longer, but beg you to
receive my thanks for the kindness
shown to me by your wife and by this
gentleman"
He bowed and opened the door
quickly, but started on seeing Mrs.
Crosmont, who entered very quietly,
glancing from him to her husband as
II she apprehended the situation
Armathwaite, eagerly on the alert to
notice the demeanor towards each
other of this apparently illmated
pair, saw that the lady fixed upon her
husband look so eloquent with dig
nifty, pleading, and wifely submission,
depths In the woman's character, and
lllled him, the onlooker with admira-
ton and Difference. The husband.
however would not even meet her
eyes, although he fastened to apollo.
gize to the stranger with a manner
which although still somewhat sullen
and not particularly well-bred, showed
rather more grace and sense of pro
priety than his previous demeanor had
promised.
Yes, yes; beg your pardon. You
must excuse my hastiness. am very
glad II they have been of any service
to you. People who come here have
TO take the rough-tsat's me. with the
smooth-that's my wife and uncle.
Pray stay and dine with me; | shall
be heartily glad of your company"
Thank you very much" said Arma.
thwaite. speaking still rather stifFv.
II dined at Mereside some time ago.
and | must get to Branksome tonight.
If Mrs. Crosmont will allow me-"
He turned to the lady. and stopped
short. Her eyes. which began to fas.
NiitNN hiiu ny hh tlulutuCc WDlCn
seemed to him preternatural. looked
straight into his and commanded him
10 stay. There was rather awkward
pause. which was broken by Uncle
Hugh. whose abrupt but genial voice
struck upon the ear with certain
persuasiveness, which suggested that
he was in the habit of remaining on
the alert TO resolve family discords as
he saw the opportunity.
Come. Or. Armathwaite, You won't
want Ms all to so down on our knees
TO induce you to stay. I'm sure, We
have q reputation for hospitality e
keep up. and we should have each C
do private penance IL we let you 20
before morning. Come now. say
you're persuaded"
He passed his arm through that Of
the young man. and as his nephew
had now recovered from his illtempe'
enough TO echo the hospitahle words
with a moderately good grace. Arms
thwaite allowed himself 20 Weld
without much difficulty, and without
hetraying his secret eagerness for q