The Coalville times. [volume] (Coalville, Utah) 1894-1923, 1903-08-28


~ cccding each other.
q and while these
three Fam ios,
drifted together by fate. were shaping
each others dostnicG and working out
In their own fashion the strange, lntri-
cate ends OF human life. there were
human eyes which watched over every
stage OF the performance, and which
were keonly critical OF every actor on
Il. Across the road beyond the green
palinga and the cloao-croppcd lawn, be-
hind the curtains OF their crecper-
framed windows, sat two old ladies',
Alss Bertha and Miss Monica Williams,
looking out as from a private box at all
that was being enacted before them.
The growing friendship OF the three
families, the engagement OF Harold
Denver with Clara Walker, the engage
ment OF Charles Wcstmucott with her
sister, the dangerous fascination which
the widow exercised over the Doctor,
the prcposterous behavior Of the
Walker girls ana the unhapplnesH
which they had caused their father not
one OF these incidents escaped the
notice or the two maiden ladies. Bertha
the younger had smile or "A sigh for
the lovers, Monica the elder frown or
a shrug for the elders. Every night
they talked over what they had seen.
and their own dun. unevontful life took
a warmth and n coloring from their
nelghbora as a blank wall reflects n
beacon fire.
And now II was destined that they
should experience the one keen sensa-
tion OF their later years. the one mem
orable Incident from which all future In
oldents should be dated.
IL was on the very night which sue
cceded the events which have just been
narrated. when suddenly into Monica
Williams head. as she tossed upon her
slecpleas bed, there shot thought
which made her sit up with a thrill and
a gasp.
Bertha" said she. plucking at the
shoulder OF her sister, II have left the
front window OPEN
mo, Monica. surely not" Bertha sat
M also. and thrilled in sympathy.
II am sure OF II. You remember had
forgotten TO water the pots, and then ]
opened the window. and Jane called me
about tho Jam, and l have never been
In the room since"
Good gracious. Monica, Il IL mercy
that we have not been murdered In our
at Forest Hin last week. Shall we go
down and shut it2'
II dare not so down alone. dear, but
n you will come with me. Put on your
slippers and dressing gown. We do not
need a candle Now. Bertha, we win
90 down together
Two little white patches moved
vaguely through the darkness, the
stairs creaked. the door whlned, and
they were at the front room window,
Monica closed II gently down. and
fastened the snlb.
"what A beautiful moonr said she,
looking out I'VE can see as clearly as
n II were day. How peaceful and quiet
the three houses are over yonderi II
seems quite sad to see that To Let card
upon number one. wonder how num-
Der two will like their going. For my
part could better spare that dreadful
woman at number three with her short
skirts and her snake. But, oh, Bertha
IoolSi lookli lookill Her voice had fal'
len suddenly TO a quivering whisper and
she was pointing to the Wesimacotts
house. Her sister gave a gasp OF hor'
ror, and stood with clutch at Monlca's
arm, staring In the same direction.
There was a light In the front room
. slight, waverlng light such as would
be given by a small candle or taper
The blind was down. but the light
shone dlmly through. outside In the
garden. with his figure outlined against
the luminous square. there stood man
his back 70 the road his two hands upon
the window ledge. ana his body rather
bent as though he were trying to peer
IN past the blind. so absolutely still
and motonloss was he that In spite OF
the moon they might well have over
looked him were Il not for that tell-tal'
light behind.
Good heaven" gasped Bertha. at 4
a burglar"
But her sister set her mouth grimly
and nhook her head. I'VE shall see
Rhe whispered. 1T may be something
worse"
Swiftly and furtlvely the man stood
suddenly erect. and began 70 push the
window slowly up. Then he put on,
knee upon the sash. glanced round e
see that all was safe. and climbed over
into the room. As he did 80 he had e
push the blind aside. Then the twt
spectators saw where the light CANT
from. Mrs westmaoott was standing
as rigid as q statue, In the center OF
the room. with lighted taper In hel
right hand For an instant they caught
glimpse OF her stern face and hei
white collar Then the blind fell bach
into position. and the two figures disap'
peared from their view.
"Oh, that dreadful womanF" cried
Monica. "That dreadful, dreadful WON
AMI She was waiting for him. You san
q with your own eyes, sister BerthaF
Hush, dear hush and listen" saiC
her more charitable companion Thel
pushed thor own window up once more