Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1903-06-25
Continued.

or twice past the house, his nina nlled
with misgivings which nothing in the
appearance of the dwelling seemed to
Justify. One of the maids was talk
ing to the bird in the dining-room win
dow; the voice of another could be
heard cheerfully calling the chickens
to come and be fed. He returned to
the gate, entered, and rang the bell.
Nanny appeared, fresh and smiling,
and looked at him with quite wei
coming face. He asked for Mr.. Cros-
mont in an unsteady voice.
Hes gone to Liverpool, sir; he
won't be back till this afternoon" said
Nanny.
Armathwaite changed colour.
Let me come in, Nanny" he said, in
a hoarse voice; then, as he was pass
ing her, he stopped and asked: Where
is Mrs. Crosmont?"
She's just had breakfast, sir, and
gone into the drawing-room.
But at that moment Alma appeared,
having heard the doctors voice and
come out eagerly to meet him. She
dropped her outstretched hand at the
sight OF his face.
What is the natter" she faltered
Can speak to you for one mo-
ment?"
She led the way into the drawing
room, and he followed quickly, feeling
that he had not moment to lose.
"Ned!" she cried at once, in a low
voice. clasping her hands together
against her waist. Something has
happened to HIM"
Something very serious for him has
happened and 1t will affect him very
deeply. He went to Liverpool yester-
day;I have reason to know that he has
returned. But the servants have not
seen him"
Alma interrupted him; she was very
quiet, and grave, and calm.
"He let's himself In with his own
key" said she. "He may be in his
study. Come with me-"
They went out together, going by
some instinct so silently, so softly,
that their footsteps, their movements
scarcely made n sound as they went
from end to end of the old house. At
the study door they stopped, and, with
a ioud-beatlng heart, Alma knocked.
There was no answer She did not
knock a second time, but looked at
the handle with pale, frightened face,
as II she did not dare to touch 1t.
Armathwaite came forward and tried
the door. II was locked.
''He locks it when he goes away"
said Alma, with faltering lips.
"You had better go back into the
drawing-room and wait for me-" said
he to the lady very quietly. "He may
be angry at being disturbed"
But she knew the thought in his
mind, and shared it; and without TAX
ing any notice of his suggestion, she
Said, in a low tone; There is dupli-
cate key in his room upstairs. Wait
here; l will fetch 1t. We must get in,
and without disturbance"
He waited at the door, listening with
intent ears. He had heard no sound
inside the room when, in very few
moments, Alma returned and put the
key into his hand. They entered to-
gether.
The blinds were still drawn down
but the morning light was bright in
the room: every object in it could be
discerned clearly. There was the
writlng-table, with his inkstand and
papers: the center table. with a whiI
and riding-gloves conspicuous across {
pile Of other things; there was tn,
fireplace, and the rough armchair h,
usually sat in; and there, sitting be
fore the CRATE. which was Uttered witt
scraps of torn letter. and in whicl
the grey ashes of the previous night
fire yet remained. sat Ned Crosmoai
his legs stretched out. his head on hi
breast his arms hanging loose at hi
sides. Alma had often seen him a
most in that attitude. and 1t rea.
sured her She came further int
the room. calling softly. Ned" II
did not answer. he did not NOV
Armathwaite thought she knew III
truth. But having been prepared fl
some sight unusual. shocking. it Ia
hol stA NNNAiAtN W @NAmH NhoN oS''
could come so suddenly and yet {
quietly. She came close to him wit
rapid steps. thinking that he was 10
in miserable brooding. put her ar
round his shoulders, and tried TO dra
him to her. kindly. comfortingly, II
head rolled heavily against her breas
Med, Ned. never mind" she viii
pered, feeling. with thrill throus
her gentle heart, that at last the m
ment she had expected had com
when he did not repulse her. when
was glad of her sympathy; "I'll col
fort you. Ned-ill console you. New
mind what II is. I'm sorry"
she put up her hand to touch h
check. and found II cold: then, dra'
ing deep breath. she stood for n m
ment quite still. benumbed by a rus
of thoughts so strange and feelings |
acute that she seemed to herself to
in actual bodily pain. AT last Fran
gently touched her arm TO draw he
away.