New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-23
CHAPTER XXXIN.

When I forced my way back 70 consciousness
through the sickening sensations that follow
a faintinE turn thought I was beside the
brook again My face and throat were drenched
with ice cold moisture, my eyes blinded by
yellow glare OF dancing lights Don's nose
pressed close against my shoulder. He was
growing. in odd. subdued fashion. a growl
deep in mis- chest.
she is coming to-stand back. Sir, stand back.
Yes. yes-I VIII be gentle"
NV head was lifted a little; the rim OF wine
glass touched my lips.
Drink this. please"
I opened my eyes again. and knew where I
was Nj Beverley holding the wine glass
Drink he commanded. steruly. and obeyed-
As the fiery stuff ran through my veins, bring
ing back my senses and giving me fictitious
strength II revived my fears as well The win
dov-s of the room were open TO give me air.
Were Philip not dead he might enter-Or was
he already here? To whom had the old man
spoken I must know.
Philip" IN agonized whisper.
He has not come"
..Oh. shut the windows please. and draw the
curtains close
Nj Beverley crossed the room stfiy. and
slowly. with neat precision. did as had asked.
Then he came back and stood looking down
upon me. In the deep set eyes, cleaning be
meath bushy. white eyebrows, read intense dis
approval and disike-Dicks uncle resented my
coming, Ny pride. always at my elbow, stung
me TO new effort. tried TO rise from the lounge
on which I had been placed; my brain reeled; I
sank back with moan Of pain. Cold pity. the
kind felt for an unfortunate but repulsive per
SON mingled with the dislike in Mr.. Beverley's
expression. He brought more brandy, but
would not touch IT. l remembered Dicks letter
left with this uncle. charging him TO care for
me. the letter TO which no heed had been given.
NV heart grew hard; then. remembering the
news l had TO tell. softened through pity 1
did not know how to deal this blow gently NV
head was on fire Thoughts chased each other
swiftly through its heated brain. Ny mind. al
WAYS slow. but at leas, methOiical in its
processes. had become like Madam's a strange
tumble OF odds and ends. 1 feared to open my
lips II I did. what words might rush out first?
Ara Won able to answer a few questions. Miss
Derohan?" said Mr.. Beverley thus taking the
matter out Of my hands.
Yes"
When did you return from California
Again that strange absurdity; who was its
originator?
Il have never been there
A look Of incredulous surprise followed
Then where have you BEEN
AT Highgrove Hall" And. seeing disbelief
thought and words broke loose. crowding from
INV Inns In disordered haste. Where else, when
Madam needed me-and Dick was dead? Where
else but there? And again 1 am alone!
You saw the torches the night we buried her
or Randall told you-but no, he was not there
II was yesterday he came-hush.l What wns
that?'
The clock on the chimneypiece told the hour.
7 counted with IL only eleven? Yet It was
The night express heard below there by the
brook There is some one IN the room! Who IS
ST. Not Philip-you are sure7 I heard sigh
thought-but no. Of course he is not here II
he vere-hush! Was that the sound Of foot
steus7 II he comes he viii say that am his
wife am not. It was Randall who answered
for ne: Randall who sold me for forty pieces Of
silver An, forgive me- / meant 10 sIeak
gently. 20 prepare you-yes. he is dead. quite
dead. Philip killed him. but Nemesis gave the
order. Don't look at those ugly marks on my
satin first Richard-then Randall You are all
alone. too Poor old man! You hate me. but
am sorry for you. SO very sorry! Randall had
% die He could not live after his crime He
repeuted-at the last. when told him what
pbftn was Randall was wicked. Of course
gambling. drinkng-a vaurien. as Madam said
hut am A Derohan. and white Had he known
ne might have stood by II was Philips
tlack blood that Is that he? We struck 70
kin, Nemesis and !. but
stopped short BIr. Beverley was asking