Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-03-30
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Gus when say that Mrs Selby Is in the ut
most possible danger until after the death
OF her brother. We must leave you now,
Mr.. Silva. All business affairs must wait
for the present. It is absolutely necessary
that Mrs. Selby should leave London at
once. Good night. sir. I shall give myself
the pleasure of calling on you tomorrow
morning."
as we got into the street Vandeleur stopped.
II must leave 1t to you. Selby.'. he said,
to judge how much of this matter you Will
tell to your wife. Were / you would ex-
plain everything. The time for immediate
action has arrived. and she is a brave and
sensible woman. From this moment you
must watch all the foods and liquids that
she takes. She must never be out of your
sight or out of the sight of some other
trustworthy companion"
II shall. of course watch my wife my
self: said Selby. But the thing is enough
to drive one mad
Il will go with you to the country, Selby.'
cried suddenly
"Ah!' cried Vandeleur. that is the best
thing possible and what wanted to pro-
morrow"
Then I will be off home at once to make
arrangements" I said II will meet you,
Selby. at Waterloo for the first train to
CronsmoOr tomorrow"
AS was turning away Vandeleur caught
my arm.
II am glad you are going with them" he
said shall write you tonight reinstruc-
tons. Never be without loaded revolver.
Good night"
BY 6:15 the next morning Selby, his wife
and were in a reserved, locked first-class
compartment. speeding rapidly west. The
servants and Mrs. Selsbys own special
maid were In separate carriage. Selby' s
face showed signs of sleepless night and
presented striking contrast to the fair,
fresh face of the girl round whom this
strange battle ragged. Her husband had
told her everything. and, though still suf-
fering terribly from the shock and grief
OF her sisters death, her face was calm
and full of repose.
A carriage was waiting for us at Crons-
moor and by $50 we arrived at the old
home of the Selbys. nesting amid Its oaks
and elms. Everything was done to make
the homecoming Of the bride as cheerful
as circumstances would permit, but a
gloom, impossible to lift. oyershadowed
Selby. himself. He could scarcely rouse
himself to take the slightest interest in any
thing.
The following morning I received letter
from Vandeleur. 1t was very short, and
once more impressed on me the necessity
of caution. He said that two eminent ply
sicians had examined Silva and the verdict
was that he could not live month Until
his death precautions must be strictly OBJ
served.
The day was cloudless and after break
fast / was just starting out for stroll
when the butler brought me telegram.
tore 1t open; 1t was from Vandeleur.
Prohibit all food until I arrive. Am
coming down. were the words. I hurried
into the study and gave 1t to Selby. He
read and looked up at me.
Find out the first train and go and meet
him, old chap he said. Let US hope
that this means an end of the hideous at
fair" LIZ
went into the. hall and looked up the
trains. The next arrived at Cronsmoor at
10:45. then strolled round to the stables
and ordered a carriage, after which
walked up and down on the drive. There
was no doubt that something strange had
happened. Vandeleur coming down SO sud
denly must mean final clearing up of the
mystery. I had just turned round at the
lodge gates to wait for the carriage when
the sound of wheels and of horses gallop-
ing struck on my ears. The gates were
swung open and Vandeleur in an open fly
dashed through them. Before I could re-
cover from my surprise he was out Of the
vehicle and at my side. He carried a small
black bag in his hand.
ct came down by special train" speak
ing quickly. There is not moment to
lose Come at once. Is Mrs. Selby all
right?'
What do you mean?" I replied. "Of
course she is. Do you suppose that she Is