Middletown transcript., 1905-03-11

anywhere IN England"
There was an inaudible murinur. and
Anne,s voice rose again in reply
believe it's because of that chit you
are staying! You're perilling your life for
.he sake OF girl who doesn't care one rap
Tor you! Women have always been your
curse r
Irue-true ! But it is a shame to tease
you-you'ye been an awfully good crea-
lure believe that you are after all the
only one who ever cared rap for me.
II asked you, think you'd come with
me wherever fear Of the cursed Cesaris
drove me; and, if ever they suspect.
they'H pursue me to the end |" He
stopped short, and his voice took another.
Anne, do you see anything moving in
the wood? See-just behind that copper
beech 1T mustb be my fancy 1t is impos-
slble that any one could suspect-and
least OF all that Paolo Cesaris should |!
fet-oh, bah My nerves have gone to
pieces 1t is the result. of hiding in
Tyrolean village for six months. No one
can imagine that"
"Lad-lad, walls have ears !" Anne in
terrupted.
1heard his feet scrape on the stones and
silence followed.
What did it all mean? What had |
learned? Alas, nothing save that some
peril menaced Lady Verriker, and that l
had already suspected.
But the strange incident gave an i'm
petus to the feeling which had prompted
me to write to Nigel Buchanan, in whom
| knew ! could confide. took my writ.
lng-block on my knees again; but found
it very difficult to write such letter, and
the breakfast-bell had rung before l had
folded 1t and directed the envelope to the
only address of his which | knew. I
asked him to come down and see me, but
directed him to wait for me at one of the
lodges-the one where had met Mr. Oh
lett-at a certain hour in the after
noon.
He will think that I have suddenly
gone mad," | reflected as 1 locked nv
case and slipped the letter into my
pocket; "but | can explain when l see
him, and am really afraid to say much
in letter, even if | could. And now for
Anne and my ignorance Of Lady Ver-
riker's absence. / wonder where she can
have gone ?'
| surprised myself by my powers of dis
stimulation when Anne explained that
her ladyship sent her love and that she
had very bad night and would rest
awhile.
"Im 50 sorry r I said calmly. "Give
her my love, please, and tell her that i
will come to see her after breakfast"
Il think that it would be better not,
miss. She has taken one of the sleeping
draughts which your father ordered, and
it's best not to disturb her,
every well. Perhaps she will see me
later !" and then Anne went away as the
Signor shuffied into the room.
Oh, what long weary day that was
What dreary part l had to play My
nerves were strung to the highest tension,
and at times | could hardly keep myself
from screaming or in some way betraying
the nervous excitement which possessed
me. was almost glad Of the Italians
company, for when he was talking to me
| forgot occasionally the deadly terror
which made me shiver at each un-
expected sound. But even whilst
laughed over his somew hat scandalous
yet highly amusing narrations and won
dered at his knowledge Of men and man
ners, sudden recollection would come to
me Of the little scene which I had wit
messed in the hall on the previous night,
and would draw away sick with disgust at
my own forgetfulness.
! had hoped to find an opportunity of
posting my letter early in the morning,
but was not able to escape and make my
way down to the cluster of cottages
which represented the nearest post town
until after luncheon. 1t was delightful |
afternoon, and I did not hurry back. 1t
was relief to be away, if only few
minutes, from the atmosphere Of intrigue
and mystery which. enveloped the
Court.
But was destined for another strange |
incident that day, for as turned into the |
lane which led from the high road to |
Verriker Court collided with a gentle
man whom | was astounded to recognize /
as Mr.. Ollett. He looked equally aston
ished to see me, and seemed a little dis
composed. But he raised his hat and
smiled genially.
''Do not regard me as one who extend
professional unveracity to private life,
Miss Fothergill r he exclaimed. II am
so glad to see you was meditating upon
you. The truth is''-and he fell into step
BY my side and lowered his voice-"I had
a serious lost whilst was cycling in this
pOCk0t-DOOk
which was filled with professional secrets.
am convinced that it was in this neigh
borhood that l dropped it. / suppose
that you have not seen anything of it?'
II have not, but will keep look out
for it," said.
He walked along with me for some
talking of various mutual ac-
uuaintance. He mentioned incidentally
that he had seen Nigel Buchanan at the
New Rovers' Club few days before.
"And are you making long stay here,
Miss Fothergill ~ he asked as we drew
near to the gates. Lady Verriker will
miss YOU much. Is she quite well?
thought that saw her at Market Copley
Junction early this morning. evidently
waiting for the London train. But OF
course was mistaken! He glanced as
ne cnriously, and | felt the hot blood I
lame in my face.
'She--she is away on business, / be-
ieve," I faltered.
.Then you are quite alone in that
lreary house?" lie continued with evil
lent sympathy.
"Oh, no." answered thoughtlessly-1
the Signnr is thele-Signor Sergali He