Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1905-01-11

become OF Colonel Durand," said
Lady Waters, about a fortnight
before Christmas, and her disappoint-
ment was perfectly unmistakable when
l expressed my inability to enlighten
her.
Every other person | meet Is ask
ing the same question:" l returned.
II can't understand it in the least"
she continued. "I confess l begin to
feel immensely uneasy. l even went
Jas far as to call at his hOuse--"
Wasn't he at homes?
"At all events, his man admitted he
was in London. I met him three
weeks ago at dinner at Mrs Norcutt's,
and he kept US all amused the whole
evening. Mrs. Norcutt was saying af-
stewards that no one could possibly be-
.lieve he had son who must be near
lily 3d."
by the bye" asked, isn't Cap
tain Durand expected home from In
Fdia?"
I'm April, believe" said Lady
Waters. YES" she added, Colonel
!Durand is certainly the youngest-look-
ing man for his age in London-and
one Of the ~handsomest and pleasant
est. But can't understand what has
happened to him."
"Oh, WE'LL" l suggested, perhaps
he has run down a bit, and prefers to
lie low"
"He was engaged to dine with me
two days after met him at Mrs. Nor
cults" she explained, land his letter
Of excuse didn't seem even to be writ
ten by himself
"a wOman's hand"
"Ye-es," she answered, and a short
silence followed. "He must be alone
with only the servants in his house."
Lady Waters continued
But are you certain he is there at
ALP suggested.
Il am not certain of anything" she
cried. II feel extremely uncertain
Here Is one of the most popular men
IN society, who suddenly puts off all
body, doesn't even write his letters
himself. There's mystery in the face
of his servants; they have evidently
received special instructions. Now"
Lady Waters added, Il want you to
clear the matter up"
but how?"
IF l could tell you how 1 could
probably act for myself" she answer
ed, "but | have known Colonel Durand
good many years, and l can't help
feeling anxious. Something" she in
sisted, must be DONE"
l admit desire to stand we'll with
Lady Waters, although in the present
case it seemed difficult to see how it
was possible to crafty her. AS 1 had
explained, she was by no means the
only person TO wonder what had Oc-
cured in connection with Durand, who
had III effect suddenly disappeared
from his friends.
After considerable reflection the ONLY
feasible plan appeared to be a jour
ney to his house in Manchester street
where he had lived alone since his
wlfe's death, over four years ago
There more than once l had been en-
tertained at his small and very select
parties, than which none in London
were more enjoyable.
Colonel Durand is not at home, sir,
said the butler, and 1 placed one foot
over the threshold.
mot out of London?" l suggested.
"No, SIR"
as the colonel quite WE'LL"
"Quite well, SIR
"He doesn't appear to have received
any of his friends very recently?"
mot very recently, sir"
81 presume" l persisted, chat, al
though he is not at home to visitors
Colonel Durand is actually In the
mousse"
He is not at home to visitors, sir,
was the discreet answer, SO that re
turned to Lady Waters no whit wiser
than left her.
You didn't attempt to bride the but
Ter" she suggested, whereupon l ex
planned that l did not care to brib,
any member Of friends household.
Besides" / added, "the butler useC
to be one Of the coloneps regimenta
servants; the two left the army to
gether and he is absolutely incorrupt
ible."
WELL" said Lady Waters, II can