Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-03-01
CHA PIER ".

THROUGH THE LIBRARY WINDOW.
Hume did not send a telegram to
the SleaVll Rectory. He explained
that, owing to the attitude adopted
by the Rev. Wherefore Layton, Hell
en- avoided friction with her father
by receiving his (Hume's) letters
under cover to Mrs. Eastman.
The younger man was quick TO
note that Brett did not like this ar
rangement He smilingly protested
that there was no deception in the
matter.
Helen would never consent to
anything that savored of subter-
fuge." he explained Her father
knows we'll that she hears from me
constantly. He is a studious. reserved
old gentleman. He was very much
shocked by the tragedy. and his
daughters innocent association with
It. He told me quite plainly that,
under the circumstances. ] ought to
consider the engagement at an end.
Possibly ! resented an imputation not
intended by him. I made some un-
fair retort about his representative
ness. and promptly sent Helen a for
nal release She tore it up, and at
the same time accepted It 80 far as
was concerned We met at Mrs.
Eastham's houso-that good lady
has remained my firm friend
throughout-and I don't mind tell
ing you. Brett, that broke down ut
teT!y. Well. we began by sending
messages to each other through Mrs.
Eastman. Then ! forwarded to
Helen, in the same way, copy or
rough diary OF my travels. She wrote
to me direct; replied. The position
now is that she will not marry me
without her fathe r's consent, and she
will marry no one else. He is aware
of our correspondence. She always
tells him of my movements. The poor
old rector Is worried to know how to
act for the best. His daughters hap
piness Is at stake. and so my unhappy
affairs have drifted aimlessly for
more than year"
THE drifting must cease" said
Brett decisively. "Beechcroft Hall
will probably provide scope for &C
tivity"
They reached Stowmarket by a
late train. Next morning they drove
to Sleagill--a pretty village. with q
Norman church tower standing
squarely in the midst of lofty trees,
and whitewashed cottages and red
tiled villa residences nesting In gar
dens.
"A bower of orchards and green
lanes" murmured the barrister As
their dogcart sped rapidly over the
smooth highway
Hume WAS driving. He pointed out
the rectory His eyes were eagerly
searching the lawn and the we'll
trimmed garden, but he was denied
a sight of his divinity. The few peo-
pie they encountered gazed at them
curiously. Hume was seemingly un-
recognized,
Here Ia Mrs Bastham's house."
he said, checking the horses pace as
| they approached roOmy, comforta-
| Die looking mansion, occupying an
| angle where the village street sharply
bifurcated. And there is Beech
| croft"
The lodge faced the road along
which they were advancing. Beyond
| the gates the yew lined drive, with
It's selvages Of deep green tuSf, led
| straight to the Elizabethan house a
quarter OF mile distant. The ground
| In the rear rose gently through a
mile or more of the home park.
Immediately behind the Hall was
a dense plantation of spruce and
| larch. The man who planned the
estate evidently possessed both taste
and spirit. 1t presented a beautiful
and pleasing picture. A sense OF
LONELINESS was given by a number OF
Attorney cattle and young hunters
grazing in the park on both sides Ct
the avenue. Beechcroft had . repu-