The Washington herald., 1906-11-27

bless me, haven't We got to prove Ber-
nards innocence"
win that bring him to life?' said Alice.
bitterly
1T would if It were necessary; but it
isr't. Bernard's in hiding"
Can yOu be Sure?"
Alice Malleson,' said the resolute old
dame, IF you were younger would take
you and send you 90 bed on bread and
wafer You don't deserve to be loved by
such man. He gave up all for you, and
you believe the worst Of him"
Bernard has temper, and he might
I have
But he didn't I know he has a tenn
per. / admire his temper I saw him
thrash tramp for throwing away loaf
OF bread, and that warmed my heart TO-
/ ward him. Had I married the villain I
didn't marry, and he hadn't been such a
villain as he was, ] would have had son
just like Bernard-perhaps two OF three.
Dear, dear. What "a loss to the British
Empire that ] never married"
In spite of her grief. Alice could not
help smiling az this way OF putting things.
But certainly Miss Plantagenet was right.
Had she been a mother. her dauntless ma
& u
I brave sons for the m0therland The old
lady was one Of those strong people al
ways TO be relied upon I'm time Of calam-
liy. The worse the trouble the quicker
Miss Berengaria rose to the occasion. She
prided herself on facing facts. alleging
that only in this way could things be set
lied AT the present moment she ac-
k1OWledged silently 10 herself that things
looked black against Bernard Gore. aEG
hat he really might be dead for all she
knew. But 10 Alice she refused 10 admit
these thoughts.
This must be looked into" she said,
theoretically. and I am going Up 10 town
10 see about the matter. When ! have
heard the evidence az the inquest I'll
know how 10 shape my course"
What will YOU do?' asked Alice.
Frightening under this optimism.
When acquainted with the facts. said
Miss Berengaria rolling uD her napkin.
"and when I have formed my theory
Your theory. aunt?'
Yes, Ny theory as 10 who murdered
the old Well. it's Sir Simon I mean
we must be lCnient 20 his memory But
when / have formed my theory III see a
detective and place the matter in his
hands. ! shall then advertise for Ber-
nard, and we must see If We can't get
him to come here"
He would be arrested If he did"
Not at all. know where 10 hide him
There's the haunted room I'm the turret
IL he were hidden there no one could find
him. And if any one Of my seTvauts-my
good servants, said the old dame, en-
phatically, 'denounces him I'll eat my
hat, and that's n vulgar expression" q"
added she. as she placed the napkin on
~ ~ ~
and help me 10 dress. / shall leave by
the midday train. You can send all let
ters to the Waterloo Hotel, Guelph
street"
But I am coming also" said Alice, rls-
Ing resolutely.
NO. YOU are not" rejoined Miss Beren-
Caria. patting the hand laid on her shOul-
der. and turning back from the door
Though l am glad to see that you are
ready to help
who has the right to help my darling
but r.
"Ahr' Miss Berengaria rubbed her nose
with satisfaction. 1T does my heart good
to hear you talk sense. Is Bernard inno-
cent?
YES" said Alice, emphatically.
rs ne alive?"
The girl faltered. but Miss Berengaria's s
eyes were on her. and she faltered out a
faint YES"
Not so strong as you ought to be"
said the aunt, sadly My dear. you must
believe that he is alive, because he is.
have no reason to give. so don't ask me
for one. He is alive, and all you have TO
do is 10 remain here and watch for his
coming. Yes. It is more than probable
that Bernard will come here"
but the danger" said Alice, family
Bernard knows neither you nor I will
give him up. and this is the place he
will come TO- The poor soul is being
hunted down, I daresay- But he knows
where TO come to, bless him. Watch. my
dear child. It is probable he will come
at night. Then take him to the turret
room. and tell the servants to hold their
tongues. What's thatG'
It was demure old woman--aii Miss
Berengaria's s servants were aged-who ad-
vanced with 4 telegram for Alice. With
shaking fingers. the girl opened It. From
Mr.. Durham she said He Is Eer-
nard's lawyer, and wants me to come to
see him at once.
No" said Miss Berengaria, taking the
telegram from her. "Tll so myself You
stay here and wait for the coming of
that poor boy.
TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW.