Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-07-17
CHAPTER XVII.

Antonio had given very little thought
to her uncle's wife in these long, sad, anx-
ious days, and she was almost startled
on the afternoon following that meeting
with Gerald when q little note was
brought to her with the message that
Lady Betty Marchmont was waiting be
low in her carriage, and desired to see
her. The girls first instinct was to re-
fuse the request.
But even while she paused, Lady Char
lotte's maid came to tell her that Lady
Betty had left her carriage, and had tax
en- 1t for granted that Antonio would
see her it would be, therefore, impossi-
BILE for the girl to avoid going down
stairs.
Lady Betty, to carry through her plans
as regards Gerald, however, had 10 play
a role with Antonio. Therefore she be-
gan to probe Antonio delicately.
There is something written in your
face that seems to tell me you are still
troubled, that the news that caused you
to quarrel with your father is still the
same"
Hubert is still missing" answered An
tonia 'for five long days he has been
lost to us. You remember that / spoke
TO you of this faithful friend of his; it
is Ben who has been searching; yet we
cannot find a trace of Hubert"
"Oh you must have help!' cried Lady
Betty. This is not the matter for an
amateur; you must have professional aid.
You ought to have had detectives from
the very beginning"
"It is this suspense, this uncertainty"
Antonio said, in a low, suffering voice,
''that kills slowly"
You must hope always, dear; / am
sure you are passing through very hard
time but, believe me, it will come to an
end--a happy end, mean"
At that moment the door was opened,
and one of the maids appeared.
'Sr Gerald Tenby wishes to know,
miss, if you viii speak to him for few
minutes"
Betty Marchmont turned very pale. She
seemed to treulble from head to foot. This
was confirmation of what she had i'm
agined; but she found that the truth was
very unpalatable. Antonio had said one
word only as the maid gave her this mes
sage.
Impossible ~ fell from her lips, and
then she paused and hesitated.
had set herself the acute necessity of OBJ
tanning information about Hubert, no mat
ter at what cost to herself. Before she
could speak, however, Lady Betty had
sprung to her feet.
81 will see Sir Gerald for you, An
tonia," she said, hurriedly; you really
are not fit TO see any one. Let me ex-
plain to him that you are ILL.,"
A slight frown contracted Antonia's
brows. Once again there rushed over ner
mind that strong feeling of distrust for
this other woman. Her manner was at
its coolest as she spoke in answer:
There is no need TO burden yourself
with this Grand" she said. unless, of
course, you wish to speak to Sir Gerald
yourself"
But Lady Betty was already half out
of the room.
Il can explain so much better than a
maid" she said, and she passed down the
staircase with an excitement thrilling her
Gerald was waiting on the doorstep. He
had refused to enter the house until he
knew that Antonio would see him. His
face was very dark as he turned sudden
ly and saw Betty Marchmont coming to-
Ward him.
She saw his expression, and resented
II bitterly; but this was too good an OPP
portunity TO be lost. She made full de-
raaud on her subtlety.
"He does not want TO see me-" she said
to herself. II will punish him for this.
regret to say, Sir Gerald" she said.
aloud. that Antonio is not well enough
to see you. l was just leaving her. and
she begged me to convey this message to
You"
She was quick to note that kind of
relief fitted across his face as he heard
her voice. She had managed TO convey
so much in her tone. and to carry out
this effect 10 more successful issue, she
was passing him 10 go TO her carriage
without another word; but Gerald stopped
her.
pray forgive me. Lady Betty" he said.
II have a great weight on my conscience,
and a thousand apologies to make to you,
Would it be possible for US TO speak to-
gether for little while;"
He glanced at her carriage as he spoke.
but though she was elated beyond meas
ure az her success. Lady Betty played now
the part of prudence TO perfection. She
ignored his suggestion that she should ask
him 10 drive with her.
Il am going to the park in about half
an hours time" she said. coldly: per
haps We might find an opportunity of
speaking for a few minutes there and,
bending her head. she went forward, and
sat in her victoria.
He found his way to the park, and
soon located Lady Betty.
lei rs go TO those two chairs" he
said. indicating two placed under the
grateful shade OF the trees some little dis
tance away from the crowd.
Gerald helped her to alight. and they
strolled over the grass together. She felt
tha, he was playing part. and she Won
dered what truth he was trying 10 hide.
While he was endeavoring TO make aowery
little seeches TO her, she broke in upon
them abruptly.
II don't want any more excuses, she
said You cannot put aside ,ne fact thar
Won treated me very rudely. l don't think
there are many women who would have
done what did the other day, TO 20 by
myseH to your rooms simply for the pur-
pos. of warning YEA"
The smile had frooen On Gerald Tea