Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-11-29

49, companied by any OF the 9th
crs. There was nothing incomprehcn-
sibe in this or any SAVIOR Of dis
courtesy.
In the first place. Mr.. Trail was so
profoundly shocked by the lighthouse
keepers revelation that he collapsed
into chair and remained there, bowed
and wordcss, for many minutes Both
Pyne and Stanhope did move toward
the door. but Enid. watchful. self sac
riticnC eager to save those she loved
from further pain. telegraphed an cm-
phatc order to Stanhopc to remain
where he was, and pyne murmured to
him
Guess she's right, anyhow. We'll all
feel heap better in the morning"
The person who exhibited the clear
est signs of distress was Lady Marga-
ret. Her position was one of extra or
binary difficulty. Three of the actors
Ia the GREATNESS scene which had been
sprung on her with the suddenness OF
TN explosion were absolute strangers
IN her life before that evening.
Brand she knew indeed. but only by
Enid occasionally, at arms length, 50
to speak. regarding them truly as dan
Eerous young persons where marriage
able sons were concerned. Enid had
justified her suspicious, and her lady
ship had yielded so far as to give her
approval to an engagement she could
not prevenc.
eos, 1,cJ 70
her hand. Stanhope. being an outspo-
ken young man. had made no secret Of
his desperate resolve to rescue Enid. so
the newspapers supplied the remainder
of the romance. and even Lady Marga-
ret herself had contributed to it under
the magnetic influence Of the hour.
It was one thing, however. to be
thrilled with the adventures of the
rock bound people, but quite another to
figure promin entity in connection with
a social scandal of the first magnitude.
She know penzancc too we'll to hope
that the incident would sink into obliv-
ion. Obviously the matter could not
rest in its present stage. She must ex-
pect disagreeable disclosures, signifi-
cant head shaklngs of those who knew
little and wanted to know more. All
the tea table artillery of small town
would he focused on her defensive po-
sition We're she loyal to the girl whom
her son had chosen as his helpmate.
This same son, too after he had re-
covered from the amazement Of Mrs.
Vansittart's dramatic departure and
Brands admission, betrayed compo-
sure that was distinctly irritating.
you won't mind If we smoke, moth
err" he said The situation requires
tobacco. Don't you feel like that,
PyneT
"If Lady Margaret doesn't object. l
admit that different sorts of poison
might act as tonics." answered Pyne.
Here, uncle; try brandy and soda.
Lady Margaret. II glass of champagne.
I've been expecting a disturbance, but
didn't look for it tonight"
"Why do You say that, Charlie?"
asked Mr.. Trail, rising and stretching
his limbs as man who tests his bones
after heavy fall.
ut was hanging around. just as one
prophesies a storm after an electrical
feeling in the air Mrs. Nansittart rec
ognized Brand and made her calcula-
tons accordingly. Let us give her the
credit due to her. AS soon as she dis
covered him, the marriage project was
off"
81 had that kind Of impression my
self. Glad mentioned it to you now.
"Of course sou are. I'll bet any rea-
sonnbc man that Mrs. Nansittart in
tended to leave pcnZunCe tomorrow as
soon as she had made you understand
that she could not, under any circum
stances. become my aunt
A ghost OF II smile fitted across Mr.
Tralrs face. His nephews way OF
putting things was delightfully."- un
eqUivocal
'What we nre apt TO lose sight OF.
continued Pync "is the manner in
which Brand received what must have
been staggering blow. He met his
wife tonight after Il separation OF more
than twenty years. And how he took
1t! When he spoke it was really in hci
behalf. The thing Is too amazing. OF
course. now that the thunder and light
ming have started, the sky will clear al
the sooner"
"Unhappily, such affairs do not ar
range themselves so readily" snapped
Lady Margaret. She was becoming
more angry with each wave Of refiec
ton. Young men like you do not real
lie the effect Of such-such unpleasant
exposures Of family life How will
the carly history Of her parents affec
the future OF Constance Brand? A
for the other grl''-
Her ladyship threw up her hands II
helpless abandonment. To her mine
the adoption of poor Enid. the sei
waif, assumed a darker appearance
now that Brands matrimonial adven
lures revealed sinister features.
Jack Stanhope caught her by tn
shoulder
Mother" he cried, "before you sa,
another word let me tell you something
you ought to know. Enid is MI
Trails daughter"
Now, this good woman loved her sol
dearly. All her thoughts were Of hin
and for him. Her look OF blank incre
dulity yielded TO the confirmation sh
saw writ on all three faces.
She burst into tears.
Apparently | am the last person (
be taken into anybody's confidence,
uha