New-York tribune., 1906-10-21
THE GREAT SECRET
Continued from page 10

ton, which made me at once aware that the
name was of interest to him. Yes. Do you
know him?" | asked namely.
Is his wife here," he asked.
Lady Dennisford is seldom away" l an
swered. She entertalns good deal down
here; but she is by way of being an invalid. y
very popular woman in the county"
He seemed to be measuring the distance
across the park with his eyes. Let us go
across and see her. he said.
| looked at him doubtfully. Can YOU walk
far?" l asked.
He nodded. YES; have my stick, and If
necessary you can help me-
So we set out across the park. | asked him
we had crossed the road and were on our way
up the avenue to Dennisford House, he
ClutChed at nv arm.
Il want to see her alone" he muttered.
81 will see what | can do" l answered.
Lady Dennisford and | are old friends"
We reached the great sweep in front of the
house. pointed to the terrace, on which were
several wicker chairs.
The windows from the drawing room.
where | shall probably see Lady DennisfOrd,
give me any message which would interest her
perhaps
Tell her." he muttered, that you have a
guest who walked with her once under the
orange trees at Seville, and who in few days
will walk no more anywhere. She viii come"
heavily upon his stick, and sank with little
sigh of relief into one of the cushion laden
wicker chairs. | watched him lean back with
half closed eyes, and realized then what an
effort this walk must have been to him.
Before me the great front doors stood open,
and with the familiarity of close neighbOrship
passed into the cool shaded hail. with its
palms and flowers, its billiard table invitingly
uncovered, its tiny fountain playing in its
marble basin. There was no one in sight, but,
ha1 hr,crl cot
back in the heart of great easy chair, was a
small Japanese spaniel.
Our recognition was mutual. The dog rose
slowly to his launches, and sat there looking
at me. His apple green bow had wandered to
the side OF his neck, and one ear was turned
back. Yet, notwithstanding the fact that his
appearance was so far grOteSque, | felt no
inclination whatever toward mirth. His coal
black eyes were fixed upon me Steadfastly, his
tiny wrinlled face seemed like the shriveled
and age worn CarICature of some Eastern
magician. He showed no signs of pleasure or
OF welcome at my coming, nor did he share
any of the bewilderment with which | gazed
at him. But for the abSurdity of the thing.
should have said that he had been sitting there
waiting for me.
While l stood there dumbfounded, not so
much in wonder at this meeting the dog
but amazed beyond measure at the things
which his presence there seemed to Indicate
he descended carefully from his chair and
crossing the smooth oak laid floor, made his
way to the foot of the great staircase. and
after premonitory yawn, INDUCED in one
sharp penetrating bark Almost Immediately
the French maid came gliding down the stairs
still gowned in the somberest black. still as
pale as a woman could be The dog looked at
her and then at me. Then, apparently con-
ceiving that his duty was finished, he returned
to his chair and curled himself up. | spoke to
the maid.
. Is your mistress staying here'" I asked
But yes, monsieur. she answered. We
arrived yesterday.
Is she in now" l asked Could I see
her."
II will inquire" the maid answered Made