Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-09

sat there and, picking out the lawyer from
the rest, sauntered easily up to him and sat
down.
my name is Johnston" said he. I'm
from New York-like yourself, I believe"
The lawyer with a twinkle in his light
blue eyes, answered with cordial nod; and
in two minutes a lively conversation had
begun between them on purely impersonal
subjects suited to the Intelligence OF the
however. An opportunity soon came for
Mr.. Ransom found himself coseted with
this man who he had reason to believe was
the sole holder of the key to the secret
which was devouring him.
A bottle of wine was on the table between
them and some cigars. AS Mr.. Ransom
filled the two glasses he spoke:
Il have to thank YOU" he began, but
saw Immediately that he had made wrong
start.
For what, Mr.. Johnston?" asked the
other coldly.
For giving me this opportunity to speak
alone with YOU, Hanson explained with a
gossip is SO necessary to me after day OF
hard work Perhaps you don't know that
am an author-have been one for seven
whole hours. 1 find 1t exhausting. You
could give me great relief by talking a little
on some foreign subject say on the one
now engrossing every one In the house, the
twin ladies from New York. You were in
the same coach with them. Did they quar-
rel and did the most willful of the two in
sist on getting out at the foot Of the hill
and walking up through the lane?"
Il doubt If have anything to say to Mr.
Johnston ON this subject was the wary
reply.
What if he added another name to the
Johnston2"
ut would make no appreciate difference.
The driver is loquacious fellow; talk to
him.
Mr.. Ransom felt his heart fail him. He
surveyed closely the mouth which had ut
LII I, nv,1 hat
was set in line there was no mistaking.
Little enlightenment was to be got from
this man. Yet he made one more effort.
Did my wife sign the will?' he asked;
"An pretense aside, this is a very important
matter to me, Mr.. Harper: not on account
Of the money involved, but because the do
ing Of this simple act seemed to require
such an effort on her part"
you are mistaken" was the quick reply,
harshly accentuated. "She did Just what
she wanted to do. She was not in the least
coerced, unless it was by circumstances"
"Circumstancesl But that Is what mean.
They seem to have been too much for her.
1 want to understand these circumstances"
The lawyer honored him with his first di-
rect look.
II don't understand them myself" said
he.
You don't?"
mo"
Mr.. Ransom set down the wine glass he
had raised half way to his lips.
You have simply followed her orders?'
you have said it. Your wife is a woman
Of much more character than you think.
She has amazed me-"
''She is amazing me. I am here; she is
here; only few boards separate US. But
iron Sbars could not be more effectual.
dare not approach her door: dare not ask
her to accept from me the natural protec-
ton of a lover and husband. Instinct holds
me back, or her will, which may not be
stronger than wine, but is certainly more
dominant"
Lawyers do not believe much in instinct
as a usual thing, but should advise conf
dence in this one. A woman with q tre-
mendous will like that of Mrs. Ransom
should be allowed a slack tether. The day
will arrive when she will come to you her
self. This I have said before; can say
nothing more to you tonight"
Then there Is nothing in the will you
have drawn up to show that she has lost
her affection for mer
The lawyer drained his glass.
II have not been given permission to de-
clare Its terms. said he when his glass was
I'm other words, am to know nothing"
exclaimed his exasperated companion.
Not from me-"
som withdrew Immediately up stairs.
At 10 o'clock he retired The last look he
cast down the hall had shown him the
drowsy figure Of the maid sim sitting at her
night. But he had little expectation Of
sleep. Though the wind had Quieted down
and the rain fell with increasing gentleness,
the roar Of the waterfall surged through eli
his thoughts, which In themselves were
turbulent. He did sleep. however-slept
peacefully until half-past !. when he and all
In the house were startled by q Wild and
Terror was In tho sound and in an instant
every door was open save the two which
were shut upon Georgian and her twin sis
ter.