Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1906-10-27
SIR GEOFFREY'S GHOST.
By Author OF THAT Mysterious Major By ConseE
THE Generals God Daughter Etc.

vi course, L can understand how II
is, Miss Dare had observed, as she and
Phyllis had vainly tried to solve the
mystery of the housekeepers sullen looks
II she was fond of her former master
1t must be hard for her to see his cousin
taking his place, especially when one
considers the ugly rumors which were
evidently afoat at the time. Pm sur
prised she can treat him with as much
respect as she does, if they had really
grounds for suspicion"
Il hate that woman" had been Phyl-
lis indignant reply. 81 do not know
what there is about her, but would not
trust her an inch She would do any
thing to suit her own ends!"
Miss Dare shook her head.
You are too hard upon her, my dear;
think that you are rather easily pre-
JUDGED. Mrs. Mathews is really a very
worthy womanl"
We'll, l hope that you may have no
reason to be disappointed. l have not
the smallest faith in her myself"
Nearly week had elapsed since the
night of the accident-six long days upon
which Phyllis looked back with somewhat
mingled feelings, In spite of his press
ing engagements in town, Sir Ughtred
had Immediately made known his inten-
tons of remaining at the manor so long
as the captain was unable to be moved;
but as DR.. Langton had at last pro-
nounced the invalid well enough to bear
the journey, and it had been arranged
that on the day following Grant should
leave for Squire Courtenay's, Sir Ughtred
need delay his departure no longer. And
now Phyllis began to realize that the
week, the prospects of which she had re-
viewed with such foreboding, was passing
with more than ordinary rapidity.
And yet her fears with regard to Capt
Grant had been by no means groundless;
she had found it more dlsagreeable than
even she had imagined, to endure his So
ciety; yet whilst she looked forward
eagerly to his departure, a strange feel
ing of depression, the cause of which she
herself did not understand, seemed to
take possession of her.
ut is quiet here, of course; we are
rather buried alive" she told herself.
still"
Evidently Miss Yelverton was not al
together satisfied that the manor itself
had anything to do with her gloomy
thoughts, for she turned away from the
window with an impatient sigh.
Half past A." she murmured, gazing
absently at the clock. Eyes, come along,
Benedict, we may as well go and see if
there is any sign of James and the tea"
The dog followed her with slow, ma
jestlc steps down the stairs, across the
hall, and into the library, when suddenly
his mistress paused in some dismay
upon discovering both Sir Ughtred and
Capt. Grant installed there.
Apparently they were deep in some
animated discussion, and Phyllis instant
ly drew back and laid her hand upon
the door; but Sir Ughtred, becoming
aware of her presence in the room,
stopped short abruptly in the middle of
sentence and turned towards her.
"Ah, there you are! / was just won
dering about tea-are we to be allowed
to have some soon? Ring the bell, Grant,
James wants rousing."
Under the circumstances there was
nothing for Phyllis to do but to forsake
her idea of beating a hurried retreat, and
to advance towards the fire, where Wharf
was in the act of drawing up a chair.
Yet the moment she sat down she real
lied that it was more than an ordinary
tete-a- tete which she had so unceremoni-
ously interrupted. A strange air of con-
straint seemed to have followed upon her
entrance, and after long silence, which
Capt. Grant occupied in staring fixedly
at the burning embers, he suddenly
reused himself and without a word
walked straight out of the room.
Phyllis, raising pair of slightly trou-
bled eyes to look wonderingly after him,
Immediately encountered Sir Ughtred's
gaze fixed inquiringly upon her.
81 dare say you can guess what the
topic of our engrossing conversation has
been?" her guardian began. 81 suppose
you have pretty good idea of your
friend Grants wonderful perseverance.
Judging from his fund of patience l
should say he must have spent the whole
of his youth in inscribing Nil desperan-
dunn in his copybooks."
Phyllis wrinkled her forehead into n
little frown of perpleXity.
THAT is very strange; my idea of him
is very different. / always think he has
so little patience-eYerything is Just his
luck good or bad, as the case may be,
and he never troubles any further"
"Ah. perhaps that applies as a general
rule!" Wharf laughed sarcastlcally.
But if it is not patience and persever-
ance when fellow who has been declined
with thanks at least half a dozen times
is still living in hope, 1 do not know
what it is"
"Whyl" Phyllis turned a shade paler.
''What do you mean"
"Only that Grants last idea upon the
subject is that, as all his persuasions
have failed, I, as your guardian, should
use my influence and urge upon you the
advisability of the match. And /" Sir
Ughtred, standing with folded arms, and
with an expression of peculiar grimness
upon his face, hesitated slightly and gave
one swift glance in Phyllis direction.
well, the fact is. consented to do what
l could, on the understanding that your
answer, whatever it may be, Is tinali
rT-z IL 49, rv-f