Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-03-22

course. appeared In elaborate cos
tunes.
Helen wore q simple white mus
lin dresB, with pale blue ribbons.
Margaret, mindful OF the barristers
hint concerning her attire, now APP
peared in pale grey crepe de chine,
trimmed with cerlse panne velvet.
when she entered the drawing
room she almost startled the others,
30 strong was tho contrast between
her present effective garments and
the black ralment she had affected
constantly since her return to Beech
croft after her marriage
THE reform has commenced" she
cried gaily, seeing how they looked
at her. MY maid is in ecstasics
about the proposed visit to my dress
makers. She insisted on showing
me q study for an Ascot frock in the
Queen"
"Ah. she ia Frenchwoman!"
said Brett.
Eyes: and pray what mystery have
you elucidated now"
mot mystery. but sober fact
7
mode. Anybody else would have
told yon to copy yourself. Fashions
are a sealed book 10 me. but | do
claim certain taste in color effect.
and you have gratined IT,"
And have you nothing nice to say
to me. Mr.. Brett?" pouted Helen
so much | must remain dumb. I
have vivid recollection of MI
Hume's tragic air when he asked me
to give YOU his Kind regards. "
"The dear boy! You have not yet
told why you left him in London"
In view Of Mrs Capella's out
spokenncss concerning her cousin,
this was a poser. Brett fenced with
the query, end the announcement CT
dinner stopped all personal refer
ences. The harrister's eyes wan
dered round the dining-room. The
shaded candles Oh the table did not
permit much liEht to fall on the
walls, but such portraits as were
visible showed that David was right
when he said the Hume Fra2ers
were all alike" They were hand
some, determined looking race,
strong. dour. irnexihle.
The night was beautifully fine. The
day seemed 10th to die, and the twi-
! light lingering on the pleasant land
scape tempted them outside. after
/ the butler had handed Brett a box OF
excellent cigars.
They went through the conserva-
tory into the park, and sauntered
over the sprIngy pasture-land, whilst
Brett amused the ladies by a care
fully edited account OF his visit to
the Jiro family
An hour passed IN pleasant chat.
Then Miss Layton thought 1t was
time she went home, and Brett pro-
posed 10 escort he" to the Rectory,
! subsequently picking up his convey
ance at the inn
/ They walked obliquely across the
/ park towards the house, regaining 1t
! through a clump Of laurels and the
| conservatory.
IT CHANGED for a moment they
were silent. Margaret led the way.
Helen followed. Brett came close
| behind
When the mistress of Beechcroft
! Hall stepped on TO the turf in front
| of the library, man who was stand
| Ing under the yews little way down
| the avenue moved forward 10 accost
her.
She uttered little cry OF alarm
and retreeted quickly.
why. Dayie cried Helen,
Surely 1t cannot be YOU"
The stranger made no reply. but
| paused irrcsolutely. Even in tho
dim light Brett needed no second
| glance to reveal to him the astound-
/ Ing coincidence that this mysterious
prowler was Robert Hume Frazer.
Good evening"" he said politely.
DO you wish to see your cousin"
And who the devil may you be?"
was the unconpromising answer.
"A friend of Mrs. Capella's."
| HIN, I'm glad to hear it.
thought you could not he that beast
/ ~ Italian"
you are candor itself but you
have not answered me-"
"A bout seeing my cousin! No.
will call when she is less engaged"
He turned to go. but Brett caught
him by the shoulder.
"Will you come quietly" he said,
''or by the scruff of the neck"
The other man wheeled round
again. That he feared no personal
violence was evident. Indeed, it was
possible Brett had estimated
his own strength in suggesting the
alternative.
The Argentine cousin laughed
boisterously.
by the Lord Harry" he cried. II
like your style! will come in. II
only to have good look at you"
They approached the two fright
ened women. Margaret had recog-
nized his voice. and now advanced
with outstretched hand.
II am glad to see you, Robert"
she said In tones that vibrated some
what. why did you not let me know
you were coming2"
because I did not know myself
until sn hour before I left London.
Moreover, you might have wired and
told me to stop away. so | sailed
without orders"
The position was awkward. Tho
Fl~rA