The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1906-10-31
CHAPTER XVII.

Antonio had given very little thought
20 her uncle's wife in these long, sad, anx-
dous days, and she was almost startled
on the afternoon following that meeting
with Gerald when a little note was
brought to her with the message that
Lady Betty MarchnIont was waiting be-
low in her carriage, and desired to see
her. The girls first instinct was to re-
fuse the request.
But even while she paused, Lady Char
lotte's maid came to tell her that Lady
Betty had left her carriage, and had TAX
en- it for granted that Antonio would
see her; it would be, therefore, impossi-
bic for the girl to avoid going down
stairs.
Lady Betty, to carry through her plans
as regards Gerald, however, had to play
a role with Antonia Therefore she be-
gan to probe Antonio delisately.
There is something written in your
face that seems to tell me you are still
troubled, that the news that caused you
60 quarrel with your father is still the
same"
Hubert is still missing" answered An
tonia; "for five long days he has been
lost to us. You remember that / spoke
70 you of this faithful friend of his; it
Is Ben who has been searching; yet we
cannot find trace of Hubert"
"Oh! you must have help!' cried Lady
Betty. This is not the matter for an
amateur; you must have professional aid.
You ought to have had detectives from
the very beginning"
ut is this suspense, this uncertainty"
Antonio said, in a low, suffering voice,
'.that kills slowly"
"You must hope always, dear; am
sure you are passing through very hard
time; but, believe me, it will come to an
end--a happy end, mean"
At that moment the door was opened
and one of the maids appeared
"Sir Gerald Tenby wishes to know,
miss, IL you will speak to him for few
minutes"
Betty Marchmont turned very pale. She
seemed to tremble from head to foot This
was confirmation of what she had inn
aglncd: but shr found that the truth was
very unpalatable. Antonia had said one
word only as the maid gave her this mes
sage.
''Impossible!" fell from her lips, and
then she paused and hestated
Back to her memory came the task she
had set herself; the acute necessity of OBJ
tanning Information about Hubert, no mat
ter at what cost to herself. Before she
could speak, however Lady Betty had
sprung to her feet.
81 will see Sir Gerald for you, An
tonia," she said, hurriedly; you really
are not fit to see any one. Let me ex-
plain to him that you are ill.,
A slight frown contracted Antonias
brows. Once again there rushed over her
mind that strong feeling of distrust for
this other wosSsn. Her manner was at
its coolest as she spoke in answer:
"There is no need to burden yourself
with this Grand" she said, unless, of
course, you wish to speak to Sir Gerald
yourself"
But Ledy Betty was already half out
of the room.
Il can explain so much better than
maid" she said, and she passed down the
staircase with an excitement thrilling her.
Gerald was waiting on the doorstep. He
had refused to enter the house until he
knew that Antonio would see him. His
face was very dark as he turned sudden
Ily and saw Betty Marchmont coming to-
ward him.
4 She saw his expression, and resented
lat bitterly; but this was too good an OBJ
iportunity to be lost. She made full de-
'snand on her subtlety.
lie DOES not wanS to SEA mt, she said