Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-03-08

silently again. II was a pity he had
cultivated that trick. It spoilt an
otherwise classically regular set Of
features.
"Jamesl" he shouted.
The footman entered
Take this gentleman 70 your mis-
tress. ! have done with him"
For the present. James," said
Brett.
The astonished servant led him
along a corridor and knocked at q
door hidden by a silk curtain Mrs.
Capella rose to receive her visitor
She was very pale now, but quite
calm and dignified in manner.
"Davie did not come with you7"
she said, when Brett was seated near
to her in an clcove formed by an oriel
window.
mo. He is with Miss Layton"
"Ah. am not sorry. I prefer 10
talk with you alone"
1T is perhaps better. Your cousin
Is impulsive in some respects, though
self-contained enough in others
ct may be so. I like him, al
though we have not seen much Of
each other since we were children. /
knew him this morning principally
on account Of his likeness TO Alan.
But you are his friend, Mr. Brett,
and I can discuss with you matters
would not care to breach with him.
He is with Helen Layton now, you
say"
YES, and let me add an explana-
ton. Those two young people are
devoted to each other. No power on
earth could separate them"
why do You tell me that"
because think you wished TO he
assured Of IT."
You are clever. Mr.. Brett. II you
can interpret a criminals designs az
we'll as you can read woman's heart
YOU must be terror to evil doors"
A slight color came into her
cheeks. The barrister leaned for
ward. his hands clasped and arms
resting on mis- knees.
II have Just seen your husband"
he said.
She exhibited no marked sign OF
emotion but he thought he detected
a frightened look in her eyes.
Again ask" she exclaimed,
why do you tell me?"
THE reason is obvious. You ought
to know all that goes on. There was
a quarrel this morning between him
and David Hume. Your husband
wished me to arrange duel. ! prom
ised him a visit from the police II l
heard any more OF such nonsense"
"A duel More bloodshed" she
almost whispered
do not have any alarm for either
Of them. They are quite safe. | Will
guarantee so much, at any rate. But
your husband is a somewhat curious
person. He is prone TO strong and
sudden hatreds-and attachments.
Margaret pressed her hands 70 her
face. She could no longer bear the
torture OF make believe quiescence.
oh. what shall do" she walled.
II am the most miserable woman IN
England to-day. and I might, have
been the happiest."
why are you miserable, Mrs. ca
pella?" asked Brett gently.
II cannot tell you. Perhaps IT Is
owing to my own folly. Are you sure
that David and Helen intend to get
married?'
Yes"
Then for Heavens sake, let the
wedding take place. Let them leave
Beechcroft and its associations for
ever
3 That cannot be until Humes
character is cleared from the odium
attached to 1t"
You mean my brothers death.
But that has been settled By the
courts. David was declared Not
guilty Surely that will suffice,
No good purpose can be gained by
reopening an inquiry closed by the
law
Il think you are little unjust TO
your cousin in this matter, Mrs. Ca
pella. He and his future wife feel
very grievously the slur cast upon
ais name. You know perfectly we'll
that X half the people in this county
were asked, Who killed Sir Alan
Hume-Frazer? they would say
David Hume The other half would
shake their heads in dubietv. and
prefer not to be on visiting terms with
David Hume and his wife. No your
brother was killed in a particularly
foul way. He died needlessly, so far
as we can learn. His death should be
avenged. and this can only be done
by tracking his murderer and ruth
lessly bringing the wretch to justice.
Are not these your own sentiments
when Invested OF all conflicting de-
sires?"
Brett's concluding sentence seemed
to petrify his nearer.
I'm what way can help you?" she
murmured. and the words appeared
to come from a heart Of stone.
There are many items I want
cleared up, but I do not wish TO dis
tress you unduly. Can you not refer
me to your solicitors, for instance?
l imagine they will be able TO an
swer all my queries
mo. ! prefer to deal with the az
fair myself"
Very we'll. / will commence with
you personally. Why did you quar-
rel with your brother in London q
few days before his death?"
Because l was living extrava-