Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-03-01


reasons, by readily falling In with
Capella's suggestion.
"A whisky and soda would be most
grateful" he said.
Tho italian moved towards the
bell
Permit me!' cried Brett
He rose in awkward haste, and
upset his chair with loud crash on
the parquet floor.
How stupid Of me-" he ex-
claimed. whilst Hume wondered
what had happened to furry the bar
rlster, and Capella smochered a curse
A distant bell tangled. BY tacit
consent there was no further talk
until servant appeared. The man
was stranger to Hume.
Oddly enough, Brett took but a
very small allowance OF the spirit.
In reality. he hated alcohol in any
form during the earlier hours. He
was wont to declare that II not only
disturbed his digestion but destroyed
his taste for tobacco, Hume did not
yet know what a concession to excit-
Ing circumstances his new found
friend had made the previous day in
ordering spirits before luncheon
When the servant vanished, Ca
pella settled himself In his chair with
the air of a man awaiting explana-
lions. Yet he was restless and dis
turbed. He was afraid OF these two.
Why? Brett determined to try the ef-
feet Of generallties.
you probably guess the object OF
our VISIT" ne began
81? No. How should guess?"
LAS the husband Of a lady so
closely connected with Mr.. Hume
But the Italian seemed to be firm
~ resolved to end the suspense.
"Caramba,' he broke f. What Ia
it,"
ut is this. Mr.. Hume has asked
me to help him in the investigation
OF certain
The library door swung open, md
lady entered She was tall, grace
full, distinguished looking Her cous-
inship to Hume was unmlstakable.
In both there was the air Of aristO-
cratic birth. Their eyes, the con-
tonr Of their faces. were alike. But
the fresh Anglo-SaXon complexion Of
the man was replaced in the woman
by a peach like skin. whilst her hair
and eyebrows were darker.
She was strikingly beautiful A
plain black dress set of figure that
would have caused sculptor to
dream Of chiseled marble.
"A passionate, voluptuous wo-
man." thought Brett "A woman cas-
lily swayed. but never TO be COM
PEELED. the ready made heroine OF a
tragedy"
Her first expression was one of po-
lite inquiry. but her glance fell upon
Hume. Her face. prone to betray
each fleeing emotion, exhibited sur
prise. almost CONSERVATION.
you. Davie!" she gasped.
Hume went to meet her
yes. Rita" he said. II hope You
are glad to see me-
Mrs. Capella was profoundly agi-
tated, but she held out her hand and
summoned the quick smile Of an
actress.
"Of course am" she cried. 81 did
not know you were in England. Why
did you not let me know, and why
are you here"
81 only returned home three days
| ago. My Journey to Beechcroft was a
hasty resolve. This is my friend, Mr.
Reginald Brett. He was Just about to
explain to Mr.. Capella the object Of
our visit when you came in"
Neither husband nor wife looked
at the other Mrs. Capells was tius-
tered indulging in desperate SUIT
misses. but she laughed readily
| enough.
Il heard noise in this room. and
then the bell rang. | thought some
thing had happened. You know
mean, thought there was no one
| here"
Il fear that | am the cuiprit. Mrs.
| Capella Your husband was good
enough to invite us to enter by the
window, and promptly disturbed
the household"
Brett's pleasant tones came as =
relief. Capella glared at him now
with undisguised hostility for tho
barrister's adroit ruse had outwitted
him by bringing the lady from the
drawing room. which gave on to the
| garden and lawn at the back of the
house.
please do not take the blame OF
my Intrusion. Mr.. Brett" said Mar
garct. with forced composure. You
will stay for luncheon. will you notf
And you, Davie7 Are you at Mrs.
Easthams?"
Her concluding question was
eager, almost wistful. Her cousin
answered It first.
NO" he said We have driven
over from Stowmarket."
And, unfortunately" put in the
barrister, we are pledged TO visit
Mrs. Eastman within an hour
The announcement seemed to
please Mrs. Capella. for some reason
at present hidden from Brett. Hume,
OF course. was mystified by the course
taken by his friend, but held his
peace.
Capella brusquely interfered;
Perhaps. Rita. these gentlemen
would now like to make the explana-
ton which you prevented.
He moved towards the door So
that his wife could rest under no
| ~