The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1907-08-06
CHAPTER XVII.
Jeanette Confesses.

Ing IN his profeSS1on), out ne was
swayed, as most men are, despite
much twaddle to the contrary, by
other motives besides self-interest.
Though he had loyalty defended the
action Of 1.-The court" against the
canon, he had felt that his clients
case was hard one, and his very
respect for his own calling made him
exceedingly resent its powers having
been made use of to enforce wrong.
Henry had not hesitated to sum
mon her husband by telegraph that
afternoon; he had come, as it was
understood, to IS O'Clock tea" in the
most ordinary and natural fashion,
nor was there anything to excite COM
ment in Jeannette's being sent for up
to the drawing-room to give an ac-
count of how the little invalid was
progressing in Albany street.
First, however, Stevie had told his
story, which Uncle Fred transferred
to his note book word by word as
being matter of grave Importance in
deed, which might be wanted after
ward; but this witness, upon jean
nette's appearance, was directed to
withdraw, while Mrs. Triton remained
in court to watch proceedings. The
waiting maid at first was very far
from communicative; she had had
some hours for reflection since the
events of the morning, and her views
we're not what they had been when
1. Lea L. I.pf IAsx L
altered the childs medicine, and
with, of course, some evil intent, she
was well convinced; but she felt sure,
being forewarned, that this would
never occur again. while to make a
further scandal of the matter would
be to entail she knew not what upon
her unfortunate mistress. Moreover,
should her master ever discover that
she was hostile to him, he would turn
her out of doors upon the instant,
when her mistress and the child
would be left without that protection
sary to them. Like most persons
with turn for intrigue, she had too
great confidence in her own re-
sources.
Triton saw at once that she had re-
pented of her offer to make clean
breast of it to him, and shaped his
course accordingly.
What Stevie has stated to me is
matter SO very serious, Jeanette, :"
he said, gravely, that it must be
gone into, whether we will or no.
An attempt to murder cannot be
hushed up, out of regard for the feel
ings of anybody, remember.
But why should it be murder,
sir?" she argued. For all we know,
the doctor may have altered his
opinion, and Mr.. Adair have done
what he did by his advice, Besides,
what good could master get by kill
ing the poor little darling?-his own
flesh and blood, too
when murder is done, Jean
nette,' returned the lawyer, coldly,
sit is not only the murderer who puts
his neck in the loop, but the access
sorry who is in collision with him.
No one who knows you could suspect
you of doing little Willie any harm,
but you will not be known to the
Judge and jury who will try this
case. I warn you, that if you are
concealing anything that may throw
light on this matter, you are playing
a very dangerous as well as foolish
game"
81 am concealing nothing, sir, :"
said Jeanette, obstinately; and then,
with that superf1uity of assertion so
characteristic of her class, added, II
never did"
What, not when you concealed
from your mistress that another
physician had seen little Willie be-
sides DR.. Bagge?"
IF you know SO much about it.,
there was two of EN-" muttered
Jeanette. grudgingly, but with a
sob in her voice.
1t was not so much alarm upon
her own account that had thus caused
her to break down in her resolution
to keep silence, but perpelxity and
distress of mind rs ~
"Then why did you, in collision
with your master, keep that visit
secret from your mistress and DR..
Newton?"
Because / dursn't speak of it."
cried the wretched Jeanette. Mas
ter told me if ever breathed one
word of it out of the house should
go. How do you think my poor mis-
tress and Willie would get on with
out me? What sort of a husband
and father do you take Mr.. Adair to
be that l should let him work his
wicked will upon them? You may
call it collision, you may just as
well accuse dear little Willie herself
of such thing, who ! begged to be
silent about this very matter for her
mothers sake, and she did so, be-
cause, child as she is. she has deal
more sense in her than some people
as are grown up. And after all, what
did it matter about more doctors
coming? They were kind. honest
gentlemen. and, as should Judge by
their manner. none too fond of mas
ter"
Just So" said triton; "you were
quite right in supposing there was
no harm in them. Still must know
who they were
Il know nothing about them. ex-
cept that one called the other Wood
ruffe; and if ever master comes to
hear that told you even so much as
that. whatever happens afterward