Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-12-26
CHAPTER XXI.

before he was summoned back to
her.
i She was white to the lips as
they sat down again together, but she
was a woman Of strong will, and her
voice was steady when she spoke to
him
GLOW in the world, Peter. did you
come by this papery she began.
He told her briefly Of his summer at
the farm and of his investigation Of
the haunted room. He did not, how
ever, mention his nightly seances with
Eunice. Miss Wolcott was nothing if
not conventional.
"You believe this story?" Her ques-
lions were abrupt and sharp.
II do. Do your
II am open to conviction. And you
would tell me that this paper remained
undiscovered all these years and that
my niece has been kept by this farm
er's family. knowing nothing Of her
origin? You say you met her at this
farm?"
EYES,"
1.-THE proof of her identity offered
here?" she demanded.
He drew from his pocket small
box and handed it to her. She quickly
opened it and took out the chain and
locket.
her face grew whittier as she handled
them, and her voice was not steady
when she spoke again.
ooh! IL remember this!-1 remem-
Der clasping it about her little neck"
She leaned her head on her hand for
an instant. But she quickly, rallied.
"And the other proof?" she ques-
toned.
at is there"
'The two little moles under her
carp
| II saw them"
'Tell me of the girl"
| Her tone was tense with anxiety.
Was it the prospect Of losing her
wealth or her fear of hearing an I'M
welcome account Of her niece that
| drew those deep lines about her strong
mouth?
"She has been brought up in the
farmers family-not quite as mem
Der Of the family
II should hope not"
"But rather as their servant"
She sank back in her chair, looking
as though he had struck her in the
face.
what do you mean?"
''She has done every sort Of menial
work to pay them for giving her a
home. She has been domestic
drudge for them"
He felt that he was cruel, but he
was speaking advisedly. and at least
his purpose in putting the case so bru-
| tally was merciful-to both Eunice and
her aunt.
"A servant! To farmers family!
Ny Nicer
AS she spoke kinross had sudden
mental picture of Eunice transplantet
into this house-her own house really
| He saw the girl in all her exquisite
delicacy Of face and form, her grace
her thrilling voice, her natural dignity
in contrast to Miss Wolcott's funny
dumpy little figure, abrupt manner ant
almost coarse features.
"The girl would appear distinguish
ed beside her, he thought.
s"Then she is crude, uneducatet
country girl, quite unfit for decent SO
ciety?' she demanded
"It depends upon what you mean b.
decent"
as she quite hopeless. or could some
thing possibly be done for her!'
"Her blood ought to tell for some
thing" he said, not without touch o
malice.
"Unless she has been ruined by he
environment And it would be too lat
now to make up for her lack OF edu
cation. OF course they never sent he
to school"
"Not after she was twelve year
old"
"Gracious."
"she has never been away from tn
farm except he stoically added, It
20 with her foster parents to town t
market to sell vegetables, butter an
eggs, smearcase, apple butter, pon
haus. snits and sauerkraut."
She gazed at him speechless.
LET her have it, he thought. Il
will do her good. If she does the RICH
thing, she will fipd, out for hersel