Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1907-11-28

When Lord Bayneham reached the
Castle gates his horse was covered
with foam, and the groom who came
to attend him wondered why his
master, usually so careful, had ridden
so smadly. But Lord Bayneham
Gained himself before seeing any
member of his family, almost smiling
at the excitement which had urged
him on. He went direct to his wife's
room and knocked at the door No
one replied: there was no sound with
ina profound, unbroken silence
reigned over the sumptuous suite of
rooms. He opened the door gently
thinking 1t probable that his wife slept
and went in; but the fair young face,
that ever greeted him with a smile,
was absent.
"Ahi he said to himself, "she is
better, then, and has gone down to
the drawing room. | am glad.''
Yet as he stood looking upon the
elegant disarray of the room, cold,
strange fear crept into his heart, and
numbed 1t; he could not explain why
or what-a presentiment of coming
evil. l little watch, ricniy ieweled, lay
ticking upon the table, in the vases
fragrant heliotropes-his wife's favor
its flower-gave out a rich perfume; a
volume that she had been reading lay
with the leaves still open and every
thing bore the trace of her presence.
BuBt where was she?
Lord Bayneham hastily descended
to the drawing-room, where the ladies
of the family generally sat. Barbara
was there reading, but no golden head
was raised at his entrance.
Where is Hilda? he asked alb
ruptly.
Il do not know" replied Miss Earle,
looking at him In some surprise. Il
have not seen her this morning"
Just then Lady Bayneham entered,
with cold. proud expression on her
face, that her son knew well.
Where is Hilda, mother" he asked,
impatlently, Il thought she was with
you"
Your wife does not honor me with
her society,"" was the reply, most
haughtily given. Il went this morning
to her room, but was decidedly refused
admission. I certainly shall not
trouble her again. fl
But where is she?" again de-
manded the earl, secretly admiring
his wife's spirit.
You had better summon her maid,
and inquire" replied the countess, in
differently: Il know nothing of her."
Lord Bayneham quilted the room,
equally angry at Barbara Earle's easy
nonchalance and his mothers pride.
Where is your LADY," he inquired
of Pauline, who began to fiatter her
self that the young lord liked talking
to her.
my lady is out" she replied 49,
carriage was ordered some hours
since. and has not yet returned"
Lord Bayneham gave a sigh of min
gled relief and impotence.
did she--did your lady say WI ere
she Yves going? ne inquired.
NO" was the reply; my lady only
said she was going for long drive
She looked very i'll. my lord. and quite
unfit to be out long"
Lord Bayneham stamped his foot i'm
patiently. Why had he gone to Ouls-
ton? Way had he allowed anything or
any one to come between him and his
fair, gentle wife? He was ashamed to
n Z
would surely think him childish. But
he could not remain in the house; he
went out, and walked again, where he
could see the high road, and catch the
first glimpse Of the carriage. One
hour passed and there was no sign
Of the carriage. The evening began
to set in, the sun sank In the golden
west, the dew fell upon the flowers,
and the birds called all wanderers
home to their nests" but still Lord
Bayneham paced the walk alone, until
he heard the dressing-bell ring.
''She must be here soon," said the
young husband to himself.
Amongst his wifes qualities, he had
always admired the one OF punctuality.
He never remembered to have been
kept waiting. or 10 have seen her late.
This conforted him. She knew the
Inner hour and would not remain be-
yond It
Lord Bayneham never dressed SO
but, when he descended. the
Garage had not arrived. The first
and second bell rang and dinner was
but me young mistress OF
Bayneham was not in her accustomed
place.
What can have delayed Hilda?" in
luired Miss Earle anxiousiy. "She
went out early this afternoon. intend |
ng TO take long drive Surely no
sccid/nt can have happened?" /
Lord Bayneham's face blanched at
he thought
Accidents are not so common. Bar
para" said Lady Bayneham; "If any
hing OF that kind had occurred we
should have heard of II before this.
lady Hilda has been absent many
hours; I presume she has met with
'ome OF our friends or neighhors. who
have persuaded her to return with /