The San Francisco call., 1907-02-03

the village last night TO see me, don
you think that it would occur to any
quarreled? There could be no proof,
of course, but the mere suggestion is
unpleasant enough
We were in the middle of the open
road and the wagon was several yards
in front. Nevertheless she drew little
closer to me, and almost whispered in
my ear
DO you know who he is, what he
wanted to see you about
Il have no idea" | answered. Il
am quite sure that / never saw him be-
fore in my life
did you see him last nlsht?" she
asked.
Not to speak to- I answered. II
did catch Just glimpse Of him. l
believe, in rather strange way. But
that was ALL
What do you mean?
Il saw him looking in through my
window, but he came no nearer. Lady
Angela and Colonel Ray were in the
room"
I'm your room?"
Yes. Colonel Ray called to say that
ne was sorry TO have spoiled my lee
ture.''
And Lady Angela"
yes"
she came IN t0o?
The girls open -mouthed curiosity ir-
ritated me.
IT happened to be i'll when Colonel
to me-"
This man, then" she continued, "he
looked in and went away?''
"I suppose So" l answered. Il saw
no more Of him.
She turned toward me breathlessly.
Il don't see how fall could have
killed him, or how he could have wan
dered of into the marshes just there.
The creek isn't nearly deep enough to
have drowned him unless he had
walked deliberately in and lain down.
He was quite sober, too. when he spoke
to me. Mr.. Ducaine, how did he die?
What killed hina?v
I shook my head.
III I could answer you these ques-
tions,' I said. II should feel much
easier in my own mind. But cannot.
1 know no more about 1t than you do. !"
We We're both silent for time, but
/ saw that there was new look In
her face. 1t was welcome relief when
a groom from Rowchester overlook US
and pulled up his horse by our side
Are you Mr.. Ducaine, sir?" he asked.
touching his hat
Yes" l answered.
II have a note for you from his
Grace, sir he said. Il was to take
back an answer if / found you at
home
open. It contained only few lines,
in large sprawling handwriting.
"ROWCHESTER.W Wednesday Morning.
THE Duke OF Rowchester presents
his compliments to Mr.. Ducaine, and
would be much obliged IL he could
make it convenient to call upon him
at Rowchester between three and -four
o'clock this afternoon
! folded the note up and turned to
the groom.
will you tell his grace said, that
you found me on the road, and was
unable, therefore. to write my answer,
but l will call at the time he men,
tions?"
The man touched his hat and rode
away. Blanche Moyat, who had been
standing few yards on, rejoined me.
Has the Duke sent for you to so
there?" she asked, with obvious curl
osity.
Yes. He has offered to lend me the
village hail. told her. II expect that
is what he wants to see me about"
She tossed her head.
You didn't tell me so just now,
when ] told YOU that father had offered
to speak about It," she remarked.
Il am afraid l said, gravely. my
mind was full of more serious mat
ters.
She said no more until We reached
the front OF the Moyats' house. Then
she did not offer me her hand. but she
stood quite close to me. and spoke in
an unnaturaily low tone.
You wish me, then. she said. not
to mention about that msn---his asking
the way to your cottage?'
1t seems quite unnecessary"
answered, and It would only mean
that i should be bothered with ques-
tions which I could not answer,"
Very we'll" she said. 'Good-hy."
| shuddered to myself ~ followed
the wagon down the narrow street
toward the police station. A strange
reserve had crept into her manner durs
Ing the latter portion of Our walk.
There was something In Ver mind
which she shrank from putting into
words. Did she believe that I was re-
sponsible for this grim tragedy which
had SO suddenly thrown It's shadow
over my humdrum little life7