The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1907-08-27
CHAPTER XXI.
Abandoned.

Though Robert Aldred had an
1ounced his intention of seeing with
his own eyes how things were going
on in Albany street." he did not on
his arrival in London drive thither
directly. He had no less modest a
confidence in his own powers as con-
cerned business matters than the
canon himself, and it was clear to
him that his influence with Sophy
would be much less than that of his
father. He wisely resolved to take
no action without the approval of
Frederic Triton, of whose judgment he
had the very highest opinion, and
therefore drove straight to that
gentleman's Office in Bedford Row.
triton received him with great cor
diality, but with serious air. To
his apologies for troubling him
about what might after all turn out
to be of no great confidence-refer-
ring to Sophy's letter to the canon
he answered unhesitatingly, you
have done quite right
DO you really think, then, that
she is on the brink of some desperate
step?"
Son some decisive step she may
be- he replied. thoughtfully; "the
desperation will be the other way, ]
mean upon her husbands side.''
But will not that involve her in
peril?"
Undoubtedly, if certain precau-
tons had not been taken. He is like
some wild beast over whom a net has
been thrown. 1t is scarcely visible
to him, and seems slight enough, but
Ii he attempts to escape, to strug-
GLE
But if he finds he cannot escape, -
interrupted Robert, apprehensively
lis there no fear of his doing mis-
chief to innocent people-those who
are in his power, and whom he may
confuse, perhaps, with his enemies
am prejudiced, of course; but il
seems to me that this Adair is q
sort of man who will stick at moth.
ing"
Here cab drove rapidly up to the
| door, and the Office bell rung with
| violence
II should not wonder if that was
some news about our friend" con
tinued triton, with his finger raised
for silence. Clients, unless, indeed
they are ladies who have suffered
wrong, do not try our bell wires S,
| severely"
Are you expecting news abou
him?"
mot this morning in particular
but it must needs come soon"
A clerk entered with a card in hi
hand. He gave it to his employer
who passed it on, with a signifcan
look, to Aldred.
Good heavens, triton! It is tn
| man himself"
Yes; think I can guess what h
has come about" returned the law
yer, grimly; sit down at yonde
desk, with pen in your hand, am
| you will hear what the gentleman ha
to say for himself. Show him in
| Mason"
The next moment Adair was usil
cred into the room. He looked pale
as he always did, but with differ
ence; his color was leaden, even t
his lips. He might have been
corpse but for his eyes, which, afte
a hungry glance around the room
fixed themselves like two burnin
Goals upon the lawyer,
You are not Alone he said
what / have to say to you must b
said in private"
THE gentleman yonder is in m
confidence" returned Triton. coidl,
IF you object to his presence yo
can say what you have to say i
writing. l will not see you alone /"
You are afraid. are you?' sincere
Adair
Not in the least. since I al
neither your wife nor your child"
"Ah! your words convince me Tn;
/ am on the right track. Since yo
will have witness. so much tx
worse for you | ana here to say tn;
you have committed an infamy. .
/ ''Indeedi l do not confess it, bl
1 admit that you should be a, goo
judge of what is infamous?"
Where are my wife and child
exclaimed Adair. passionately 'Ths
have been lHred away from home
your Vaccinations, Where d
they?"
| - cannot tell you"