Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-03-21
CHAPTER XXVI

There was nothing to do. Audrey fell
into q sickness that threatened serious
consequences. Jean sent at once for Lord
Glendurwood and Fullerton, and he came
in hot haste from a vain search for Bev-
erley Rochfort There was nothing to be
done but wait. Audrey had fallen into
a stupor. Her dear mother was buried
without the presence of her beloved child
For three days and nights Jean sat
beside Audrey's bed, watching and dread
ing for the moment when that fair, frail
face should grow even winter. the faint,
low breathing even fainter. Three long
weary days these were; but if she found
them terrible, how much more so did the
one who had nothing to do put to pace to
and fro in the wet, leafess garden, his
hungry eyes fixed always on the low,
square window which hid his darling from
his view? The doctors forbade Jack Glen
durwood from entering his wife's sick
room. He had crept in for few mo-
ments the night he arrived-no argument
or threat could keep him out; and as he
had bent over the girls silent form, call
ing to her in his agony to speak to him,
she had opened her eyes. and at sight of
him she had given one little scream, and
then had relapsed into Inconsistencies,
in which condition she had remained for
three days and nights. When reason re-
turned Audrey was better, and Jean
sought out Jack and told the good news.
And may | see her-when?" he asked,
eagerly. When may l see her? My darl-
ing My darling."
The doctor will tell you. Perhaps to-
night ~
AS Jean sat by Audrey's bedside that
evening, resting back YEARLY in the chair.
now that all extreme anxiety was gone,
a small. sweet voice came from the pill
low. and she was alert at once.
JEAN" she said. after a little pause,
''is-Ja-is my husband here?"
Yes, darling; he has been here nearly
all the time. Do you want to see him 2"
NO, no, no. l will not see him, Jean.
If You love me, send him away. I shall
go mad if he is here, Promise, Prom
Use. You must; you shall,'
1T shall be as you wish, my dearest"
jean said softly. You can trust me?"
'Yes-trust- you-always, she muir
INJURED, and in a few seconds she was
asleep.
Constance Fraser had been brought
| over to England and laid beside her moth
er in an old-fashioned country church
yard. 1t had been a simple funeral
enough, though flowers had come from
far and near. High and low, rich and
poor, one and all, had sorrowful thought
| for the sweet, gentle woman. who had
merited a better sojourn on earth.
Sheila was left to herself and her not
very agreeable reflections. The masked
ball had cost her an enormous sum. Lady
| Daleswater had never offered to take her
away with her: she had absolutely no no.
ton of what had happened to Jack and
Audrey. Beverley Rochfort never made
| the least sign, and to crown all, Murray,
the whilom maid at Craiglands. and her
much too clever accomplice, took matters
| into her own hands and bolted one night
with all the available jewelry and lace she
could lay her hands upon.
Enraged beyond all expression at the
loss of her property. Sheila at once put
the matter into the hands of the police,
and. in fact, was far more interested in
| this affair than she was at the death of
| her stepmother.
| But more disagreeable condition of
| things than this awaited Sheila when
the report of Audrey's disappearance
spread to Mountberry. She was fairly
frightened; ignorant of what might really