Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-09-17
Miss Sylvia 2"

'DeDDy, said the girl thOugntfully you take her to the Yard to see MT Hurd and then go to Kensington t
 speak with your sister," "Well, I'll go, as importance it is,
 said Mrs. Tawsey, rubbing her nost
 harder than ever. But I 'opes yo,
 won't be lone, my poppet dovey."
 "Oh, mo-" said Sylvia, kissing hel
 and pushing her toward the door, "Il
 look after those four women in the
 washhouse and read this new book
 have. Then must get tea ready fo1
 Paul, who comes at 4. The afternoon
 will pass quite quickly"
 ''I'll be back at If I can and earlier
 if Matilder ain't what she oughter be-
 said Mrs. Tawsey, yielding.
 In another quarter of an hour Mrs.
 Tawsey, dressed in her bridal gown
 and bonnet so as to crush Matilda with
 the sight of her splendor, walked down
 the garden path, attended by Mrs. Purr
 in snuffy black shawl and a kind of
 cobweb on her head which she called
 "bunnet.'
 Sylvia, left alone, proceeded to ar-
 range matters. She went to the wash
 house, which was detached from the cottage, and saw that four women, who worked under Deborah, were busy.
 She found them all chatterng and washing in cheerful way, so, after a word or two of commendation, she re- | tn hn cit cI, played game of patience, arranged the tea things, although it was yet early, and finally settled down to one of Mrs. Woods interesting novels Deborah had lighted cheerful fire before she went that her mistress might be comfortable. so Sylvia sat down before this and read for an hour, frequently stopping to think of Paul and wonder if he would come at the appointed hour of 4 or earlier. What with the warmth and the read ing and the dreaming she fell into a kind of doZe, from which she was awakened by sharp and peremptory knock. Wondering if her lover had unexpectedly arrived, although she did not think he would rap in so decided manner, Sylvia rubbed the sleep out of her pretty eyes and hurried to the door. On the steps she came face to face with Miss Maud Krill.
 Do you know me, Miss Norman?" asked Maud, who was smiling and suave, though rather white in the face.
 "Yes. You came with your mother to Gwynne street." replied Sylvia, wondering why she had been honored with a visit.
 Quite so. May have a few min utes' conversation with your 's'7'a'ss'
 Certainly" Sylvia saw no reason to deny this request, although she did not like Miss Krlll. But it struck her that something might be learned from that young woman relative to the mur- der and thought she would have some thing to tell Paul about when he ar- rived.
 Are you quite alone?" asked Maud, entering and seating herself in the chair near the fire.
 Quite" answered Sylvia stifliy and wondering why the question was ask ed-''that is, the four washerwomen are in the place at the back. But Mrs. Tawsey went to your house to see her sister"
 ''She arrived before I left" said Maud coolly. "T saw them quarreling in most friendly way. Where is Mir. Beecot"
 'I expect him later"
 And Bart Tawsey, who married your nurse?"
 ''He is absent on his rounds. May I ask why you question me in this way, Miss KrillT asked Sylvia coldly.
 Because I have much to say to you which no one else must hear" was the calm reply. Dear me. how hot this fire isv' And she moved her chair so that it blocked Sylvia's way to the door; also Miss Krill cast a glance at the window. It was not snibbed, and ! she made a movement as if to go to | It; but, restraining herself, she turned | her calm, cold face to the girl. T have much to say to you," she re- l Deated. Indeed" replied Sylvia politely, "I font think you have treated me so 1 we'll that you should trouble to con- verse with me. VIII you please to be brief? Mir. Beecot is coming at 4. md he will not be at all pleased to 'ee you" Maud glanced at the clock. "we lave an hour." she said coldly. Tt s just a few minutes after 3. My I business will not take long" she add d. with an unpleasant smile.
 What is your business!r asked Syl- ia uneasily. for she did not Ike the mile.
 "I. you will sit down, I'll tell you" Miss Norman took a chair near the vall and as far from her visitor as Tas possible in SO small a room. Iaud took from her neck a black silk which she wore. evident 7 as a protection against the cold. nd. folding it lengthwise. laid 1t cross her lap. Then she looked at ylvia in a cold. critical way. You re very pretty. my dear." -he said Il Did you come to tell me thatT7 sked the girl. firing up at the tone. Il "No. I came to tell you that my 1other was arrested last night for the. !, lurIer ot our father.- -Oh." Sylvia gasped and lay back . her chair. 'she killed him. that | -uel woman. ( She did Ett-- cried Maud passion