Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1907-07-26
CHAPTER XXIY.

DelOre lie ndO HnlSneu the peruSdl Ol
the letter, Stafford had made up his mind
to his course of action. He would pro-
ceed to London at once, seek out Arthur,
tell him of the discovery he had made
respecting Mrs. Castleton, procure from
him that lady's address, and at once, with
out any hesitation, accuse her of being
Ellen Jenkins, and the Circe of Jeromes
picture.
By 2 o'clock that same day he was
knocking at the door of Arthur's old
lodgings in Arundel street, Strand. Mr..
Arthur Penrhyddyn was not within, the
servant replied to mis- inquiries, did not
know when he would be he had left word
that all letters should be forwarded to an
address at Brompton.
Stafford's heart sank at those words !:
he remembered that Mrs. Castleton lived
at Brompton. Agitated and anxious, he
hurried away. Just as he was turning
into the Strand, he ran full against the
very man he was seeking him
self.
"My dear fellow, how glad am to see
you," he cried, eagerly grasping both his
hands; II have just come from your lodg-
ings. have something of the utmost i'm
portance to communicate to you-some-
thing concerning that lady to whom you
introduced me the other day-Mrs. Cas-
Teton"
Full of only the one thought, Stafford
was plunging ahead when Arthur stopped
him.
Mrs. Castleton no longer" he said,
hastily, "but Mrs. Arthur Penrhyddyn,
my wife,"
Heavens! Your wife," calculated
Stafford, staggering as though he had re-
ceived heavy blow.
Yes; until a certain crisis In our af-
fairs is over, wish the marriage to be
kept secret from my father. But what
is the matter? Are you ill?"
Stafford's scared and pallid face, which
was attracting the attention, of every
passer by, might well evoke such a ques-
tion. "Yes, sudden Sickness" he NUT
tered, trying to rally "a little faintness
I am subject to it; but l can't stop
talking now, have some important busi-
| ness. l will drop you line. Good
morning"
And he hurried away, leaving Arthur
standing amazedly upon the pavement.
Much as he tried to shake off such an i'm
preston, the manner in which Stafford
had received the news of his marriage
made him sick at heart.
| In the meantime the artist jumped into
a cab and bade the driver proceed to
Brompton. Arthur's words had stunned
him. What was to be done now he could
not in any way foresee, beyond that he
determined to take advantage of Arthur's
absence and at once to clear up all doubts
one way or. the other. .
Mrs. Castleton was at home and would
see him, the servant brought word, and
he was shown into a little boudoir. He
sat down, and with beating heart await
ed her coming. , 'S
At length she entered looking very ra-
diant and charming, as became so young
bride. But her face was no index to
her mind; the sight of Stafford had filled
her with evil bodements she had con-
ceived a. dislike to him at first sight, and
felt convinced that his sudden visit meant
mischief.
II am delighted to see. so great a
friend of .Arthur's," she said, advancing.
Il did not expect to receive your congrat-
ulations SO soon." :es. 81. !.
"The object of my visit here Is not to
offer congratulations" he answered, cold.
ly. "My business is to make INQUIRIES
concerning Ellen jenkins and Katie Do.
ran. And I perceive have the honor
of addressing both those 'personages in
you, madam" ~.
What do you mean, sir7 How dare
you"
But she could proceed no further; she
felt that she was conquered at the first
blow-that she was at the mercy of A
pitiless man, and she sank into a seat.
pale and trembling.