The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1908-04-16
CHAPTER XVII.

the colonel's proud wife in the lane. She
had been excited twice previously that
evening-once by the attack of Ellen
watson, and next by the news OF the
old earrs illness. Besides, she had seen
and talked with Arthur Calthorpe, and
her brain had been hot and her heart
sore. Certainly, she could not be mis-
taken in regard to the footsteps which had
gained on her, nor as TO that fearful yell
she had heard while in the barn. But,
then, what possible connection could all
that have with Mrs. Wycheriy?
Miss Gregson's theory of a travelling
showman's wife, who had quaTreled with
a savage husband, seemed far the most
likely one; and thus it came TO pass that.
when Leila had partaken of the regula-
ton bread and cheese supper which was
the portion of the teachers at st. Mar
tha's, she lay down with her mind very
much in a chaos of uncertainty, not at all
well able to decide that it was in truth
Mrs. Colonel Wycherly whom she had met
in the lane.
She slept well, for bodily fatigue will
induce sleep, even when the mind is dis
turbed, and it is a long walk from st.
Martha's College to Abbotshold and back
again.
When daylight broke, the twittering of
the birds amid the branches of the thick
trees that cluster around st. Martha's
awoke Leila She arose, dressed and sal
lied out into the fresh air of the morning
before the sun had waxed hot.
She had no intention of straying beyond
the precincts of St. Martha's. This was
not permitted to the teachers, any more
than to the pupils, without special leave.
The lawn, and shrubbery, and side paths
at st. Martha's were indeed pleasant and
very extensive. The flowers in the Dor
ders were still asleep, their cups all closed,
and heavy with dew. A delightful breeze
was astir, which rustled all the leaves
In the shrubbery, and made pleasant mu-
sic in the ears Of the girl.
Leila entered the shrubbery which was
bordered by the very high wall over which
Miss Jenny, the heiress, had climbed.
Raising her eyes, she was amazed 10 see
q mans figure recumbent on the broad
summit, and the next moment bouquet
was hurled at her feet. She started, and
looked up. half Indignantly, at the bou-
ouet thrower.
1t was no youthful Adonis who had
given her this token of as admiration. 1t
was a man, broad and burly, sandy beard
ed and middle-aged. 1t was DIR. Dundas,
the Scotch surgeon, who resided at Wych-
eriy Hall.
Good morning. Miss Leigh" said the
Scot gaily, and he added CALAMITY Your
cheeks rival my roses Will you not &C
cep. themT
Leila had been brought Up abroad,
rbo- =
die. She picked up the flowers, smiled
very sweetly, and said that the flowers
were charming.
And so are you," cried the man of
science.
Leila colored family with surprise and
perplexity. She had scarcely ever ex-
changed more than a passing greeting
with Dr. Dundas, and the sudden marked
attention of the Scot perplexed and as
tonished her.
Il do not wish TO infringe the rules of
this excellent establishment" said DIR.
Dundas; land / suppose that 1 am in
fringing them in climbing this wall and
fiinging you those flowers. 1 will con-
fess, likewise, that / watched for you
here. A little bird told me that 1t was
your custom to walk In the grounds oc-
casionally before the other ladies arose,
consequently have watched for you sew
eral mornings, and now, behold patience
Is rewarded"
"And may I ask why?" asked Leila,
flashing a glance upon the doctor which
had not a CLEAN of coquetry in it.
II have something of Importance to say
to you, Miss Leigh, which must not reach
any other ears than yours. Unfortunate
ly for me, / am not a fluent or correct
French scholar, otherwise 1 might warn
you from this elevation. and persons pass
ing along the road would in all probability
not understand me. But though 1 read
and write Greek and Latin, / only speak
English Thus / am about to transgress
the rules. / am going to leap down upon
this grass border Do not fear; | am
agile for my years"
Another moment and DR.. Dundas stood
by Leila's side in the shrubbery.
Now let US walk down that path I'M
fer the lime trees"
Leila obeyed, wondering.
Now, Miss Leigh, / am not here to
rrake you a foolish declaration at which
you would laugh; am here to warn you.
Do not compromise yourself, do not even
pledge yourself to marry Arthur Cal
thorpe, if he shall succeed in Kidding him
self of the claims of tb:t woman Wat
son. No, even when ne has shaken him.
self free of her. which / don't think he
will be able to do but even if he is, don't
marry him."
"Why?" asked Leila, turning pale with
emotion.
"He IS not what he seems. ~
will NOT haIiava oua WORD 90, -, 90
him." said the young lady Indignantly
'Alas. you are in love with him, |
fear, or is it the prospective title and
great estate only which excite your adj
mirationY'
al would not care if he were penniless
tomorrow, IL he were free of that wom-
an: but as it is, / must keep clear of Mr..
Cath ,rpe; hut / still believe him to be
the soul of honor"
"You love him. said the doctor. "Well,
well, well, il can't be helped. Meanwhile.
Miss Leigh, allow me TO tell you that /
think Ir. Calthorpe is a man of honor.
have nothing to say against him."
"Why warn me then?"
Because brighter chances will be laid
at yorr feet. You are not what you
SEEM"
Leila stopped in her walk. She looked
at the doctor. The color mantled on her
cheek, her heart beat violently.
Suddenly the scene at Chateau Moreau-
vile enacted itself before her again. Again
her father, and the stranger in the mantle,
stood close to her where she lay, and she
heard her father say:
you will find the certificates Of my
marriage and the baptisms of my children
in the silver casket."
do you know anything of our father
DIR. Dundas?" asked Leila eagerly. Who
he was? who"
The doctor held up his hand and smiled
Al know everything: 1 have known
your Whereabouts ever since your birth
The time is nearly come to make it public
Of course, it is possible that your claims