Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-07
CHAPTER XXI.
Dorrison Brought to Bay.

For the moment Sadie was too embar-
raised to be capable Of concealing her
confusion. The embarrassment was due
less to the fact that She had been caught
in the act Of listening than to what she
had overheard.
She had been scarcely, minute in her
hiding place and had heard no more than
Dorrison's last speech-that She was the
first wife who had stolen into the house
to get into her confidence the woman
who had taken her place. Her immediate
conclusion was that her secret had been
discovered and it was in the moment of
her CONSERVATION at this that Dorrison
had opened the door and caught her
But she was quick to recover self-com-
mand, and before Dorrison's hooking
smile had died away and Broadstone's
anger had found voice, she shook her arm
free impatiently and answered: Yes. l
heard"
Then you admit you were eavesdrop-
ping?' asked Dorrison.
You can choose any term you please
eavesdropping. spying, listening. There is
need for it in this house.
II should like to know what the
devil" began Broadstone furiously,
when Dorrison stopped him.
Hadn't you better leave this to me.
Bertram? Miss Hutchinson, of course,
understands that she has done that which
will make 1t impossible for her to remain
in the Towers
II should think so." burst out his lord
ship. unable to restrain himself. ITO
sneak about listening and spying, after
all my wife's kindness"
Sadie listened in surprise. She had not
been recognized after all. 1t seemed; yet
and then the truth flashed upon her.
They were going TO, swear to what they
did not know In order to make It appear
that she was trying to poison Eva
She had q moment or two to think, for
Dorrieon had drawn his cousin aside and
was whispering eagerly to him. Her ears
were quick and she heard in whisper
cony.'
Directly afterward Broadstone glanced
furtively at her and turned to leave the
room, She let him 60 without any at
tempt to stay him. He could do no harm
that night.
She had used the half-hour since the
talk with Gardiner to make a search in
his lordship's bedroom. Not the first she
had made. She had learnt where he
locked away his secrets, and had found
what she sought. He might now use the
whole contents of the little phial If he
liked. and no one would be one whit the
worse.
When he had gone. Dorrison turned to
Sadie. This is very painful matter.
Miss Hutchinson. but 1 have prevailed
with Lord Broadstone to leave the mat
ter entirely in my hands: and for Lady
Broadstone's sake. wish to avoid any
unnecessary scene"
II am more aware than perhaps you
Mr.. Dorrison. I think you may drop the
mask. What you wish to say, be good
enough to say plainly
You will of course leave the Towers"
~, nf NI~ne & al. Il,
arranged.
II mean at once he returned shortly.
"And I mean with Lady Broadstone
when the time comes for us to start for
the continent
You will not see Lady Broadstone
again."
'.How do you propose to prevent ME?
You do not in the least brighten me. 1nr.
Dorrison."
You will be prevented. if YOU make
has gone to make arrangements, and if
necessary will send for the police. and
you will be put out Of the house
THAT would. perhaps. be the best and
Sadie sat down. She was now quite sat
isf1ed that she had not been recognized.
and awaited the next development with
no other concern except curiosity.
Dorrison OH his, side was not without
anxiety. He did not quite know what to
do. He had told his cousin no more than
the truth when he sad tina, he had a
great deal OF respect for Sadie. Her cool
nerve and resourceful wits had been
amply proved. and he was not without a
feeling Of alarm.
WHO are you and what is Your pur-
pose in coming here?':.
THAT Is not sending for the police
said Sadie. quietly. and added with a
smile: II think you are more prudent to
parley first
why did you send an anonymous ,et-
ter to Lord Broadstone?'' he asked, sud-
denly, thinking to surprise her.
THE reason is purely obvious-to sep
arate you and him You are more dan;
would be safer IL You did not return 10
the Towers"
.'You admit. then. that you wrote that
scurrilous libei?"
'.Ah you deem it libel that any one
should charge. you with having paid some
Of your debts with the $4,000 that you re-
ceived from Lord Broadstone. am aware
II is not your habit to pay IL you can
avoid it,
'What do you mean?'' he cried. angrily
"Tha. friend Of mine is your creditor,