Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1908-01-10
CHAPTER VIII. AND LAST.

~Freda, do you think he will certainly
come by this train?"
Nest, that is six times you have asked
me that question. I certainly think he
will. but there is possibility he may be
delayed. / have made the same answer
half a dozen times. Why are you SO
deeadfully anxious?"
Because did not intend to say any
thing about it-but, Freda, I am sure
there is some one in the house"
Some one! What do you mean?'
s'Some one is coming and going secret
ly," Nest whispered. ssWhen every one
is asleep he steals about. And last night,
when Geoff was gone, there were two.
Z he front door was opened and some one
came in. They 10th stole upsTalrs:
could lear them. Then, after q long
tue, they crept downstairs. aud there
WAS a noise like struggle belo%. After
that everything was quiet"
Freda looked startled
q wish Geoff were here" she said I'M
easily.
Il wonder what he went to London
forY''
HE knows somathing, but he does not
tell us. Nest, there is some mystery
us out in Deepford aud come to make
inquiries there? Why"
"Oh, don't go onio cried Nest. "Have
I not asked these questions to myself a
thousand times and never found an an
swer? We must leave it to Geoff."
Il have no Geoff to leave it to. l feel
inclined to find it out for myself"
How could you do that"
Never mind All, there is Geoff! Now
you can tell him all your suspicious, and
/ will run off"
She stopped on the stairs to welcome
Nests lover and ran on. Her destination
was the housekeeper's room, where she
was heartily received, and accommodated
with a comfortable seat in the contest
corner.
How is Aunt Ruth this evening, Mrs.
Bird7" she inquired
Very low, Miss Freda. / shall be glad
when the doctor calls"
How long have you been in her en-
ploymentf' %
Only sinca we came to Cornwall. She
brought us all with her frem London"
Then you know nothing about her be-
fore thatf''
Nothing at all. But she is lady you
would soon grow to love, and | feel as if
had been in her service all my life"
as everything here newf She brought
no furniture or books or pictures with
her-nothing belonging to my grandfath-
cr?"
Nothing that ever saw. The house
was furnished from London, and the mis-
tress was in new mourning. | think she
must feel badly, Miss Freda, and know
she is not for this world, for she burned
a heap of papers early this morning. The
ashes were not cold in the CRATE when /
went in. il was that which upset her so
that she was not able to get up today. /
am glad Mr. Howard is back. feel bit
nervous. There is the doctor driving up
to the door. Well, am gladl"
Mrs. Bird ran to the window to make
sure she was not mistaken. She uttered
an exclamation.
1t is net the doctor at ALL" she said.
1t is a visitor-a ladyl She must have
come in the train with Mr. Howard, for
1t IS the station fly"
Then how did he get here ?" Freda
cried breathlessly
1t had not struck her before. but she
now remembered that although Nest and
she had been listening for his arrival
they had heard no sound of wheels. The
mystery seemed thickening around her.
She went towards the hall, which the WIS.,
ltor had already entered.
Without being able to give reason for
ner fears Freda felt that she must pre-
vent her from holding any communiea-
ton with Miss Perciyal And yet what
possible connection could there be be-
tween her aunt and Mime. St. Aubertf
for It was Nine st. Aubert who stood
before her.
How do you do, Freda r said the lady.