The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1909-08-25
CHAPTER XIV.
Continued.

WQOlS lNluS loupISo LIN
dreadfully," he observed in a weary
tone; lit goes to my heart to think
that he was brutally murdered, n
we so near, yet not able to give a
helping hand"
why distress yourself about
that?" Dorothy replied a trife con-
temptuously; she could not under
stand such feelings. You were not
to blame!"
"Oh, thank Heaven, no." he an
swered, and at his deep, earnest
tones Ends heart thrilled with sud-
den joy, as she felt that her trust
was well founded, then sunk with
pain as she realized Dorothy's double
dealing once again.
Dorothy, turning her head, caught
the expression on Ends face, and
without a word she swept suddenly
out of the room.
Gervais leaned back and a weary,
troubled air new to him settled on
his brow.
You look so tired, Lord Derri-
man." Enid said, rising and coming
forward; "let me order you som
tea?"
Gervais woke from his thoughts to
smile at her.
"Tea," he said lightly. "The best
panacea in the world. Where is Dor
othy?"
"She has just gone away, but she
never drinks tea, and so I will"
Enid was interrupted as she was
about to touch the bell by sounds Of
wheels in the grounds, then by a
hearty voice, and lastly by the en-
trance of a man in a thick travelling
coat.
"Broughton!" exclaimed Gervais,
with warm delight. my dear old
boy, how glad I am. Your sister is
BETTER"
eyes," said Dare, as he clasped
Ends hand and then his friends.
"All right again, so I thought I would
trot back and finish Lady Derriman's
picture. And see my sweet love!" he
finished softly to himself as he gazed
at Ends face.
There is no one more welcome, es-
pecially just now. You have heard
all about the horrible affair, of
course?"
"No-what?" Dare looked from
one to the other. Il have driven
straight from Nettlethorp Junction,
came direct there from Carries place
in --shire. Nothing wrong, I
hope!"
Gervais told him in simple words
all that had happened.
! "A murder-here! Good heavens,
how d~isagreeable! and nc n you
know? What a curious thing, Derri-
man. I suppose you have some good
detectives down already"
Everything is in Sir Gregory Mar
tins hands, and he refuses to do
this until he has given the local po-
lice a chance"
Yes, and so miss your man alto
gether. I have no faith in anything
local"
Gervais laughed slightly, then rose.
Il will go and tell Dorothy you
are back; she will be so pleased.
Broughton, 1 want you to avoid the
murder as much as possible before
her"
Very well" said Dare, as he threw
off his coat.
Enid had moved to the tea-tray and
was pouring him out a cup of the
beverage.
Are you glad to see me back?" he
asked abruptly.
She looked up at his dark, kindly
face.
Indeed I am. I cannot tell you
how glad, Mr.. Broughton."
you are looking more fragile than
ever-this atmosphere of murder is
not good for you"
II cannot go away just yet" Enid
answered, with a sigh that told him
as plainly as words that her heart
was burdened by some weighty
trouble.
! He had come back with one pur-
pose strong in his mind-to tell Enid
of his love, and to plead for hers in
return. He had grown almost happy
in his h~opefulness, and now all that
was gone; he could not speak of his
secret, while her face wore such a
wretched, ~distraught air, but he re-
called her promise of friendship, and
he put out his strong right hand as
she brought him The cup of tea and
imprisoned hers.
Il am going to be very bold, Miss
Enid" he said gently and tenderly,
"but I cannot bear to see you look so
pale and wan; you are worried about
something. 1t is impairment of me,
perhaps, but l want you to let me
help you. You are so young, and so
frail, to bear sorrow all alone"
Ends wonderful blue eyes went up
to meet his.
IF I only dare!" she said to her
self, but the trouble touched Gervais
and his honor, and therefore was
sacred to her. you are Tery good,
Mr.. Broughton, but I-I-cannot tell
you my trouble-at least now"
Some day you may?" questioned
Dare eagerly.
Yes, some day I may" she replied,
and then she turned away.
CHAPTER XXVI.
My Lady's Letters.
Dr Waters doubt. EXPRESSED so