Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1909-07-29
CHAPTER xxxlv.
The Time to Speak.

further in Lendal. Hilda'S step was
listless, and there was dull, weary
look in her eyes as she made her way
back to the station to wait for the
next train back to Fellsgarth that
afternoon.
1t was after six o'clock when she
reached Wildfell At the rectory she
found Mr.. Grale, the organist in the
study with her brother-ratber to her
surprise; of late Mr.. Grale seemed to
have absented himself from the rec
tory. The girl sat in the drawing
room, listening to the faint hum of
voices that reached her, conscious of
a growing Impotence for the blind
man to go, that Stephen might be
free to listen to what she had to tell
him.
The room seemed full of memories
of her lover. 1t was in this room that
she had been sitting when he had
made his way there ON the night OF
their last meeting, risking his newly
snatched liberty for glimpse of her.
Why had Jacks manner been so utter
ly changed today? He was hunted
man, of course, and in disguise; Hilda
understood the necessity for prudence
but the road had been almost de
serted; and at least he might have
whispered one word. But only his
companion had spoken.
Neither this gentleman nor l have
anything to say to you, or any wish
to prolong this interview"
And his silence had tacitly endorsed
the others words!
The insolent tones in which the re-
buff had been delivered were in Hill
da's ears now, as the sound of a
knock on the hall door drew her out of
the aching perplexity of her thoughts;
then, a minute later. when Martha had
opened the door, she heard the same
voice asking for her now-Miss
Strangways' voice.
rs Miss Ruthen at home? l wish
to see her most urgently"
Hilds had started to her feet, with
her heart beating faster in the sudden
excitement. She felt herself trem-
bling. Why had Miss Strangways
| come? She opened the door; Margar
ct Strangways had walked into the
hall, and through the open outer door
behind her, just before Martha closed
| it, Hilda saw the red and white motor.
car just within the rectory gates, and
| the muffled-up figure of a man in it
that she knew with swift upleaping
of her heart was Jack Lathom.
"a lady to see you, miss" the old
servant said.
Hilda's lips moved. put at first they
could not frame any words. Miss
| Strangways came forward with smile
and as Martha disappeared into the
kitchen, said in low voice, speaking
hurriedly:
Miss Ruthen, have brought Mr..
Lathom to you; he was anxious to ex.
plain, what you could not have under.
stood, why I had to treat you so un.
tremendously; why l had to enjoin
| him not to betray by a hint that he
knew you this afternoon. 1t was nee.
essary for all our sakes. There was
no time to explain, and hesitation
might have been fatal; l had to cut
the knot in that one way, with police
spies watching"
"Then you mean"
A flash of comprehension had sud,
denly dawned in Hilda's mind.
"The cyclist, the man breaking
stones near the gates-they were
watching all our movements. | was
in dread lest they should suspect that
my companion was not what he seem.
ed. Is it safe for him to come here?"
| But Hilda could not speak. She
burst into an uncomfortable fit OF
sobbing in the revulsion of feeling that
| had swept over her.
How can l thank your" she fal
| tered, brokenly.
Margaret Strangways touched the
| girls hand gently.
you must try to control yourself"
she whispered. II will bring Mr..
Lathom in, if it is safe. No, don't
come; one cannot be too cautious in
playing ones part. Is it safe? Who
is in that ?''-hearing the sound
| of voices.
"Only my brother and man who is
blind
"But the blind have quick hearing,
l will bring him to you in that room
you have just come FROM said Miss
! Strangways, in low voice.
! r. ~ Coa+:n,,oL