The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-05-14

your ne whispered as Juey TedCuSu
the door. "She doesn't mean any
harm. but she's all upset, and she's
perfect kid. Nellie, a perfect kid"
"Oh, that's all right" she smiled
brightly. "We'll all be adjusted In
the morning. Good night"
Good night" he murmured,
good night. Hope they didn't dis
turb your finery too much in their
search We fine-tooth-combed the
whole place without respect to age.
sex, or previous condition of servi-
tude. Good night again" He with
drew, and Nellie slowly moved to-
ward the stairs.
Her hands shook as il palsied as
she reached for the carved newell
post, her knees weakened and she
sank upon the lower step, burying
her face in her hands, too weak to
rise and proceed in the search for her
sorely needed rest. After a moment
of complete relaxation, she pulled
herself together. conscious that the
dizziness that numbed her throb-
bing brain might at any moment
gain control. She stood for a mo-
ment leaning her whole weight on
the balustrade, when a sudden com
motion reused all her dormant en-.
ergies.
Adele's voice rose in hystericaI
protest. Madame! Madame! oh
Madame!" The maid came down
the corridor, spied her mistress, and
rushed to her as to refuge. Behind
her came Wendham. "Oh, Madame!"
the girl gasped, what do you think
John-John, the second man, said
to me? Oh, ma'am, he nudged up
to me and said: I saw you, my
girl, when you went into that room.
Now, I haven't peached, and you
divide with me- That's what he
said, ma'am. He accused me, he
did, and as God sees me, Mrs. Gay
nor, it. isn't true. was asleep
there all the time. was, 1 was. Oh,
you don't believe him, ma'am, you
don't-oh, say you don't!"
Mrs. Gaynor swayed, clutching at
the banisters. John says he saw
you go in?" Her voice was sharp
with something more than surprise.
Wendham caught her by the arm
and leaning over, gently pushed
back the woman's arms that sought
to catch and cling to her mistress
knees.
Don't, my girl-quiet, quiet
calm down now. Don't be
frightened" His voice soothed the
terrified creature like magic. She
raised her head fixing her tear
full eyes upon his. Her tension
reiaNed suddenly John probably
thought you did rob Mrs. Lawdon
weaken and divide with him if you
had. You must control yourself.
Mrs. Gaynor believes in you, I know
she does. Be calm now" His eyes
held hers as if fascinated. Slowly
she dropped forward.
Come. ccme," Mrs. Gaynors
voice broke in. adele, what nom
sense. You mustn't allow people to
frighten you like that. It's just as
the doctor says. OF course, we know
you're innocent. Go back and stay
with the others, since Mrs. Lawdon
wishes it,"
The girl rubbed her hand across
her eyes and rose unsteadily.
"Yes'm," she said. please excuse
me, was all took back"
Its all right, Adele" Mrs. Gay
nor's voice had regained it's former
gentleness. Go back, and don't
run away like that again. If any
thing more is said, insist on seeing
me. Good night"
The servant turned and went
slowly away.
Nellie" said Wendham slowly,
for Heavens sake go to your room
before anything more happens! |
cannot bear to see you in this con-
dition. 1t breaks my heart" He
raised her unresisting hand to his
lips. Come, dear, come"
With his help she mounted the
easy stairs and crossed the hallway
to her room. At the door she
paused and turned to him.
I'm not worth your kindness,
really, I'm not. OH" she cried pas
sionately, II wish l were dead, l
wish / were dead!-but haven't the
courage. Good night. and thank
you"
The troubled household was at
last at rest, but Wendham found
sleep impossible. Lets sit 1t out,
Cass," he suggested. Mr.. Evelyn
jumped at the suggestion. "A night
cap and a chat-I need soothing"
Settling themselves in easychairs
before the fire, they remained silent.
each deep in thought.
Evelyn spoke suddenly. 1--WE got
one piece of news for you, Boyd
and I'm sorry it's-what it isl"
Wendham looked up anxiously.
His host recrossed his legs. II learned
something a little while ago. You
remember when Vreeman called me
to the door? Well, John, the second
man, wanted to see me; said he had
something to say; excused himself
for not speaking before, but he hat
ed to peach on a fellow worker
and all that sort of rot. Upshot OF