Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1909-03-11

ways ready to respond to any appeal
for advice or assistance. We grew to
depend greatly upon her, and felt as
though we had known her always.
Not so Lord Wilfrid. A card left
formally at Mrs. Graham's door was
the only indication he gave OF any
knowledge Of the deplorable event
which had shaken our little communi-
ty to its foundations. and not even
his sister could induce him to do any
thing more.
Hang it ALL" he said roughly, one
evening when she had urged upon him
the necessity of at least Offering to be
Of any assistance in his power, why
should l mix myself up in It? The
nan is dead, and, from all accounts,
it seems a good radiance"
But, Wilfrid, dear, remember we
knew them before we met them here.
1t does not seem kind"
She paused, for he interrupted, with
a disagreeable laugh:
1--WE knew them-yes, so we did.
Why should l forget it? / have done
all / ever mean to do for him. And
don't ask me to go near that house
where he lies dead-his wife looks and
looks at you with her big solemn eyes,
reading your very soul. There are
some things even you cannot make me
do, and"
"Wilfrid!"
He stopped abruptly, and with a
muttered apology left the veranda. His
sister sighed a little as she turned to
Gabrielle, who sat next her.
Poor Wilfrid!" she said. only see
how nervous he is. He always had
this strange aversion to death, and he
did not like Mr.. Graham-men know
men. fear he is not as strong as
thought, for this sad affair has com
pletely unnerved him. Have you moi
noticed how badly he looks?"
1t was indeed patent that he was
far from we'll He was sullen and ir
ritable, his complexion had assumed q
dull, pasty hue, and his eyes were
shifty and troubled.
II believe" remarked Elizabeth thai
Wilfrid takes some kind of drug
which gives him that queer greenisf
look"
Poor Lady Edith" / said. II be
lieve she has troubles Of her own with
him."
And how bravely she hides them!'
added Gabrielle, thoughtfully. We'll
it only goes to prove what l have
said all along: Blood will tell"
But If Lord Wilfrid, failed In the
ordinary courtesies of humanity, Cor
don Bennett did all and more thar
could have been expected Of him, ant
l soon forgot his scarf-pin with the
Sphinx's head, and also the fact tina
l had seen him trying to force an en-
trance into our boathouse, which ex
traordinary proceeding was still unex
planned.
So the days passed, and we slowly
resumed our ordinary routine, recov
ering from the shock with the elias
ITCHY of youth and health, and quite
willing to put the dreadful episode
away from us.
There was a ball at the hotel ONT
night, and we all went, glad of the
| diversion afforded by the lights ant
music, and pleasantly conscious tina
our gowns were all that could be de
sired.
Gordon Bennett and Mr.. Blake, al
well as many other cottagers, sailed
over to participate, and as the foo
was good, the music excellent, ant
men plentiful, we enjoyed ourselves
very much indeed
Mr.. Blake danced once with me, bu
| noticed that his eyes continually fol
lowed Lady Edith's graceful figure
again attired in the black gown whicl
afforded such an effective BACKGROUND
for her golden hair and white shoul
ders.
us she not lovely?" I inquired, a
my glance followed his.
"She is wonderful" he said, almos
beneath his breath-"wonderful."
After supper, as / stood for me
ment alone by the open door, Lad
Edith touched me on the shoulder an
|
da. Her face was very grave, and
; observed that her hand was cold an
shook q little as she drew me to
chair.
Elise" she said; II am going t
pain you"
I looked at her in silence, wonder
ing greatly, but she seemed to find
; difficult to continue.
Have you ever thought" she sal
at last, that there is anything strang
about Mr.. Bennett?"
Stranger" l repeated. Strange
Not quite right, / mean Wha
men call straight. Have you eve
seen him do anything which seemed
require an explanation? Have yc
ever asked him question he coul
not answer"
l stared blankly at her and she r,
; sp'ned slowly:
J. You make 1t very hard for me. "
| must tell you. The man is not sui
b able for you to know; warned yo
once before, but was not certain, 8
dared not say too much. Wilfrid say
: (men hear these things) that he is tn
n man the police are after-the sum
gler And worse still, that he is III
r thief who took Mrs. Bundy's eme
Q aids"
l. Are you sure?" hardly reco
nized my own voice.
"tluite sure. Every one will kno
soon, for his arrest Is matter Of bl
g a few days. He is dangerous cha
acter. and has been trying TO forcs g
entrance to your boathouse with n