Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1909-07-15

Vice!"
The marquis entered as she spoke
He was carefully dressed, as usual
but there was an expression Of an
noyance and gravity upon his face
which Lucille noticed instantly.
He appeared as if he were making
an effort to dispel the cloud from his
brow, as he bent over her and muir,
INJURED an apology for the unusually
early hour for his visit.
is the Hall on fire, Lord Merle?'
asked Marie, when he had shaken
hands with her and Mrs. Dalton.
He smiled in a patient kind Of a
way, as one does at the playful per
sistency Of a child.
mo, Miss Werner
well, if you are quite certain it is
not, you had better sit down and have
some coffee; I don't believe you have
breakfasted."
A footman brought a chair to the
table, and the marquis sat down and
accepted a cup of coffee from Mrs.
Dalton.
Il must plead guilty to not having
breakfasted" he said.
Last nights dissipation" re-
marked Marie IF one has ones
pleasure. one must be prepared to pay
for it. The only one Of you three
who seem to have gone through last
nights dance unscathed is Lucille.
Perhaps, like the young lady who was
asked why she went to so many balls,
dancing agrees with her"
The marquis smiled at this sally;
but it was evident that he had some
thing on his mind, and that his visit
was one of business, and Mrs. Dalto~
arose.
But he glanced at her and said, in
his polished manner:
Pray do not retire on my ac-
count Mrs. Dalton; the business |
have come upon can be better dis
cussed in open forthwith Miss Oar
racourt's permission"
What is it," asked Lucille. "Has
any hing occurred, Lord Merle?"
He set down his cup, and looked
at the floor for a second as if re-
luctant to commence.
Il am almost sorry that l have in
truded," he said at last, slowly and
but it seemed so natural to
come to you under the circumstance
the plate-closet in the smsan sin
ing-room has been broken into, and q
number of articles stolen"
Marie uttered an exclamation of
and Mrs. Dalton held up
her hands with a shocked expression:
but Lucille still said nothing
"Why-hOw-when did you discover
it, demanded Marie Werner.
This morning" he said. Il my
self discovered my loss. Being rather
restless, arose earlier than usual
ana was passing through the small
on my way into the gar
len when l saw the panel door partly
open and found that several pieces
If plate were gone"
oh, dear!' said Marie, under her
breath.
What terrible loss, my lord" Ia
ncnted Mrs. Dalton. Those rare
md beautiful specimens of the gold
smiths art"
Yes" he said smiling but rather
sadly: and the most unfortunate
)art Of the business is that the thief.
Whoever he was. seemed to have
u, ssed which were the articles up
IN which set the most value-I don't
mean money value for he has taken the
most curious pieces, and those which
Ire most distinctly heirIooms!"
Tut. tut! tut! Oh, dear What will
,Ou dO?" exclaimed Marie.
He shrugged his shoulders, and
'layed with his watch chain.
Il do not know exactly; indeed, I
laye ventured to come to you for ad-
ice" and he glanced at Lucille. who
Who sat with downcast face.
"Adyice-to u.s." exclaimed Marie. ,
Three women! Why don't YOU go for
he police. Lord Merle?"
ne "S Sl'el'' q lt,o mem ana onC9
,9 7,,ll' MS " '~'S' - " ''''o'''7
Wen ne Sald' quietly, Cnere are
Reasons! What reasons?" demand
I'd Marie. of course YOU ought to go
% the police, Is the proper and
usual thing to do, isn't it?"
Lord Merle said that he had rea-
sons; had We not better hear what
hey are. before Offering his lordship