The Elbert County tribune., 1909-03-25


ways ready to respond to any appeal
for advice or assistance. We grew u
depend greatly upon her, and felt a.
though we had known her always.
Not go Lord wilfrid. A card len
formally at Mrs. Graham's door wns
the only indication he gave OF auy
knowledge OF the deplorable event
which had shaken our little communi.
| ty to its foundations. and not even
hIG sister could induce him to do auy-
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
man is dead, and, from all accounts.
it seems a good riddapce."
But. Wilfrid, dear, remember We
knew them before we met them here.
1t does not seem kind"
disagreeable laugh:
1--WE knew them-yes, SO we did.
Why should I forget 1t? 1 have done
all I 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"
"Wilfridi"
He stopped abruptly. and with a
muttered apology left the veranda. His
sister sighed 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 I
thought, for this sad affair has com
pletely unnerved him. Have you not
noticed how badly he looks?"
1t was indeed patent that he was
far from well. He was sullen and ir-
ritable. his complexion had assumed a
dull. pasty hue. and his eyes were
shifty and troubled.
Il believe" remarked Elizabeth that
night when we were alone, that Lord
Wilfrid takes some kind of a drug
which gives him that queer greenish
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,
1t only goes to prove what have
said all along: Blood will tell.'
But II Lord Wilfrid failed in the
ordinary courtesies of humanity, Cor.
don Bennett did all and more than
Il 1f nj
l soon forgot his scarf-pin with the
Sphinx's head. and also the fact that
l had seen him trying to force an en-
trance into our boathouse, which ex-
traordinary proceeding was still uneS-
planned.
So the days passed, and we slowly
resumed our ordinary routine. recoY
ering from the shock with the elas-
ITCHY of youth and health, and quite
willing to put the dreadful episode
away from us.
There was ball at the hotel one
night, and we all went, glad Of the
diversion afforded by the lights and
music, and pleasantly conscious that
our gowns were all that could be de-
| sired.
Gordon Bennett and Mr.. Blake, as
well as many other cottagers, sailed
over to participate. and as the floor
was good, the music excellent. and
very much indeed.
Mr.. Blake danced once with me, but
l noticed that his eyes continually fol-
lowed Lady Edith's graceful figure.
again attired in the black gown which
afforded such an effective background
for her golden hair and white. shoul-
ders.
rs she not lovely?" I inquired. as
my glance followed his.
"She Is wonderful" he said, almost
beneath his breath-"wonderful.'
After supper. as l stood for a mo-
ment alone by the open door, Lady
Edith touched me ON the shoulder and
beckoned me to join her on the veran-
da. Her face was very grave, and I,
observed that her hand was cold and
shook little as she drew me to q
chair.
Elise she said; 81 am going to
pain you"
ing greatly, but she seemed to find 1t
difficult to continue.
Have you ever thought" she said
at last, that there is anything strange
about Mr.. Bennett?"
stranger" / repeated. Stranger"
mot quite right, mean. What
men call straight. Have you ever
seen him do anything which seemed to
require an explanation? Have you
ever asked him question he could
not answer"
stared blankly at her and she re-
| sumad slowlv-