The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1909-11-23
CHAPTER w.

through the hours of darkness wild
dreams pursued her. She arose
early, made her toilet, and drew back
the curtains of the window. The
ocean was blotted out in swirling
mists. The surf pounded on the
rocks. Dismal furries of rain dashed
the pane. Jacqueline felt a thrill of
dismay. She knew enough of her
surroundings to understand that she
could not leave the island in such
weather. Yet her very soul revolted
at the thought of an enforced stay
there. She felt certain that Philip
Trevor was not i'll. Would he see
her to-day? How could she gain ac-
cess to him, if he persisted in refus-
ing to meet her? He was on his own
ground. He might elude her indefi-
nitely. She leaned her handsome
head against the window, and looked
forlornly out into the thick drift of
mist.
Perhaps she had better remained
at the Wingate's, and married Teddy
Craven And at the thought of poor
Teddy she could hardly suppress an
historical inclination to laughter. He
had warned her not to come to Dead
mans Island. A rap at the door.
Breakfast was waiting. Again the
table was spread for one person only,
and again Vic attended her.
will the sloop go to Watchhaven
to-day, Wei" she asked.
Goodness, no, miss-not with this
sea running" answered Vic. ut
never goes in any weather, unless
Mr.. Trevor sends it. Skipper Joe
takes orders from none but him. You
know, told you in storms we're cut
off from the mainland for days, and
even weeks at a time"
"A dubious prospect for me-" she
said.
AS she arose from the table she
saw man standing behind her chair
the smooth-shaven, cross-eyed
Peter.
Mr.. Trevor is waiting for you in
his library, miss" he said.
At last! Jacqueline's heart gave a
bound. With firm step she crossed
the hall, and Peter flung open the IL
brary door.
Miss Hatton, sir" he announced,
and Jacqueline swept bravely into the
room, and was face to face with
Philip Trevor.
He arose from table at which he
had been sitting-a man of five-and-
forty, elegant in dress and bearing,
with pale, smiling face, brown
Vandyke beard, and dark, narrow
eyes that flashed over Jacqueline with
feverish swiftness His whole APP
pearance was that of a fastidious,
high-bred gentleman. He held out
q white, well-kept hand, on which a
single diamond blazed like an angry
eye.
II am charmed to see you, Miss
Hatton," he began, cordially.
II hardly expected you to say
that" she answered, quietly ignoring
the hand.
And why, my dear childy Any
body by the name of Hattcn must
command welcome in this house.
Pray pardon me for declining to re-
ceive you on your arrival A sudden
attack of vertigo disabled me for sew
eral hours. / trust my servants have
cared for you properly in the mean
| timer"
She made an asserting bow. He
drew step nearer to herr as II fas-
cinated.
LET me look at you cloner," he
said. eyes, that is the same Jacque-
line that I used to pet in the Hatton
nursery, and, / may add, the woman
has entirely fulfilled the promise of
the child"
His attempt at gallantry fell fat.
Jacqueline stood up, tall and grand,
her eyes fixed steadily upon him. His
lips twitched-his uneasy look
shifted.
"Your-mother?" he staunnered
"She died five years ago-of a
broken heart"
"Ah, how sad. And the other
daughter-your sister?'
She is frail, delicate gn1. liv-
ing, much against her inclination, on
the charity of friends"
He stroked his pointed beaNd.
II hear that some boor from
Watchhaven brought you over from
the mainland yesterday and dropped
you on the pier before any objection
could be raised by my servants. You
see, we do not encourage visitors at
Deadman's. AS you have sought me
under such difficulties, must infer
that you still keep corner in your
heart Tor your fathers old friend"
Mr.. Trevor, | leave you judge OF
the place to which you are entitled
in the heart of my fathers daughter. .
A dull red tint suffused his face
for a moment
Sit down." he commanded stern
ly. do you come to me of your own
accord. or has another person sent
you?"
II come of my own accord and
against the advice of my best
friends"
',Ha! As child you were always
willful. 1t is plain do not owe this
visit to any whim-you have some
strong motive behind it. Be quite
frank with me--that is always the
best. What motive brings you to
Deadman's Island?"
! She did not take the seat to which
he motioned her. but remained erect
uncompromising her fine eyes never
wavering from his face.
II came" she answered, ITO ask
you to restore the money which you
stole FIVE years ago from my father