The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1909-06-18

I an angry movement Of his hands he
checked her words.
Excuse me-" he said, very CURLY,
"but I cannot hear a word or more
on this matter. What your object Is
In coming here to make such a ridicu'
Ious statement, l do not pretend 70
know, nor can l guess. At the same
time | must point out to you that II
is, to say the least of 1t, extremely Ill
advised, and, though l shall say 10th
ing of 1t to the duchess, with whom
indeed, you connection has now
ceased, l regard it, nevertheless, as
an affront to a great family, with
whom | have the honor to be on
friendly terms" .
He had just made an end of speak
ing when the bell of the telephone
rang outside in the hall.
Perhaps Grant was expecting a mes
sage, or perhaps he saw the relief
from the situation, for he jumped up
at once and, with a brief word OF
apology, strobe out of the room.
The girl rose also, her eyes again
trimming with unshed tears, her little
gloved hand trembling piteously.
For some reason or other-what, he
could never divine, either then or in
after years-Basil Marriott went up
to her and took her by the hand.
miss Hobson," he said, in a low,
earnest voice, may | tell you that |
believe you thoroughly, and what
ever you say l know you yourself be-
lieve in. l am sure your motives are
good"
She looked gratefully at him for a
moment. But what-what have you
to do with this unhappy business?"
She faltered. more than you may
suppose" she replied, though I can
not tell you now"
But l also am strangely involved in
1t, and determined to do what | can
to find out the truth. Give me your
address, and let me communicate
with you, If l may"
He had been holding her hand all
the time he spoke, nor did it seem
% either of them at that moment that
was anything odd in the situa-
ion. But now she withdrew it swift
y, and a little blush mantled her
There was something singu-
arly compelling about this handsome
young sailor.
THE address is, The Rectory,
Trink, nea Chelmsford" she said,
md as she did so Grant returned into
he room.
Il will wish you good afternoon,
Ir. Grant," the girl said, recovering
Ter self-possession, and certainly by
10 means apparently crestfallen by
anger. She bowed and left
he fiat.
well, Of all COMPOUNDED, imperti-
tent nonsense / have ever heard in
ny lffe," Grant said, turning angrily
o Marriott, this about beats the
OF. Do you know whom that girl is
accusing of having something to do
With the dukes Disappearance"
Miss Decies?" said Basil.
"Yes," Grant answered; Miss Au-
Decies, the aunt and chaperon
# the young duchess-one of the
most respected, If not one of the most
and irreproachable old ladies
n the whole of society. The girl
must be madi"
Basil did not venture an opinion.
WELL" he said, Il suppose we had
go to 100A, Piccadilly, at once"
The hanson brought the two young
men to the ducal house in a few min
ties.
The door opened almost at once.
4 tall footman was standing there,
the butler, was In the
background, and a bearded man In or
dark clothes, who seemed sim
out of place. was standing
by.
II was odd, Marriott thought, to see
some one who was obviously the but
er attending upon the opening of
he door, while the bearded man was,
of course, a person from Scotland
Yard.
Grant and his companion were adj
at once. AS they entered the
sailor began to feel Immediately the
indefinite, and yet very real
influence which pervades a great
house at a time of crisis and alarm.
Ito BE Contlnued)