The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-17
Uontinuedl


 you properly glad to see me?"
 Yes, kind sir," she said, dropping a little courtesy, and smiling in a most friendly way.
 We'll, then, sit down here, and let me talk to you, for my thoughts are running riot, and I'm sure you alone can help me straighten them out"
 "Of course can. I'm wonderful at that sort of thing. But. first I'll tell you about Miss Dupuy. She's awfully ill-l mean prostrated, you know: and she has a high fever and sometimes she chatters rapidly, and then again she won't open her lips even if any one speaks to her. We've had the doctor, and he says it's just overstrained nerves and a naturally nervous disposition; but, MT. Fessen- den, I think it's more than that; I think it's a guilty conscience"
 And yesterday. when I implied that Miss Dupuy might know more about it all than she admitted. you wouldn't listen to a word of it!"
 "Yes, I know it, but I've changed my mind"
 "oh you have; just for change, I suppose
 ..No." said Kitty, more seriously; but because I've heard a lot of Cice- Iy's ranting,-for that's what it is.-- and while it's been only disconnected sentences and sudden exclamations, yet 1t all points to guilty knowl- edge of some sort, which she's trying to conceal. I don't say suspect her. MT. Fessenden. but do suspect that she knows lot more important in- formation than she's told"
 Miss Dupuy's behavior has cer- tsinly invited criticism" began Rob. hut before he could go further, the French girl, Marie, appeared at the door. and seemed about to enter.
 what is it, Marie?' said Kitty kindly. Are you looking for me-
 "Yes, Mademoiselle." said Marie. and would speak with Monsieur teo. I have that to say which is impera- tive. Too long. already have I kept the. silence. must speak at last Have I permission?"
 Certainly" said Fessenden, who saw that Marie was agitated,5 but very much in earnest. "Tell us what you have to say. Do not be afraid
 s9s am afraid,"- said-Mafie, :'bsat am afraid of one only. It is the Miss Morton. the stranger lady,
 Miss Morton?" said Kitty in sur prise. ''She won't hurt you; she has been very good to you"
 .Ah. yes, Mademoiselle; but too good. Miss Morton has been too kind, too sweet. to Marie! It is that which troubles me"
 We'll out with it, Marie," said Rob. ''Close that door, if you like and then speak out, without any more teatfng around the btsil.''
 No. Monsieur, will no longer teat the bush; will now tell"
 Marie carefully closed the door, and then began her story:
 -'It was the night of the-of the horror. You remember, Miss French, we sat all in this very room, awaiting the coming of the great doctor-the Doctor Leonard.,'
 ''Yes," said Kitty, looking intently at the girl: ives, know most of you stayed here waiting,-but I was not here; Doctor Hills sent Miss Gardner and me to our rooms"
 ''Yes, 1t is so. Well, we sat here, end Miss Morton rose with sudden . ness and left the room. followed partly that I thought she might need my services, and partly-I confess ii because I trusted her not at all and I wished to assure myself that all was well. I followed her.-bui secretly,-and I-shaI I tell you what she did?'
 Kitty hesitated. She was not sure she should listen to what was, after all servants gossip about a guest of the house.
 But Fessenden looked at it differ. antly. He knew Marie had been the trusted personal maid of Miss Var Norman, and he deemed it right to hear the evidence that she was now anxious to give.
 Go on, Marie" he said gravely Be csreful to tell it exactly as it hap. pened. whatever it is"
 ''Yes. M-sieur. We'll, then, softl, followed Miss Morton, because she did not go directly to her own room hut went to Miss Van Norman's sit. iing-room and stood before the desk of Miss Madeleine"
 You are sure, Marie ?" said Kitty who couldn't help feeling it was dis. honorable to losten to this.
 Please. Miss French, let her tel The story in her own way" said Rob Tt is perhaps of the utmost import. ance, and may lead to great results
 Then Marie went uninterruptedl, ,n-
 She stood in front of the desk M'sieur: she searched eagerly for pa. ,ers, reading and discarding several Then she found some, which she saw with satisfaction, and hastily conceal s~- no~ Mice Mnrfor