The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1910-10-28

tone; Z II goes to my heart TO think
that he was brutaily murdered, and
we so near, yet not able to give
helping hand"
"Why distress yourself about
that?" Dorothy replied trifle con-
temptuously; she could not under
stand such feelings. "You were not
to blame!"
"Oh, thank Heaven, NOT" he an
swered. and at his deep, earnest
tones Ends heart thrilled with sud
den joy, as she felt that her trust
was well founded, then sunk with
pain as she realized Dorothy's double
dealing once again.
Dorothy, turning her head, caught
the expression on Ends face, and
without word she swept suddenly
out of the room.
Gervais leaned back and a weary,
troubled air new to him settled on
his brow.
"You look SO tired, Lord Derri-
man." Enid said, rising and coming
forward: "let me order you some
tea?"
Gervais woke from his thoughts to
smile at her.
"Tea,' he said lightly. "The best
panacea in the world. Where is Dor
othy?v
"She has just gone away, but she
never drinks tea, and so will"
Enid was interrupted as she was
about to touch the bell by sounds OF
wheels in the grounds, then by a
hearty voice, and lastly by the en-
trance of a man in a thick travelling
coat.
"Broughton!" exclaimed Gervais,
with warm delight. my dear old
boy, how glad am. Your sister is
better?"
yes said Dare. as he clasped
Ends hand and then his friends.
"All right again. so thought would
trot back and finish Lady sDerriman's
picture. And see my sweet love! +" he
finished softly to himself as he gazed
at Ends face.
There. is no one more welcome, es-
: pecially just now. You have heard
all about the horrible affair, of
course?"
"No-what?" Dare looked from
one to the other. II have driven
straight from Nettlethorp Junction,
came direct there from Carries place
in shire. Nothing wrong. ]
hope."
Gervais told him in simple words
all that had happened.
A murder-here! Good heavens,
how disagreeable! and no one you
know? What curious thing, Derri-
man. ! suppose you have some good
detectives down already"
Everything is in Sir Gregory Mar
tins hands, and he refuses to do
this until he has given the local POI
lice chance.
Yes. and SO miss your man alto
gether. have no faith in anything
local"
Gervais laughed slightly, then rose.
II will go and tell Dorothy you
are back; she will be so pleased,
Broughton, want you to avoid the
murder as much as possible before
her.
very we'll. said Dare, as he threw
OF his coat.
Enid had moved to the tea-tray and
was pouring him out a cup of the
beverage.
Are you glad to see me back?. he
asked abruptly.
She looked up at his dark, kindly
face.
Indeed am. I cannot tell you
W glad. Mr.. Rrnughton.
You are looking more fragile than
ever-this atmosphere of murder is
not good for you.
II cannot go away just yet," Enid
answered, with a sigh that told him
as plainly as words that her heart
was >burdened by some weighty
trouble.
He had come back with one puri.
pose strong in his mind-to tell Enid
of his love, and to plead for hers in
return. He had grown almost happy
in his hopefulness. and now all that
was gone; he could not speak of his
secret. while her face wore such a
wretched, distraught air, but he re-
called her promise of friendship, and
he put out his strong right hand as
she brought him the cup of tea and
imprisoned hers.
am going to be very bold, Miss
Enid, he said gently and tenderly,
sbut cannot bear to see you look so
pale and wan: you are worried about
something! It is impertinent of me,
perhaps, but want you to let me
help you! You are so young, and so
frail, to bear sorrow all alone.
Ends wonderful blue eyes went up
to meet his.
IF only dare!p she said to her.
self. but the trouble touched Gervais
and his honor, and therefore was
sacred to her. "You are yery good,
Mr.. Broughton, but I-I-cannot tell
you my trouble-at least nowim