The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1910-05-13


"Some one that-that Mr.. Devine"-
Exactly. found out only recently"
The arched lips of the Countess Vec-
chi were pressed tightly together; her
chin was held very firmly. Although
she could see nothing but the auger
holes in the thick door, she stared at
them
"And you" she went on, after
pause-"you are interested in her
also?"
Naturally" came the rejolnder.
But why should Mr. Devine wish
to-
'rll explain all that. When he
found that l happened to be the lady's
husband he decoyed me here and
locked me up"
"Oh, oh-her husband! don't be-
lieve word of it. not word It
it's a mistake all a mistake. Why
should you think that Mr. Devine cares
enough for her toto be so unjust to
you as this?'
only because he as good as told
me so himself. You see, my wife and
l have been living apart. He thought
was dead. When | appear he finds
me in the way. So he locks me up.
But if there's any mistake l wish
you'd point it out to Mr.. Devine. Think
| there is, eh?"
"Oh, | don't know what to think"
The Countess Vecchi was determined
to hold back her tears at the unex-
tod oil eI,n
! had put a few more questions. They
| were the ones she had been longing to
ask from the first
''This-this other No; l mean this
lady of whom you speak-is she
young?"
Just twenty-three."
MY own age" thought the countess.
Then she added aloud, "And she is
quite pretty, suppose"
"Oh. she's pretty enough. But it's
chiefly her cute ways which make her
fascinating to men,"
"Oh" The countess caught her
breath sharply. Then she is fascinat-
ing? Is she blondT'
Not a bit-lovely dark hair, big
dark eyes. Her eyes are her strong
'"Oih, seer commented the countess
then to herself: Its because l look
and fascinating. Humph"
"Glad | could tell you about her"
observed the prisoner. but If you
don't mind | think I'll climb down off
this cot. It's rather rickety, and l
feel another sneezing fit coming on
Was there anything morer
Il beg your pardon" she said ear
nestly. Listen You must go away
from here at once"
Nothing would please me better, but
/ can't crawl through these holes"
Il know, and haven't key to the
paddock. But l shall get one. If
can't get the key l shall demand that
you be set at liberty. I'll go to my
father, to Mr.. Devine, and"-
"Oh. l wouldn't bother them about
it. Just you say nothing at all. but
find the key, undo the lock and then
slip away. Perhaps you'd better wait
until afternoon"
But it's such a shame. keeping you
shut up here like a criminal"
That's So ! told them it was an
outrage. And I've caught a frightful
cold too. Think you can find the key.
don't you?"
I'm sure | can. I'll send Timmins
on an errand and look in his desk"
I'm greatly obliged. you know.
You're a trump. It's mighty good of
you"
1T isn't at all couldn't do less.
and If ] ever speak to Mr.. Devine
again it will be only to tell him what
1 | think of such cruel treatment. Good
by. I'm going now"
"Goodby and good luck" came faint
/ ly through the air holes in the door.
Perhaps it was best that the count
| ess could not see the grimace Of salts
faction which accompanied the words
as she departed to get the key to that
/ paddock on the icehouse door.
Thus 1t happened something after
this fashion: The time was late after
noon between and @ o'clock, when the
golden autumn day was about to end
in a blaze of sapphire light that was
soon to fade into an empty arch of tur
quoise blue. The Countess Vecchi was
reading on the upper veranda. 1t had
become well understood in the serv
ants wing that the brief but disturb
ing reign of that Devine person was
over. Twice he had impudently offer
ed his hand and fortune to the Count
ess vecchi. and twice he had been
scornful;y refused. The parlor maid
knew all the details.
Just now Timmins appeared up the
left carriage drive. He was on foot
and leading a half grown Jersey calf
He had been sent TO purchase the cali
from the Wilbur-Tremway's head dai
ryman.
Suddenly the icehouse door swung
gently outward on its hinges, while q
man. wearing a wrinkled frock coat
and a silk hat whose luster was
! somewhat dimmed by a drapery OF