The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-06
CHAPTER VI.
Fessenden Comes.

the bell of the Van Norman house. Having heard nothing of the events of the night, he had called to offer any assistance he might give before the ceremony.
 The trailing garland of white flow CTS with f1uttering streamers of white ribbon that hung beside the portal struck a chill to his heart.
 What can have happened ?" he thought. blankly, and confused ideas of motor accidents were thronging his mind as the door was opened for him. The demeanor of the footman at cnce told him that he was in house of mourning. Shown into the draw ing-room, he was met by Cicely Du- puy. MT. Fessenden!'' she exclaim- ed as she greeted him. ''Then you have not heard?'
 i've heard nothing. What is it2
 Poor Miss Dupuy had hravely talk en up the burden of telling the sad story to callers who did not know of it, and this was not the first time that morning she had e1ghtened in- quiring friends. senden of the events of, the night be- fore. He was shocked and sincerely grieved. Although his acquaineance with Miss Van Norman was slight, he was Schuyler Carletons oldest and best friend. and so he had come from New York the day before in order to take his part at the wedding.
 While they were talking Kitty French came in. As MT. Fessenden began to converse with her Cicely .eX- cused herself and left the room.
 Isn't it awful?" began Kitty, and her tear-fiIled eyes supplemented the trite sentence.
 Ut is indeed" said Rob Fessenden, taking her. hand in spontaneous sym. pathy. Why should she do it?''
 She didn't do it," declared Kitty earnestly. MT. Fessenden they all say she killed herself, but know she didn't Won't you help me to prove that, and to find out who did kill herr"
 What do you mean, Miss French ? Miss Dupuy just told me it was a suicide"
 They all say so, but I know bet ter. Oh, I wish somebody would help me. Molly doesn't think as do, and I can't do anything all alone"
 Miss French's face was small and flower-like, and when she clasped her little hands and bewailed her in ability to prove her belief, young Fes- senden thought he had never seen such g. perfect picture of beautiful helplessness. Without reserve he in- to the best of his own ability.
 And Mrs. Markham doesn't think as I do, either," went on Kitty. 'sNo- body thinks es I do.'
 II will think as you do,'' declared F'essenden, and so potent was the charm of the fearful violet eyes, that he was quite ready to think whatever she dictated. "Only tell me what to think, and what to do about it.''
 Why, I think Madeleine didn't kill herself at all. I think somebody else killed her.
 'But who would do such a thing :?  You see, Miss French, I know noth- ing of the particulars. I saw Miss Van Norman for the first time yes terday."
 Had yon never met her before ?'
 HOh, yes; a few years ago. But I mean, came to Mapleton only yes- terday, and saw her in the after noon. I was to be Schuyler's best man, you know, and as ha didn't come here to dinner last night, i thought I'd better not come either. though I had been asked. He was a little n1iffed with Miss Van Norman, you know"
 "Yes, I know. Maddy did fijrt with Tom, and it always annoyed MT. Carleton. Did you dine with him ?''
 s"Yes, at his home. I am staying there. By the way. met Miss Burt there; do you know her?''
 "No, not at all. Who is she ?''
 She's a companion to Mrs. Carle- ton. Schuyler's mother. I never saw her until last night at dinner
 "No, l don't know her. repeated Kitty. "I don't believe she was in- vited to the wedding. for looked ever the list of invitations. Still, her name may have been there. The list was so very long"
 And now there'l be no wedding and no guests"
 "No," said Kitty; only guests at a far different ceremony" Again the deep violet eyes filled with tears and Fessenden was conscious of a longing to comfort and help the poor little girl thrown thus suddenly into the first tragedy of her life.
 "It would be dreadful enough if she had died from an illness" he said; "but this added awfulness-'
 "Yes," interrupted Kitty; "but to me the worst part is for them to say