The Washington herald., 1911-01-05
CHAPTER XVIII.
Hagaf's Secret.

Ii ia i0Oh . way coAO AoAAAS
cart, as he met Hagar coming out OF q
cottage. about q couple Of miles from Tne
Hermitage.
II am glad to hear It," she said as they
shook hands. He noticed the sadness on
her voice, and as he gazed at her he wa
struck by the change in her appearance
she was much thinner, and her eyes had
an anxious, frightened look in them;
moreover. they gave him the impression
of having shed many tears. not that they
were red, but there was q tired express
sion.
You don't look as though you'd had
much gladness lately" he said. and there
was sympathy in his tone.
II don't think there has been much Joy
in this neighborhood since Judge Shen.
stone was killed. and 1t seems awful that
they have found Mrs. Shenstone guilty
Do you think she will be hanged" and
Tommy was surprised at the anxiety In
her tone.
IT hope not Somehow-though the evi.
dence is strong against her-1 cannot
bring myself to believe in her guilt. Poor
Margaretr' he added.
HAS she come homer asked Hagar.
mo; they're expecting her tomorrow
I'm glad she's going to marry Clelland
He's a good fellow" said Tommy. Then
as he looked at his companion, he was
struck afresh by the alteration in her
TN tell you what, Miss Herries. if your
uncle makes a nun of you much longer
he'll kill you; I never saw such an alter
ation.''
.Oh. it's not uncle's fault" she an
swered quickly, then colored. vexed with
herself for having admitted there was IN
alteration.
Then, what is it. You look nearly as
bad as Margaret Shenstone. so there
must be reason"
pens in the neighborhood it's sure to up
set people, and-and I cannot help think.
ing about poor Mrs. Shenstone. and how
dreadful it would be If they hanged her
and afterward found out she was inno-
cent"
Il should say it would be a jolly sight
better to he hanged for what you didn't
deserve than for what you'd really done
1 mean in the long rum"
"Yes. but suppose any one else had
done 1t and she was hanged, that would
be two MURDERS, said Hagaf, In low
tone full of emotion.
"Yes, but I wouldn't think about 1t.
can see the whole affair has upset you,
and you'll be Ill II you dop't take care.
Just try to think Of something else"
Il wish I could; every one seems to talk
about it. and cannot bear it." said Ha-
gar with a shudder.
Tommy drew nearer and clasped heE
hand in his.
Couldn't you think Of me? I'm not q
fine fellow. but there isn't much tragedy
about me- he said with q faint smile.
Hagar raised her eyes and looked al
the honest face and merry eyes. Certain
ly tragedy and he seemed far away.
You look as though you had always
found life easy" she said.
II have. but / don't expect always to
get off as easy, and-and. Miss Hagar. IL
you will only tell me what's troubling
you-because I cannot quite think it's
just nerves-Tll do my Best to set matters
straight. 1 expect Cliffords at the bot
tom of it
Hagar raised her eyes to his. indigna-
tioh in them.
you do him a great Injustice
Tommy looked taken aback still, he had
got the idea into his head that her uncle
was in some way responsible for her trou-
BILE, and being naturally obstinate, he
clung to 1t in spite of her words. thinking
she was determined to shield her uncle.