The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1912-06-14

ALMOST UIcaIAACoSAJ ,~l A.,
maid AZ she swung the door shsntls
and stood blocking the opening "'tl
her 1.-the form. From without rum
bled the heavy tones Of man un
steady and thick from drink "ooo
evening, Janet. would like 10 see
Mrs. Dace." The girls answer was
softly apologize. IT,,
my mistress is not at home. lhe
reply which followed was preceoeo
by laugh. .u ~,
"You know better, Janet. Tell mel
wish to see her. Tell her, also' tna'
1t is a matter of Importance
But have said that she is not al
home. But of course she will be mere
in the morning and you can the1
communicate with her. nave nc
doubt she will be pleased to hear IRON
YOU"
In the instant of heavy hanging 81
lence which followed I shot glance
at Mrs. Dace. She had leaned si'sht
ly forward, her hands clenched ano
her ears strained In the direction OF
the door, Then the notes Of the man
arose again, a sullen growl sounolne
through them.
did she order you tell me this non
sense or are you acting upon your
own responsibility" The voice OF
the yellow girl, Heretofore respe'*
full, took on a cold insolence.
THAT ia a matter for you to form
your own opinion about. At least am
willing to accept any responsibility
for what I may tell you. You may
ask her concerning It when you see
her again"
Plainly and distinctly Mackay
swore, and saw the door yield slight
ly to the pressure Of heavy hand
from without. In the twinkllng OF an
eye the maids slender figure became
that of an enraged panthress, and ner
tones rang out with positive vicious
ness. III you try to force your way
in here against me l will have you
thrown head and heels into the street
by the employees. Release that door
instantly"
He swore again, the pressure ceased
and I heard his heavy step as 1t re-
treated down the hall. In trice the
maid had closed the door behind him
and stood before us with hot flush
upon her face and her eyes alight.
Mrs. Dace drew a long breath and her
form and features softenol. Once
more she became the low-spoken, per-
fectly self-controlled woman OF the
minute before. you did very well,
Janet. I think that Is all for the pres
ent. You may retire now" Nolseless-
ly the girl slipped past US and disap'
peared behind the portiere.
I turned to her mistress. What
does this mean, Matie?" ! asked quiet
ly, but with the sickening sensation
that I had experienced once before,
making my knees weak and my throat
dry. She faced me with an almost
imperceptible lifting of her eyebrows
and shoulders.
$50 far as I know 1t means nothing
except that Mr.. Mackay has hsen
drinking and wished to see me for
some reason Of which I am as fgnor.
ant as you are"
But at this hour of the night! II
seems strange that even a man like
him should have the presumption to
call. think under the circumstances
have right to inquire. Does he
sometimes do such things?
"He never has before. He had nc
right to do so now. If it is matter
of important business he should have
notified me of his coming at least a
few moments in advance"
But what business could he pos
sibly wish to confer with you about
at such a time of night that could moi
be transacted over the telephone?
l pursued unhappi!y. She waved he,
hand.
II am sure that I am as ignoran,
and disturbed over the affair as yor
can possibly be. When I see him
again shall demand an explanation
Then will be able to tell you"
"And those rings-they sounded al
most like a signal-one short and two
long ones"
1T is one Of his peculiarities.
think he so announces himself every
where" She came close beside me
dropping her hand upon my shoulder
You told me once that you would
never mistrust me again. You are do
ing so now. cannot wholly contro
the actions Of others, and there are
reasons why do not wish to quarre
! with Mr.. Mackay unless am driver
to It. Your jealousy may ruin ouI
prospects and make us bad friends
| after all. do not feel fattered By
it."
I got upon my feet and slipped m,
arm about her. you must forgive
me once more, dearest. While ad
NIT that my love is Jealous one, ye
| where my heart 10 my faith also re