The Washington times., 1913-10-18


it was brought into conversation.
| Then she's been SO depressed and
low-spirited sometimes lately that 1 be-
gan to think she was jealous of Dysart S
almost complete absorption in his re-
searches"
| Merely because she seemed depressed,
as you say, and evinced an aversion for
Mr.: Van Rensselaer's life-work?"
4 mo, not alone that" replied Lucille
cautiously and hesitatingly; but she
time began first to notice her unhappy
moods-to rush everywhere feverishly.
"She had never before seemed to care
very much for society in general; but
| rest the whole season, and by the time
| spring came she was nervous and hag-
gard looking, not bit like herself. l
made up my mind then that she was
| lonely for her husband, and hated his
work. work because e it kept him so many
And up here-has she seemed bets
terri - =.
| oh. ever so much better. She got to
look quite her old self again, only-well.
! she seemed to be more unhappy than
ever; and WIN occasionally she appeared
tell that 1t was almost Historically
| forced"
Did you speak to Mrs. Van Rens-
selaer about it?' The question came
more sharply and inSisively than the
mere words warranted.
Lucille halted her confidential out
| pouring of words and looked almost
piteously confused.
Moo" she said at last, slowly and
hesitatingly
, Rensselaer, were such intimate friends,
and you saw she was troubled. wouldn't
1t have been natural for you TO ask
the cause Of her unhappiness?"
mo, II wouldn't" said Lucille fatty.
The length of his question had given
time for loophole of escape from fur
ther condolences to present itself. She
had no intention of telling him any
thing whatever concernig her coversa-
ton Of the previous day with Victoria or
the writing of the check.
It might reflect the least bit on her
dead friend, although just how she was
unable to see. Anyway, she felt quite
certain 1t had no bearing on the tragedy
which had befallen Victoria.
do you think" she continued, that
/ would want anyone, no matter how
close friend, to come to me offering
sympathy and asking questions if my
husband was neglecting me for some
old science? It's a very delicate thing
fully In anyone's domestic affairs"
You are absolutely certain then that
the only cause for Mrs. Van Rensse-
laer's troubled mind lay in her hus-
bands neglect of her for his studies?"
"Ye-es." replied Lucille, the slight
trembling Of her voice belying the frank
surprise Of her widely-opened eyes.
What other cause could there be?"
Franklin Yorke was silent for mo-
ment- That the young person before
him was deliberately Withholding some
incident connected with her friends con-
dition or mental state was obvious.
1t was equally obvious that she was
quite determined not to divulge it, and
for the. time being he was content to
allow the question to rest.
You are scquaintanced, believe,
with Mr.. Paui Hildreth, Mrs. Van Rens-
selaer's cousin?" he asked, changing
the subject without preamble.
OH Lucille gave a little gasp Of
her none too agile thoughts were
switched into a new channel; then she
bubbled on enthusiastically:
Yes, indeed Paul is one of our old
est friends. He's a perfect dear, All
the girls simply raved about him. OF
course. he hasn't any money-none of
the charming men have, or else they're
married, or something, but he's terribly
attractive. Bertram-Mr. Goodall-likes
him immensely, and l adore him.
He will have all the money he wants
now," said Yorke quietly, with his eyes
fixed upon hers.
He will?" she exclaimed in frank
pleasure. "Oh! how nice for him. But
l. DON'T
Did you not know that the death of
Mrs. Van Rensselaer, places him in pos
session of a large sum of money!
Why lid forgotten that. OF course
il does" Her face saddened. How
terribly he must feel to profit by such
a tragedy! He was so genuinely fond
of poor, darling Victoria, | suppose il
never once entered his head that she
would die and he inherit that estate"
Possibly not observed Yorke,
dryly.
Lucille's face lifted a little as a new
thought presented itself to her.
OH" she cried. perhaps now he can
marry -"
The sharp, prolonged ringing of the
telephone bell cleaved her sentence in
half, and she sat with bated breath lis
tening to Robins hurried footsteps
down the hall. They heard the faint
click of the receiver as he took it from
the hook. and then his voice:
Yes? Yes, this is The Lair-yes.
Mr. Van Rensselaer's Who are you?
Oh, Western Union at Fulton Chain.
Mr.. Blaisdell? You have telegram for
wire. Freddie. wire for you. Come
here, and they'll repeat it to you over
the phone"
Lucille GoodalI and Franklyn Yorke
both with one accord quietly entered the
hall as Freddie Blaisdell took his place
AT lne leIeploHc lHeN slOoI lIlIHioN-
able while they saw the eager interest
in his face change to look Of blank
horror and dismay.
viii you-repeat that. please? he
gasped in a voice husky with emotion.
The message, whatever il was. must
F.:-I come - him .r iii" wir,' I -
, ed time with a hnIl'-i What: u Init
te dof no mistake. for he hung up the
4. c.-iNcr with trembling hand and
t'.'"'% hin'iIj. 10 Iohir. his face drawn
al l ,.hilr.
i mIst Sv," he rvht.G hoarsely. i