The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1914-10-15
CHAPTER IIi.--contInued,

CHAPTER Iii.-contInued.
Half an hour later he departed, to
rejoin her at eleven O'Clock, when the
reporters were to be expected. He
was TO do all the talking for her.
While he was there, Leslie Wrandall
called her up on the telephone. Hear
ing but ono side OF the rather pro-
ionged conversation, he was filed with
wonder at the tactful way in which
she met and parted the inevitable
questions and suggestions coming
from her horror-stricken brother-in-
law. Without the slightest trace of
Drensivenees in her manner. she gave
Leslie to understand that the final OBJ
Bequies must be conducted in the
home Of his parents, to whom once
more her husband belonged. and that
she would abide by all arrangements
his family elected to make. Mr.. Car
roll aurmlSed from the trend of con
~yersatIon that young Wrandall was
about to leave for the scene OF the
tragedy, and that the house was In a
state of unspeakable distress. The
lawyer smiled rather grimly to him
self as he turned to look out OF the
window. He did not have to be told
that Challis was the idol Of the family.
and that, so far as they were con-
cerned, he could do no wrong!
After his departure, Mrs. Wrandall
gently opened the bedroom door and
was surprised to find the girl wide
awake, resting on one elbow, her star
Ing eyes fastened on the newspaper
taat topped the pile on the chair.
Catching sight OF Mrs. Wrandall she
pointed 10 the paper with n trembling
hand and cried cut. in a voice full Of
horror:
"Did you place them there for me to
vead? Who was with you In the other
room just now? Was it some one
about the-some one looking for me?
Speak! Please tell me. | heard a
mans voice"
The other crossed quickly to her
eide.
Don't be alarmed. 1t was my law
yer. There is nothing to fear-at pres
ent. Yes, | left the papers there for
you to see. You can see what a sensa-
ton 1t has caused. Challis Wrandall
was one of the most widely known
men In New York. But | suppose you
know that without my telling YOU"
The girl sank back with a groan.
my God, what have I done? What
will come of it ail?"
81 wish | could answer that ques-
tion,' said the other, taking the girls
hand In hers. Both we're trembling.
After an instant's hesitation, she laid
her other hand in the dark. ~dishevelled
hair of tie w~ild-eyed creature, who
still continued to stare at the head
lines. Il am quite sure they will not
look for YOU here, or in my home"
"ln your homer"
You are to go with me. l have
Thought IL all over. II is the only way.
Come, must ask you to pull yourself
together. Get up at once, and dress.
Here are the things you are to wear"
She indicated the orderly pile of gar
sients with a wave of her hand.
Slowly the girl crept out of bed. con
fused, b~ewildered, stunned.
Where are my own things? IL
cannot accept these. Pray give me my
own"
Mrs. WrandaIl checked her.
You must obey me, If you expect
me to help you. Don't you understand
shat have had IA bereavement? |
cannot wear these things now. They
ire useless to me. But we will speak
IF all that later on. Come. be quick;
{ will help you to dress. First, 20 to
the telephone and ask them to send a
waiter to-these rooms. We must have
something to eat. Please do as | tell
ron"
Standing before her b~enefactress.
ner fingers fumbling impotently at the
neck OF the night-dress, the girl still
continued to stare dumbly into the
calm. dark eyes before her.
You are so good. Il"
Let me help you," interrupted the
sther, deliberately setting about t. re
move the night-dress. The girl caught
1t up as it slipped from her shoulders.
u warm flush suffusing her face, a
shamed lock ~springing into her eyes.
Thank you. I can-get on very
we'll. l only wanted to ask you a
question. 1t has been on my mind,
waking and sleeping. Can you tell me
nnything about--do you know his
vsfe?"
The question was so abrupt, SO start
&ng that Mrs. Wrandall uttered a
sharp little cry. For a moment she
Ueuid not reply.
Il am so sorry. so desperately sorry
Or her." added the girl 'plaintively.
II know her." the other mar~sed to
ny with an effort.
aTf had only known that be had a
VIE" began the girl bitterly, almost
tca--.
-. ~-sss~s6 s~ ~ tie