Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1914-05-08
CHAPTER Ill.-contInued.

Hair 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 one side of the rather pro-
l9nged conversation, he was filled 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
otfensiveness in her manner, she gave
Leslie to understand that the final OBJ
sequies 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
Foil surmised from the trend of con-
versation 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
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
that topped the pile on the chair.
Catching sight of Mrs. Wrandall she
pointed to the paper with trembling
hand and cried out, in a voice full of
horror:
did you place them there for me to
read? 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. l heard
mans voice"
? The other crossed quickly to her
vide.
Don't be alarmed. 1t was my law
yer. There is nothing to fear-at pres
emit Yes, left the papers there for
you to see. You can see what sensa-
ton it has caused. Challis Wrandall
was one Of the most widely known
men in New York. But l suppose you
know that eithout my telling you"
The girl aank back with groan.
my God, what have I done? What
will come Of it all?"
Il wish | could answer that Ques-
non." said the other, taking the girls
hand in ESrs. Both were trembling
After an instants hesitation, she laid
her other hand in the dark, dishevelled
hair of the wild-eyed creature, who
still contiEaad to stare at the head
lines. 81 am quite sure they will not
look for you here, or in my home"
''In your homer"
you are to go with me. I have
thought it all over. 1t 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
nents with wave Of her hand.
Slowly the girl crept out Of bed, con-
fused, bewildered, stunned.
where are my own things? II
cannot accept these. Pray give me my
own"
Mrs. Wrandall checked her.
You must obey me, If you expect
me to help you. Don't you understand
that nave had "a bereavement?
raDnot wear these things now. They
ere useless to me. But we will speak
of all that later on. Come, be quick;
will help you to dress. First, go to
the telephone and ask them to send a
waiter to-these rooms. We must have
something to eat Please do as tell
you"
Standing before her benefactress
Fer fingers fumbling impotently at the
seck of the night-dress, the girl still
continued to stare dumbly into the
palm, dark eyes before her.
1You are SO good. IL"
Let me help you," interrupted the
sther, deliberately setting about to re
move the night-dress. The girl caught
h up as it slipped from her shoulders
warm flush suffusing her face, g
shamed look springing into her eyes.
Thank you, I can-get on very
well. osly wanted to ask you 6
question 1t has been on my mind
waking and sleeping. Can you tell me
anything about-do you know his
wife?"
The question was SO abrupt, so start
hing that Mrs. -Wrandall uttered 6
sharp little cry. For moment sht
could not reply.
81 am SO sorry, so desperately sorry
for her." added the girl plaintively.
'1 know her." the other managed tt
cay with an effort.
'If had only known that he had ;
wife" began the girl bitterly, almos
,&ngrily.
Mrs. Wrandall grasped her BIZ thu