Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1916-07-27


"If Mrs. Lawdon will permit
would like to retire. These scenes
have been too much for my strength,
l am afraid. But, of course, If you
object"
You treat me as If 1t were I who
had committed crime" famed
Mrs. Lawdon. "I'd like to know IL
you'd lost a fortune like that, II
you wouldn't insist on something be-
ing done? You haven't the right to
to sneer at me. OF course, you're
not interested. You didn't lose any
thing. Don't let me keep you up,
please"
Alice turned affectionately to
Mrs. Gaynor. do go to bed-you're
done. If you could see how terribly
you look. It's shame this thing
should have come up now"
DO co." added Mrs. Evelyn. "I'll
stay here. With me and Alice as
hostages of good faith. Mrs. Law
don should be satisfied"
Mr.. Lawdon presented his arm,
his kindly face working with con-
cern and modification. Let me help
you, Nellie" he said softly. I'm
that sorry-dear me, I'd buy the lit
tie girl her kit twice over If she'd
only come to her senses. But she's
too upset. You'll forgive her, won't
you?" he whispered as they reached
the door. ."She doesn't mean any
harm, but she's all upset, and she's
perfect kid, Nellie, perfect kid"
'Oh, that's all right" she smiled
brightly. "We'll all be adjusted in
the morning. Good night"
Good night" he murmured,
good night. Hope they didn't dis
turb your finery too much In their
whole place without respect to age,
sex, or previous condition of servi
tude. Good night again" He with
drew, and Nellie slowly moved to-
ward the stairs.
Her hands shook as II palsied as
she reached for the carved newell
post, her knees weakened and she
sank upon the lower step, burytng
her face in her hands, too weak to
rise and proceed IN the search for her
sorely needed rest. After a moment
Of complete relaxation, she pulled
herself together, conscious that the
dizziness that numbed her throb-
bing brain might at any moment
gain control. She stood for a mo-
ment leaning her whole weight on
the balustrade, when a sudden COM
motion reused all her dormant en-
ergies.
Adele's voice rose in hysterical
protest. "Madame! Madame! Oh,
Madame" The maid came down
the corridor, spied her mistress, and
rushed to her as to refuge. Behind
her came Wendham. "Oh, Madame!"
the girl gasped, what do you think
John-John. the second man, said
to me? Oh, ma'am, he nudged up
to me and said: I saw you, my
girl, when you went into that room.
Now, l haven't peached, and you
divide with me- That's what he
said, ma'am. He accused me, he
did. and as God sees me, Mrs. Gay
nor. 1t Isn't true. I was asleep
there all the time. was. was. oh,
you don't believe him. ma'am. you
don't-oh, say you don't!"
Mrs. Gaynor swayed. clutching at
the banisters. John says he saw
you go in?" Her voice was sharp
with something more than surprise.
Wendham caught her by the arm,
and leaning over. gently pushed
back the woman's arms that sought
to catch and cling to her mistress
knees.
Don't my girl-quiet, quiet
calm down now. Don't be
frightened" His voice soothed the
terrified creature like magic. She
raised her head fixing her tear
ful eyes upon his. Her tension
reiaxed suddenly. John probably
thought you did rob Mrs. Lawdon
and Just took a ffyer to see II you'd
weaken and divide with him If you
had. You must control yourself.
Mrs, Gaynor believes in you, know
she does. Be calm now" His eyes
held hers as If fascinated. Slowly
she dropped forward.
Come, come" Mrs. Gaynor's
voice broke in. adele, what nom
sense. You mustn't allow people to
frighten you like that. It's Just as
the doctor says. OF course, we know
you're innocent. Go back and stay
with the others, since Mrs. Lawdon
wishes it."
The girl rubbed hero hand across
her eyes and rose unsteadily
"Yes'm." she said. please excuse
me. / was all took back"
Its all right. Adele" Mrs. Cay
nor's voice had regained its former
gentleness. go back. and don't
run away like that again. II any
thing more is said. insist on seeing
me. Good night"
The servant turned and went
slowly away.
Nellie" said Wendham slowly,
FOR Heavens sake go to your room
before anything more happens! !
cannot bear to see you in this con-