The Washington times., 1918-07-30

= ~, it was Harold's duty to engage
them. In fact. he never told me
when he had sent one away and put
another In his place. / only knew
when 1 saw fresh faces around me.
I looked after the women-servants,
and they all stayed with me till
these troubles began You see, LII
Ian, its only since the last fort
night that 1 have had any reason
To be afraid"
This man, Paul, then. has assum-
cd q kind OF management about the
house?
''Yes. 1 am afraid So"
what about the coachman and
She groom?"
They were engaged by Harold,
Lilian"-Esther looked into her
friends face with sudden apprehen-
sion--why do you ask these ques-
tionsT"
"I want to learn all can" said
Lillian, avasively. I'VE have a hard
problem to solve, Esther"
but IL go to New York with
you todayr'
Il want you to go for your own
safety, Esther. It is because OF
that am asking you these ques-
lions. But supposing"-Llian was
OpIkCo 10 SPEAK "udL was "a -
mind at the risk OF frightening her
friend-"but suppose Ihey will not
let you go7"
Esther stopped dead, and q look OF
terror came into her face
what do you meanT she asked
IL don't quite follow you"
Il mean exactly what l said, said
Lillian, incisively. II is no time TO
mlnce matters, and we must face
things just as they are"
"YoN think I may be a prisoner
herer"N
without knowing It, yes"
Allowed Much Liberty.
~But-but" faltered Esther no
restraint has been put upon me. 1
have come and gone as 1 choose.
have taken drives and walks 1
drove down to the station to meet
you yesterday"
"Yes, you have been allowed to do
an because you have had no idea Of
making your escape. No one would
interfere with you unless they
thought It necessary. They do not
at present think that your suspic-
ions have been particularly aroused.
Probably you are watched when
you 60 out"
'You surprise me-" said Esther.
frowning, "and ! can hardly believe
Il possible. / never thought that
any attempt would be made to re-
strain my liberty. But"-something
of the old independent spirit shot
out of her eyes as she turned back
TO the house-"we will soon put
your theory to. the test"
She led the way to the morning
room, from. which the breakfast
things had by now been cleared
away, and rang the bell with de-
termined hand. Presently q foot
man appeared.
Doyle" she said. with assumed
carelessness, II am going to town
with Mrs. Willoughby this after
noon. Please tell Fenwick that
shall want the brougham to take US
to the station. We will catch the
$50 train. And tell Mr.. West that
will see him at once to leave in
structions with him to be carried
out while am away. That is all"
The man was standing gazing at
her with . crafty look in his mar
row eyes, which, to Lilian's mind.
\ boded ill But he only said, Yes,
maam." and turned on his heel
"Now we shall see. You are
wrong, Lillian; l feel sure that you
are wrong" said Esther.
After q few moments the old but
Ter appeared. He seemed unaccount-
ably nervous, and fdgeted about
the room while he spoke, and while
he was listening to the commence
ment OF Esther's instructions
He interrupted ber-though OBJ
oequiously-befors she had said
much.
Were you thinking Of going
away, ma'am?"
81 have said so. West said
Esther haughtily. Il am going to
town this afternoon by the 4:3O
train. and may be absent for some
days"
But" interrupted the man with
downcast eyes, and speaking with
an effort Mr.. Borrodale is due
back very soon-it may be today or
tomorrow-and Mr.. Borradale"-
Esther Sileneea InterIoper.
'It does not matter to you what
Mr.. Borradale may or may not do.
II is your business TO take my in
structions. Has may message been
sent to Fenwick about the
brougham-
you 20 d OElNe Ih4S
afternoon. and walt" The man
faItered nervously as he spoke.
Esther rose from her chair, her
face very white and set. What
do you mean. West?" she asked. in
q low voice that hardly masked
her rising anger.
The butler commenced to stam-
mer some unintelligible reply. He
was an old man OF rounded shoul-
ders and scant hair, but his fea-
lures were honest to a degree He
had not said much before he broke
down. spreading out his hands as
IL in despair. The truth is, ma'am."
he cried, desperately, 81 don't know
what has come over this house. /
don't know whom I am to obey, nor
how / stand. I'd rather go at once:
If you don't mind. please. should
like to go."
Tell me what is. the trouble.
west?' she said, gently. 81 GER
taInIy do not want to lose you.
ITS all trouble, mA'am." said the
old man. with difficulty finding ex-
preston for his thoughts. IT'S
been nothing but trouble for
months. Times and oft I've thought
of coming to you, but I never dared
do so. Things are all changed.
Mr.. Barradale-I knew him as q
boy and as a young mana nicer
gentleman one wouldn't hope to
meet, but now. heaven knows what
has come over him
Never mind about that" inter