The Washington times., 1918-08-24
costinuea From Yesterday

physicians prejudice against her
self. 81 do not feel myself justified
in speaking of intimate family mat
terS. but Mrs. Borradale had very
good reasons for acting as she has
done. II was, indeed. necessary for
her own protection. However. I
need not explain that. For the
SreSent, at least, 1t is not advisable
that these affairs should be dis
sussed."
quite so. But whatever the cir
cumstances. Mrs. Willoughy, you
will recognize the necessity OF in
forming Mr.. BoTradale OF his wife's
illness. II you neglected this
should feel 1t my duty to do SO my
self"
The doctor was quite right Lillian
was constrained to admit the fact
to herself. But his words suggested
an alarming prospSct. Supposing
Harold demanded his wife's return,
would Lillian be able to contest the
claim provided Esther were we'll
enough to be moved, and yet not
w-l enough to take her own part?
q E1sthtz had no near relatives except
Guy, an1 Guy must, Of course, be
eornras- Gated with at once. Also,
Harold should be notified immedi-
stcly; II all probability he would
aoteayG to set himself in opposition
70 Lillian.
You are quite right, doctor" she
said, restraining her temper. 'Mr.
BorradaIe shall be informed at once
OF his JFife's condition. He is in town
at his home. You are at liberty to
see him yourself II you zee fit
do not think he will interfere with
what have done, for tell you that
he is responsible for this illness, and
he knows II. ] shall not allow Mrs.
BoTradale to be taken from my
house unless, when she is recovered.
she goes OF her own free will.
would rather contest the matter in
the courts. and show that II Is not
safe for Mrs. Borredale to be in her
husbands charge. May / ask"-she
confronted the doctor and put the
question bluntly-'if you have seen
Mr.. Borradsle within the past
year,
NO" replied DR.. Brooke, 81 have
not seen him since he was married"
Then I would suggest that you
see him personally about his wife
You will be able to form your own
conclusions. The fact is"-why
should she conceal the TRUTH
''that Mr. Borradale As the victim OF
the drug habit, and he has secretly
drugged my friend. He is physical
wreck, and would bring his wife to
the same condition. don't know
what drug he employs-but see him
and Judge for yourself IL 1 have
not spoken the truth"
YOU surprise me-" said the Ehv-
sician. He was, indeed, surprised.
He had known Harold as youth
and as a young men OF promise; he
could hardly believe Lillian's story.
NO doubt you will realize the
truth OF what I say in your pro-
fessional attendance upon Esther,
went on Lillian, heatedly. "She has
acquired a taste for. this horrible
drug, and she will suffer for being
deprived OF Il. You will see. And
besides, there Is far more underly-
ing all this than l can tell you OF.
Esther Is not safe with her hus-
band-I cannot say that she Is safe
anywhere. But I mean to do my
best to defend her, and ] can only
tell you. doctor, that / will shrink
from nothing in doing So"
DR.. Brooke was not a man sc-
custoned to show emotion. But
Lillian had surprised him. and he
looked at her now with somewhat
altered feelings. He had no doubt
from her manner that she was sin
cere. He rose to take his depart
ure.
II have no wish to pry into fam
lily matters, Mrs. Willoughby," he
said, "but ] will do as you suggest,
and see Mr.. Borradale myself-not
because I doubt your word, but be-
cause think It right, as his wife's
medical attendant, / should do so.
No doubt you will also communi-
cate with him. ] will call again
tonight, and in the meanwhile
will arrange for a nurse to take
charge OF the invalid"
-You do not anticipate danger
for her, doctor, trust?" asked
Lillian. anXiously.
II cannot say at present. re-
turned the doctor. Il shall be able
70 speak more definitely after !
have seen her again tonight"
And so he took his departure.
Left alone, Lillian wrote an i'm
perative note to Guy, asking him
20 come at once; and also wrote to
Basil Fleetwood. explaining very
briefly what had happened, and
suggesting that he should come TO
town.
Esther is no longer with her
husband" she added. so you will
not be breaking your undertaking
or, rather hers-by seeing each
other. Also, as soon as Esther is
better, we propose TO take vigorous
measures on her behalf, and you
will be anxious to have your
share Of work and possible
danger"
These letters despatched. she
rang and ordered her carriage to be
brought around at once. 81 must
go" she muttered; "I must see him
myself. for / will trust no one else
to do So"
As she was mounting the stairs
70 dress for her drive. she met the
children coming down in charge OF
a nursemaid. who had been engaged
by Clementine- In the trouble Of
the morning she had forgotten to
inquire about them.
A few days had made a great
change in their looks. They were
now well-groomed and had the ap-
pearsnce OF the children OF gentle
folk; a little unruly. perhaps. and
their language and habits not all
that could be desired, but. as
Clementine zfterward explained,
this would be overcome.
They were going into the park TO
obYiate their vulgar preference for
the streets. They were rather given
to following itinerant musicians