Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1920-09-24

the study, I could judge better of its
lines. Yet, it looked forbidding. Not
exactly sinister, but GRIM and rather
!aWesome.
The long. narrow windows gave it
gloomy air, and as there was no
entrance visible from where I looked,
it seemed almost like a prison.
Ivy trailed over it's easements, and
the birds flew in and gu of the vines,
twittering.'
It was really too early to dress and
go downstairs, but l suddenly became
possessed of a wild hope that Anne
might be in the habit of strolling in
the gardens before breakfast. l had
not the least eason to this,
but a strange impotence urged me
TO 80 down and see. So, completing
q letsurely toilet, 1 went downstairs,
and through the great hall to the
tinnt door. A parlor-maid. who was
busting about. opened the door for
me, and though l thought an express
sion Of surprise showed for a mo-
nlent on her face, she quickly sup
pressed it.
stepped out into the beautiful
n ,orring. with a feeling of giadness
that I had come dow1, even if I were
cooIned to solitude. L saw no sign Of
Anne. o of any enc else. save a
few ~caretakers, AMI l started off for
"a lcng ramble through the groun is.
Their interest and teauty we'll repaid
me. and as l returned toward the
mouse, l sat down upon a stone seat
overlooking a picturesque ravine, Et.t
far way. l could see the stables an l
garage. but there was no one stirring
IN their vicinity.
Late ~risers, mere" thought 20
myself, surprised That the stablemen
Should not yet be about.
And then l saw Il woman peering
in ut the window Of one of the build
|1ass My hear gave a lep. hoping
saw. in a moment, that it was the
Eousekeeper. Mrs. Carstairs.
h wore a smrt white linen morn
ing gown, so trig Of appearance that
she looked like some Parisien1e
dressed for an outing. The skirt was
short, showing dainty white shoes
and stockings, and altogether, she
keeper as could be imagined.
And then I recollected, no one had
told me she was English. The valet
had Teen called so. ard doubtless his
father was an Eng!ishnan. but this
mysterious mother Of his was GER
teiniy French, or l saw a
Fr.ncEwoman. Then my musing con.
ice ming her nationality gave way to
an interest in her present occupation
surely, she was acting strange
".
She vent round the garage, peer
ing in at each window; now and then
casting furtive glances, as if in fear
Of being observed. She could not see
me. as l was hidden by some foliage
plants. Then. leaving the garage, she
walked back long the driveway to.
ward the house.. her eyes on the
ground. as il looking for something.
Natura chivalry prompting me ia
assist her, l rose and walked rapid,
toward her.
May 1 help in. your search, Mrs
ICarstairs?" 1 said, in my most Ches.
terfieldian tones.
Apparently she had not heard my
,approach, for h turned as If great
" startled, and said, fairly gaspine
for breath:
"oh-oh; I thought o were
you-were some one else!"
"No, I'm myself" I said, smiling
for we had met, for a few moments
the evening before. and ! was not a,
all unwilling to speak to her again
'i"Have you lost something?
"Only my self-possession,'' she re,
turned, with such apt repartee, tina,
said, impulsive1y, You are French
aren't you?"
Partly" she replied. looking at M
in surprise at my evident interest in
the matter.
and you haven't lost anything
else-not SO easily replaced?
smiled; then. as if r~ecollecting her.