The Bemidji daily pioneer., 1922-12-28
Chapter VII


I found the lower hall partly light
ed, but none in the rooms. -
Entering the library, lit the gas
as Sinclair had requested. Then
tried the conservatory door. 1t was
unlocked. l slid quickly out and
moved down the hall to where the
light of the one burning jet failed
to penetrate. 81 will watch from
here" thought |.
But before | had turned on my
steps more than half dozen times,
the single but brilliant ray coming
from some half-open door in the rear
caught my eye and had the curios-
ity to step pack and see if any one
was sharing my watch. In doing SO
came upon the little spiral staircase
which,earlicr in the evening, Sinclair
had heard creak under some un-
known foorstep. Had this footstep
been Dorothy's and ii so, what had
brought her into this remote portion
of the house? Fear? Anguish? Re-
: morse?
~ Proceeding further, | stood amaz-
ed at my own forgetfulness. The
light which had attracted my atten-
ton came from the rooE, devoted to
the display of Miss Murray's we'd
ding gifts. This should have known
instantly, having had hand in their
arrangement. But all my faculties
were dulled that night, save such as
responded to dread and horror. Be-
fore going back l paused to look at
the sdetective whose business it was
to guard the room. He was sitting
very quietly at his post, and if he
saw ME he did not look up. Strange
that l had forgotten this man when
keeping my own vigil above. l
doubted if Sinclair had remembered
him either. Yet he must have been
unconsciously sharing our watch
from start to finish; must even have
heard the cry as only waking man
could hear it. Should | ask him if
this was so? No. Perhaps | had not
the courage to hear his answer.
Shortly after my return into the
main hall heard steps on the grand
staircase. Looking up, saw the two
girls descending followed by Sin
clair.
= AS they stepped within the rays
Of the solitary gas-jet already men,
toned, l cast one quick look into
Gilbertine's face. then long one in
to Dorothy's. l could read neither.
While Gilbert;ne advanced bravely,
Dorothy's steps Jagged, and at the
point where she should have turned
into the library, she whirled sharply
= about and made as if she would fly
back up stairs.
But one stare from Gilbertine, one
word from Sinclair, recalled her to
herself and she passed in and the
door closed upon the three. | was
left to prevent possible intrusion.
According to Sinclair's description
the interview proceeded thus:
AS soon as the door had closed up
on them, and before either of the
girls had chance to speak, he re-
marked to Gilbertine:
~ have brought you here because
wish to express to you, in the pres
ence of your cousin, my sympathy
for the bereavement which in an in
slant has robbed you both of a life
long guardian. l also wish to say in
the light of this sad event, that am
ready to postpone the ceremony
which l hoped would unite our lives
today Your, wish shall be my wish,
Gilbertine; though would suggest
that possibly you never more needed
the sympathy and protection which
only husband can give than you do
today"
'"What do you say, Gilbertine?'
he asked earnestly.
Nothing. I have not th0ught-it
is question for others to decide
others who know what is right bet
ter than /. l appreciate your con-
sidera;on.' she suddenly burst out
"and should be glad to tell you at
this moment what to expect; but
give me little time-let me see you
later--in the morning, Mr.. Sinclair,
after we are all somewhat rested
and when I can see you quite alone.
Dorothy rose.
"Shall | go?" she asked.
Sinclair with quiet protest, touch.
cd her on the shoulder. Quietly she
sank back into her scat.
81 want to say half-dozen words
to you, Miss Camerden. Gilbcrtine
will pardon us; it is about matters
which must be settled tonight. Mrs
Armstrong has instructed mc:to ques
tion you, as the one best acquainted
with Mrs. Lansing's affairs and gen.
eral tastes. We will not trouble Gil.
bertine. She has her own decisions
to reach. Dear, will you let me
make you comfortable in the con.
servatory while talk for five min.
utes with Dorothy?"
He said she met this question with
"a look so blank and uncomprehend,
ing that he just lifted her and car.
rieds her in among the palms.
81 must speak to Dorothy" he
pleaded, placing her in chair.
:. Then he crossed back to the libra,