Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1923-01-03
CHAPTER VII


| Entering the library, l lit the gas
as Sinclair had requested. Then l
tried the conservatory door. 1t was
unlocked. l slid quickly out and NOV
ed down the hall to where the light
Of the one burning jet failed to pene-
trate. 81 will watch from here, "
| thought l.
But before had turned on my steps
more than half dozen times, the sin
gle but brilliant ray coming from some
half-open door in the rear caught my
eye, and | had the curiosity to step
back and see if any one was sharing
my watch. In doing so came upon
! the little spiral staircase which, earl
Ter in the evening, Sinclair had heard
creak under some unknown footstep.
Had this footstep been Dorothy's and
if so, what had brought her into this
remote portion of the house? Fear?
Anguish? Remorse?
Proceeding further, I stood amazed
at my own forgetfulness. The light
which had attracted my attention
came from the room devoted to the
display of Miss Murray's wedding
gifts. This l should have known in
stantly, having had hand in their ar
arrangement. But save such as respon-
ed to dread and horror. Before go
| ing back | paused to look at the detec-
| tive whose business it was to guard
the room. He was sitting every quiet
| ly at his post, and if he saw me he
did not look up. Strange that | had
forgotten this man when keeping my
own vigil above. | doubted if Sim
clair had remembered him either. Yet
| he must have been unconsciously shar-
, ing our watch from start to finish;
must even have heard the cry as on
| ~ a waking man could hear it. Should
I ask him if this was so? No. Per-
haps | had not the courage to her 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 Sinclair.
AS they stepped within the rays of
the solitary gas-jet already mentioned,
| cast one quick look into Gilbertine's
face, then a long one into Dorothy's.
could read neither. While Gilbert
inc advanced bravely, Dorothy's steps
/ Jagged, and at the point where she
should have turned into the library,
she whi.led 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 upon
them, and before either of the girls
had a chance to speak, he remarked to
Gilbertine:
II have brought you here because |
wish to express to you, in the pres
ence of your cousin, my sympathy Tor
the bereavement, which in an instant
has robbed you both Of a lifelong
guardian. | also wish to say IN the
light of this sad event, that am
ready to postpone the ceremony which
hoped would unite our lives today
Your wish shall be my wish, Gilber-
tine; though | would suggest that pos
sibly YOU never more needed the SYM
patty and protection which only a
husband can give than you today"
What do you say, Gilbertine?" he
asked earnestly.
Nothing. | have not Thought
is a question for others to decide
others who know what is right better
than |. l appreciate your ccnsidera-
ton" she suddenly burst out-"and
should be glad to tell you at this mo-
ment what to expect; but--gire me
little time-let NE see you latcr-ln
the morning, Mr.. Sinclair, after we
are all somewhat rested and wnen
can see you quite alone"
Dorothy rose.
"Shall | go?" she asked.
Sinclair with quiet protest touched
her on the shoulder. Quietly she sank
bacl; into her seat.
Il want to say a half-dozen words to ,
YOU, Miss CamerGen. Gilbertine will
pardon US; it is about matters which
must be settled tonight. Mrs. Arm
strong has instructed me to question
you, as the one best acquainted with
Mrs. Lansing's affairs and general
tastes. We willnot trouble Gllbertlne.
She has her own decisions to reach.
Dear, will you let me make you COM
Portable in the conservatory while !
talk for five minutes with Dorothy!
He said she met this question with |
a look so blank and uncomprehendng |
that he just lifted her and carried her
in among the palms.
81 must speak tc Dorothy" he plead
ed, placing her in chair. -.
Then ne crossed back to the library
and shut the conservatory door behind
him.
When Sinclair reentered the libra
ry. he found Dorothy standing with
her hand on the knob of the door lead
ing into the hall. Her head was bent
and thoughtful. Sinclair gave her no
further opportunity for hesitation:
rapidly, he laid his hand
quietly on hers, and quietly remark
ed:
what / have to say. wished to spare
would that | could spare
YOU. But circumstances forbid. You
know and | know that your aunt die
6 .YnT1laEx-