Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-02-06

sullen face in the corner of the sitting
room---"is of one mind with me that
Mr.. McPherson's attentions to Maud
were insulting. Yes, sir, the word
marriage was never mentioned, and
yet there were letters and meetings
and great deal more of which neither
of us could approve. She has no
mother and we are her only guardians.
We are determined"
X
RUT the words were taken from his
mouth by the appearance of the
lady herself. There was no gainsay-
ing that she would have graced any
assembly in the world. Who could
have imagined that SO rare a flower
would grow from such a root and in
such an atmosphere! Women have
seldom been an attraction to me, for
my brain has always governed my
heart, but l could not look upon her
perfect clearcut face, with all the
soft freshness of the Downlands in
her delicate coloring, without realizing
that no young man would cross her
path unscathed. Such was the girl
who had pushed open the door and
stood now, wide-eyed and intense, in
front of Harold Stackhurst.
Il know, already, that Fitzroy is
dead" she said. do not be afraid
to tell me the particulars"
This other gentleman of yours let
us know the news" explained the
father.
There is no reason why my sister
should be brought into the matter"
growled the younger man.
The sister turned sharp, fiercs
look upon him. "This is my business,
William. Kindly leave me to manage
it in my own way. By all accounts
there has been crime committed.
If can help to show who did it, it is
the least / can do for him who is
gone"
She listened to a short account from
my companion with a composed con.
centration which showed me that she
possessed strong character as well as
great beauty. Maud Bellamy will
always remain in my memory as a
most complete and remarkable woman.
! 1t seems that she already knew me by
sight, for she turned to me at the
end.
Bring them to justice, Mr.. Holmes
You have my sympathy and my help
whoever they may be-" 1t seemed
| 10 Inc lHdI size 6ldiCSu uCldIlbiy dt
her father and brother as she spoke
Thank your said I. II value a
woman's instinct in such matters
You use the word they You think
that more than one was concerned"
II know Mr.. Mcpherson we'll enough
| to be aware that he was a brave
and strong man. No single person
, could ever have inflicted such an out
rage upon him."
"Might I have one word with you
alone?"
Il tell you, Maud, not to mix your
self up in the matter~ cried hel
father, angrily.
She looked at me helplessly. What
can l do?"
THE whole world will know the
| facts presently, so there can be nc
| harm if / discuss them here" said 1
II should have preferred privacy, but
! if your father will not allow it, he
must share the deliberations. Then
| spoke of the note which had been
found in the dead mans pocket. 1T
is sure to be produced at the inquest
May I ask you to throw any light
upon it that you CAM"
! II see no reason for mystery, sh'
answered. 1--WE were engaged to b'
married, and we only kept it secre
because Fitzroy's uncle, who is yer,
old and said to be dying, might have
disinherited him if he had married
against his wish. There was M
other reason
You could have told u.s." growlet
| Mr.. Bellamy.
80 l would, father, If you hat
ever shown sympathy"
Il object to my girl picking up will
men outside her own station
1T was your prejudice against hin
which prevented us from telling you
AS to this appointment"-she fun