Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1937-01-12
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CHAPTER 46

N41<AI LII ~
COLINDALE listened to Sci
denis suggestions that he MARI,
Lady Severinge in ill-concealet
anger.
Its all right for you to talk il
that pharisaical manner, and
suppose you think you have go
me now. Confound that woman
1t was she who suggested this, anC
it wasn't blaclmail. you ought tt
know that"
Don't argue" Selden said stern
ly. 1T was not only blackmail
but conniving at a felony, for yol
promised to keep your knowledge
to yourself if he made that grant
Nowswhat is it to be"
I'VE can't live without money
Colindale grumbled.
Lady Severinge has some of he1
own, and promise that she shall
receive an allowance. 1 will guar
antee you that"
"How can you?" Colindale be-
gan, but the look he saw on Sell
denis face caused him to refrain
from further argument. II meant
to take her away" he protested
II told her so this morning. If
she will go with me, I'll clear out
of this CHEEKY place."
I'm give you half an hour, not
minute more"
GO1;V1n11 xx,l1AalA1 rryif601If
another word and went from the
room. Selden watched him go with
q curious smile on his face.
When Selden left James room
some little time afterwards he was
besieged by the frightened ser
wants. The departure Of Mrs.
Thornton and the arrest of the
butler had knocked the bottom cut
of the staff, coming as it did after
the events of the night.
Selden did his best to reassure
them, but when they heard that
Lady Sewerage was going as well
they started to pack like fright
ened sheep. They would not stay
another hour in the place.
Selden told them that if they
felt like that, they had better pack
what they wanted for immediate
needs, and leave the rest, as he
was certain they would be return
ing in a few days. He watched
( from the study window as Colin
dale drove slowly down the drive
with Hilda, and then the servants
exodus. He took the key which he
had got from James room, and
locked the great doors of the gate
way, returning to Reid and his
charges.
Reid had remained with Sylvia
and the twins in the library at
Selden's instructions. The girl had
cooked a breakfast over the fire,
for no one had come near them,
and the house was very quiet.
Reid was still a sick man; the
excitement of the night had
brought a strong reaction, and his
wounds ached badly. He was
angry with Selden for leaving
them practically prisoners in the
library and exposed to some in
tangible danger. The thought that
the children were being used as
lure to draw some unknown enemy
was maddening, and the children
were getting fretful. They wanted
to go out into the grounds, and
Sylvia had to read to them with a
listless air.
When Reid was not looking she
cast a sad, questioning glance at
him. Her feelings were deeply
hurt. He had told her more plain
ly than in eloquent phraseology
that he loved her, and then had
suddenly, become cold, reserved,
and like stranger. She tried to
think that the danger and the sit
uation they were in, coupled with
his illness, accounted for this, but
in her heart she knew that there
was some Understanding he
would not tell her, that would al
ways stand between them.
He had come into her life in this
queer way, at a Time Wnen the IN
tolerable existence at the Abbey
had grown impossible, and had
saved her from utter despair.
With a girls curiosity she longed
to know about him, who he was,
and how he had come at that very
moment to the Abbey.
And then, just as things were
becoming past bearing, step was
heard and Selden called out. Reid
unlocked the door; the detective
entered with smile on his face,
and Sylvia hurried forward Gag
erly.
What news ?" she asked with q
great sense of relief.
Selden glanced at the children.