The Cotton Factory Times. — 1900-02-09 (Manchester, Greater Manchester, England)

DOW. I have to do with you. The bodies of George Baring and your wife were discovered in a summer-hoase by one of the gardeners eeirly this morning. They were taken to the mortaary, and I among other clergymen was communicated with. I identified them at once. There they lie; there they await decent burial. I suppose you can guess what has happened?" Philip was looking straight before him, seeing nothing, but only dimly conscious of the other's words.  " There is a deeper mystery than I can solve," be said at last. " How comes it that you know George Raring 2 That you ..aflaratarul all this?"  "Do you remember heating me speak of a friend of mine who was dying, whose life had been blasted by a woman, on the day that you were. married?" Philip nodded wondering assent. " That man," continued Mr. Byers, "was George Paring. Neel I tell you who the woman was ?" A deep flush rose over Philip's brow. Heuttered an angry exclamation. Mr. Evers continued more slowly, at the same time rising from his seat, and taking a letter from his pocket. " There is no doubt that he has been a double murderer, but I have long seen that his mental vision was distorted—that he was not responsible for his actions. I feared loss he should meet you. One reason why I avoided you so much was that I might keep you apart. My precautions were in van. When or how he coma to know that you were here I cannot tell. Going into his room late last nh,lit I found this letter addressed to you, and himself missing, but that he was at the masquerade I never dreamed."  "At the masquerade :" repeated Philip. "I do not understand you." He took the offered letter mechanically. " When the bodies were found Gentle Baring was in the dress of a Roman cardinal; a mask was also found on the floor of the eummer-house. lie had evidently arranged to ra?ot her—your wife—there, and from what I know I suspect she was totally unaware who her companion really wee." Philip laid his face on his folded arms with a deep groan. None felt so well as he how true were the \vorde of Mr. Evers, but they hurt him even while he knew that her weakness, her vanity, had drawn her to her doom.  Mr. Evers stepped forwercl, placed hi a hand softly on his head. " Another word before I go, Mr. Lauderdale," be said. "Do not condemn George Baring until you read his message from the grave. I have heard something of the sad story which relates to him and you, and to me it seems that he has male only oue mistake —he has loved ' too well.' "  " May I come to you to-night, Mr. 'Evers?" said Philip eagerly, as they shook hands. "I need help and advice in this terrible matter, and I have no friend, I suppose, long ere this, the tragedy has been blazoned abroad."  ‘• Yea," responded Mr. Evers gravely, "and every motive ascribed to the crime but the right one. Come to my house by all 11164.115. There is much to do, and ib must be done quickly. You du not know," he went on, " how bitterl,, I blame myself in this matter. Had I only warned you that he was here—"  " Never blame yourself, Mr. Evers," interrupted Philip. " I know whet Blanche Lauderdale was. Batter that she should die thus than live for further degradation." With these words they parted. Philip walked back to his chair, and opened the bulky letter, directed to "Philip Lauderdale." He glanced over it for a moment, and then began to res.d it, his astonishment and horror deep-uing with every line of the strange epistle. It was dated only a few days back, and was written in careles•, disjointed fashion, and evitently under the impulse of uncontrollable emotions.