Page 14 (1/1)

"Nonsense, Lizzie," said Miss Cornelia again, but this tiht for an instant that there was any real possibility of our being in danger here--" she said slowly "But--oh, look at thein this district--that's true enough--but he hasn't come within ten miles of us yet!"

"What's ten hed "And what of the letter ye had when ye first ers,' it said Leave it while ye can"

"Some silly boy or some crank" Miss Cornelia's voice was firm "I never pay any attention to anonymous letters"

"And there's a funny-lookin' letter this mornin', down at the bottom of the pile--" persisted Lizzie "It looked like the other one I'd half a mind to throw it away before you saw it!"

"Now, Lizzie, that's quite enough!" Miss Cornelia had the Van Gorder manner on now "I don't care to discuss your ridiculous fears any further Where is Miss Dale?"

Lizzie assuone into the city, ot a telephone call thisdistance it was I don't knoho it was called her"

"Lizzie! You didn't listen?"

"Of course not, Miss Neily" Lizzie's face was a study in injured virtue "Miss Dale took the call in her own room and shut the door"

"And you were outside the door?"

"Where else would I be dustin' that time in the mornin'?" said Lizzie fiercely "But it's yourself knoell enough the doors in this house is thick and not a sound goes past thely "But--tell ?"

"That she did not," said Lizzie promptly "When she cahost I s she likes, too--but she wouldn't eat 'em"

"H'm," Miss Cornelia pondered "I'm sorry if--well, Lizzie, we mustn't meddle in Miss Dale's affairs"

"No, ma'am"

"But--did she say when she would be back?"

"Yes, Miss Neily On the two o'clock train Oh, and I was alettin'--she told me to tell you, particular--she said while he was in the city she'd be after engagin' the gardener you spoke of"