CHAPTER XL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume L, Issue 12440, 18 December 1903, Page 6

CHAPTER XL.

ADIKU TO HAKATCKiA. Editha had Lolcl her maid that she need not sit up for her, as it would doubtless be very late when she returned from the park ; but she almost regretted ihat she had clone so, for, on reaching her room, with the false strength which excitement gives one, she found herself very weak £nd#veary. She- sank listlessly into a chair and began removing, her ornaments and while thus engaged there came a knock upon the door. Almost simultaneously it was opened, for she had not locked it, and Mr Dalton thrust in his head. "Where is Annie ?" he asked. "In bed, 2>apa. I told her she need not wait for me. Do you ' want anything very particularly?" I "I want to' see you," he replied. I coming in and shutting the door. "I am sorry it is so late. I wish we i had come" home earlier. I have . had bad news. I have important business that calls me home immediately," he concluded, speaking i disconnectedly and excitedly. "Home ?" ex claimed Kclitha, ' greatly surprised, and feeling dceo- ! iy disappointed, for, of course, she knew he would expect her to go ; with him. Besides, she could not bear the thought ol leaving so soon after Madam vSylvcster's arrival. "Yes ; we must -start by six tomorrow morning. Can you be ready ?" "So soon ?" she said, with a weary sigh. "Yes ; I must go immediately, j If there \va« p train in an hour, and we could get ready, I would ! take it,' 1 Ik- answered, excitedly. "Why, papa, what can possibly have happened to recall you so suddenly ?" "You would not understand if I should tell vmi," he said, uneasily: "it is private business of my own. Will you be ready ?" ''It is very little time," Editlia replied, wearily. "Would it not do ] : to wait a day or two longer ?" "No, not an hour longer than it will take to pack bur trunks and catch a train," Mr Dalton said, with a frown. He was beginning to be very angry to be thus opposed. "I "wish Mih had not happened just now. and they have only arrived to-night,' Editha murmured, reflectively. Mr Dalton scowled angrily, and muttered something about the selfishness of \s omen generally. Editha sat thinking for a few memeuts, and theu asked : "Could you not go home without me, papa, if this business is so very urgent ? I would really like j to remain at the Springs a little longer, and I know that Madam Sylvester would gladly act as my chaperon until you can return." It was all that Mr Dalton could do to suppress an >>ath at this request. "No, no," he said, quickly. "I am nearly sick with all this worry and fuss, and I cannot .spare you." He did indeed look worried over something, and his face was pale, his eyes very bright and restless ; but Editha could not think it necessary that she should be hurried off in "such an unheard-of manner, just for a matter of business. "If you must i;o. and think you cannot get along without me, suppose you go on an early train, and I will follow with Annie Inter ?" she said. "A few hours cannot make much difference to you, and I really think it would be uncivil to hurry away so, and without even a word of farewell to our friends. Besides, I promised I would see Madam Sylvester in the morning." "I should tJiink von were fairly bewitched with this French madam. I will not have it. You must re turn wito me ; and, if reports speaks the truth, your wonderful friend is no fit companion for my daughter," Mr Dalton cried, with angry hauteur. "Then you knew her before |onigJit ? I thought so from your manner. What do you know about her ?" Kditha asked, greatly •snrpri.'-ed. (To bo continued.)