Madeline Payne, the Detective's Daughter

  CHAPTER XXXVI.

  MR. LORD'S LETTER.

  The friendship that had sprung up between Claire Keith and Mrs.Ralston, grew and strengthened as the days went by.

  Claire's enthusiasm had overflowed in more than one letter to Olive.The oft-repeated wish that her new friend and her much loved sistermight meet, had at last drawn from that somewhat preoccupied sister avery cordial invitation to bring Mrs. Ralston to New York.

  When this invitation came, Claire, feeling that it was now time tounfold to her friend the sad pages of Olive's history, sought her forthat purpose. But as she deemed that the time had not yet come fortelling anyone of the hoped-for lifting of the cloud, especially as todo so she must tell too of Madeline, she refrained from mentioning thenames of the actors in that miserable drama.

  Mrs. Ralston was deeply interested in the story of Olive's sorrow; andhaving heard it, she felt a stronger desire than before to see thisbeautiful, sad-hearted sister, who was so beloved by Claire. Bendingdown she kissed the fair face, flushed with the excitement Clairealways felt when recounting her sister's wrongs, and those of PhilipGirard, and said, tenderly:

  "Thank your sister in my name, my darling. And tell her that I willcertainly avail myself of her kind invitation, at some future time."

  Claire's eyes danced eagerly. "Oh, I wish we could go now--at least,soon."

  Fate chose to grant Claire's desire in a most unexpected manner, forwhile they were still sitting, talking, in the semi-twilight, thelibrary door opened and a servant announced Mr. Allyne, to see Mrs.Ralston. At once Mrs. Keith and her daughter arose to leave the room.But Mrs. Ralston said, earnestly:

  "Pray, do not go; there can be no need for a private interview."

  And as at that moment Mr. Allyne himself appeared on the threshold,the ladies all advanced to welcome him, and, this ceremony being over,resumed their seats.

  "I have just received this letter from Mr. Lord," said Mr. Allyne,after some moments of general conversation. "Read it, and then tell meyour opinion of its contents."

  The lady took the letter, looking the while somewhat anxious. As sheread, the look of apprehension deepened. When at last she dropped theletter, her hands were trembling visibly, and her face was pale andagitated. For a moment she sat in silence, her eyes full of fear andher hands working nervously. Then she seemed to recover herself by apowerful effort of will. Taking up the letter, she placed it in thehand of Mrs. Keith, saying: "Read it, dear friend."

  Mrs. Keith took the letter and read:

  NEW YORK, Dec. 7th.

  WM. ALLYNE, ESQ.,

  _Dear Sir:_--A man assuming to be a lawyer called on me this afternoon, and requested information regarding our friend, Mrs. Ralston. If I am not much mistaken he is in reality a detective--I think I remember him in the Mallory case--and is, doubtless, looking up evidence in regard to the lady's second and most unfortunate marriage, either at the instigation of her vagabond husband or some of his supposed heirs.

  If you know the present address of Mrs. R., it would be well to communicate with her, as some of her old servants are now in this city, at service, and this fellow might ferret out something through them.

  Having no authority to act in the matter, I could do no more than baffle this man's inquiries so far as I was concerned, much as I desire to serve the lady when I know the way.

  One thing: the fellow evidently believes in the story of her death.

  Yours, etc., J. M. LORD.

  The three, Mrs. Ralston, Claire and Mr. Allyne, listened in silencewhile Mrs. Keith read this letter. When at last she raised her eyes,Mrs. Ralston said:

  "I must go to New York immediately, Mrs. Keith, and do, pray, allowClaire to accompany me. I must accept of the hospitality of Mrs.Girard, and I can not go alone."

  Mrs. Keith looked grave for a moment. Then, she said: "Mr. Allyne, isit necessary that Mrs. Ralston should go at once?"

  "I think it advisable," replied Mr. Allyne. "Once in New York, Lordcan receive Mrs. Ralston's instructions, and act for her. In caseslike these I don't think it is best to trust to correspondence."

  "And, oh! don't let us delay a moment! Once there, I can keep my oldservants, who are all true friends, from inadvertently betraying me.And I can trust Mr. Lord to find out who is the instigator of thissearch," said Mrs. Ralston, eagerly. "Mr. Allyne, when can we start;how soon?"

  "Not earlier than to-morrow morning."

  "Claire, can you be ready on such short notice?" asked the now anxiouslady.

  "I? Oh, yes, indeed!" laughed the girl. "I could be ready in an hour!I do detest waiting--don't you, Mrs. Ralston?"

  "Very much, just now," said that lady, making an effort to smile;"forgive me, dear friends, but I am really unstrung. The thought ofbeing hunted by that man is too horrible, after these years ofpeace."

  "Then don't think of it, dear Mrs. Ralston," cooed Claire. "You willbe as safe as safe in the seclusion of my sister's villa. And you canset things straight soon, when we have arrived. There can't be much tofear, can there, Mr. Allyne?"

  "Nothing very formidable," said the banker, rising to take his leave."Pray, don't exaggerate the trouble, Mrs. Ralston. Prompt attention,such as Lord will give the matter, will make all safe. Besides, he isnot hunting _you_; the man thinks you dead."

  "True; I had forgotten," said the lady, looking somewhat reassured."Claire, we will pack to-night, and then try and be content until itis time to go."

  "Meantime, I will telegraph to Lord and let him know that you willcome, and when," said Mr. Allyne, taking up his hat to depart.

  The morning of their departure dawned clear and bright. Claire was inextravagant spirits, while even Mrs. Ralston seemed to catch theinfectious cheeriness of the day, and her companion's mood.

  When they were about to enter the carriage that was to take them tothe depot, a letter was put into the hand of Miss Keith. She flungback her veil and leaning back among the cushions perused it inattentive silence. Having finished, she looked up with a little frownupon her brow, and exclaimed:

  "How very provoking!"

  Mrs. Ralston looked alarmed. "Is your sister ill?"

  "Oh, no; it's Madeline."

  "The young girl I have heard you speak of?"

  "Yes."

  "Is _she_ ill?"

  "No; she got well, just to avoid me; she is gone."

  "Gone?"

  "Yes; or will be, when we arrive. Why, how stupid I am not to explain!Madeline Payne has been with Olive nearly a week. She has been sick,but is better, and will leave there to-day."

  Claire had said but little concerning Madeline, fearing lest in herenthusiasm she should say too much. But she had revolved many plansfor bringing about a meeting between Mrs. Ralston and her "bravegirl."