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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1928-2-15, Page 71:"11 1,1: L R EA Al 1' "11 ER miry R F.1 "1' 1: R PR 1 C:E., is We too now 1 r, pared to Grade your Cream honestly, ;sailor it twice a 1 (di and deliver •it our Creamery eae11 uay we lift it. We T,atht • with covered truck to keep sun elf it. We pay a premium. of 1 cent per lb. butter fat for Specials over that of No.• 1 grade, and 3 cents per W. buL- ter-fA for No. 1 grade over that of No, x grade. • The basic ptinc!!r)e of the improvement in the quality of Ontario batter is the elimination of second and off grade cream. This may bc. accomplished by paying the producer of good (rum a better price per -pound of butter -fat Lea is paid to the producers of poor cream. We solicit your patronage and co-operaation for better market, ,mil Wo will loan you a can, See our Agent, T. C. McCALL, or Phone 2310, Brussels. TheS of 'rth (Creamery OUR SERIAL STORY The Disd ppearanc ,.,. 11f Paulina Blake l'i 0How absurd you are, Harriet! What should your detective and Mrs. VerraI' have to say about that poor child?" "A great deal, it seemed to me, though, as I tell you, I olid not hear much of it, for they broke off their conversation as soon as I came in. But I caught enough to set me think- ing, because it fitted in so oddly with something I had puzzled over be- fore." "And what was that? You are rather given to making mountains of molehills and finding glares' -nests, are you not, Harriet?" "I do not think so, but you shall judge for yourself! This is the word what the num was saying when I went in—' No need to fluff your fea- thers up, ma'am! I don't doubt the young lady Sa all you think her, and of course she would be, as you say, "my Indy" by this time if this busi- ness had not happened. But still I should much like to know if Miss Nel- lie Slade has had—well, any sort sf odd visitors lately!' " "Miss Green! Harriet '' Tho ex- clamations come simultaneously from Sylvia Ruthven and Bliss Clemency. "Yes, I knew what I said would! annoy Mrs. Ruthven, and would have preferred nut to speak in her pre- sence, though of course sooner Jr later the report must have reached her ears!" "What report?" Mrs. Merrit say,. If there had been any sort of re- port the Rector would have heard it and brought me the news! Besides, the man would speak first to Sir Stephen!" "Or to me!" Mrs. Ruthven inter- jects, "I think I will say 'Good aft. r - noon! Mrs, Merrit, I am rather quick-tempered, you know and it would 5( 0(.0ly be sale for ins to r.••- i(n much lou -ger to the iutpcvtinences 11i.:a Glen thinks she heard!" The lust words, drawled out with an ex a p vatin0 intonation, nee' 1-n Miss Green. "No 'it flown, Mrs. Gutht n," snys rudely, "for after Hutt Moos of rneo1ence v'u :shindy shall (10 0, •i11 you have h,'ard what 1 h,11'e 1' .,v! You say that this defer tie • niers, ;f ho haat found a clue to wind puzzles us all, /would have meotinuod ii ti,�a to Sir Stephen '1'v vol' 00 Mr-. Ruth - von; but 1 think they would be t•he very last people he would he lilr4y to eon..ult if he had begun to 11 0' •doubts about Bliss Minor Sletle." Flo and Ida Merrit break into de- risive Laughter. Mrs. Merritt looks Letterheads Envelopes • Billheads And all kinds of Business Stationery printed at The Post Publishing House. We will do a job that will do credit to your business. Look ovor your stock of Office Stationery and if it requires replenishing call us by telephone 81. The Post Publishing House both scared and angry, and Sylvia's eyes blaze. But it is Miss Clemency who speaks. "You are a cruel mischievous, and I believe, an untruthful woman, Har- riet Green!" she says, with righteous severity. "We all knew that your love of gossip would carry you far, but I at least did not think it would make you forget common charity, common decency, and even common decency, and even common sense! If you can find it in your conscience to calcumniate that poor child who lies ill, ,helpless, and miserable on what should have been her wedding clay, to insult Mrs. Ruthven and make us all thoroughly uncomfortable, I won- der you have not the intelligence to invent at least a creditable story!' Miss Green reddens, but she con- trols herself enough to answer, with an uncertain bort insolent laugh--- "Hoiphty-toilxhty, there's It ser- mon! T should think you fauct•ed yourself in the pulpit! But you 1u''• a privileged person, 00 I cmnmt call you to account, at any rate ,inst yet; 1 have more important business on hand." She rubs her hands together and shoots a venomous glance at Sylvia. "I have no wish to make mischief,' she says slowly, "but in self-defence T 011011 ,ay all I know now, which in one way and another is more than people think, I have never been one of Miss Elinor Slade's many adnlir- (•r", but have always felt a vague un- ecmfor•table suspicion—" "Which you have carefully kept to yourself till today, then,"' Flo licrrit break in indignantly. Miss Green regards the pretty speaker with a severe glare. "I think you are mistaken, dray* dear! I think that you, Mies Clem- ency, your mother, indeed all pre- sent, with the exception of Mr:. Tluthven, heard 111e spank very plain- ly chum Miss Stride more Ilan a ', ,' k ago?" "I "1 r e numtlie t nothing of the 1(1 0.1!" 1.10 answers defiantly; aptlybut, .uddet(ly does remember 1 certain :n"• •rh nada el Miss Chmldney's Less-leble. "Olt, you lout allow me to doubt that. my dear!" the itmany says, •, tel 1 ti 'lt; triumphantly., "Sour l"ks betray you and "00(11 1 my words, 1 titin,( it is only &h•r.. Ruthven to whom it will he necessary to 0e0001 the story of Nolll:e Sladels mysterious nmeting with 11 main I supposed to bi• her lever." Sylvia suddenly seizes Miss- Cl10(0 • (0y's 81911, "That ?ors qhs mean? What does she dura insinuate about Nal - 1, " she asks sharply. "Why do You keep hack things that Stephen andI ought to know?" "Nothing is kept back, Sylvia," Miss Clemency says soothingly. "Miss Green happened to see poor Nellie talking to a man she slid not know by sight—in all probability a commercial traveller trying to get an order or inquiring the way to Crans- tone.—and she immediately took it into her head that there was some mystery in the meeting. That is all she has to tell." "Oh, dear, no, Mrs. Ruthven! T ata sorry to contradict Miss Grime, but there is a great deal more i11 the story than that. My attention Was attracted not by the feet of Miss Slade speaking to it strange man, but because they were pacing the „ , .I 11id 1, ", : ,l i t, atm! tint, 1 14,1 1 in ie •u.•. I. r (lura:: ui 3Ii: 1 ll.r i 1 and hnurht it my duty or the Wad weak to Sir Stephen 101(1 alis, .'lake on the matter?" Mrs. Merrit'; response to this; orn- bo.rasriing appeal is a sudden buret o1' tears. "Yes, you did," she says, or rather obs, "and 1 told you then what 1 .toll you now—that you ere a wicked inisehiof-making woman who will be punished one day as you deserve!" "As to that. I will take my chance. ft is a sacred duty to expose deceit, and I am only doing mine when I help to show up Miss Nellie Slade!" The lust words are scarcely uttered when the door opens, and the hector, with Sir Stephen, comes into the room. CHAPTEII N It is very doubtful if either Step- hen or the Rector had heard Miss Green's words, but both are aware that they have entered into a field of battle from which they at once at- tempt to r,' ire. However, escape is out of the question, for with the ex- ception of Miss ;;read, who iv, ac- customed to fight all her battles sin- gle-handed, and certainly expects to find no ally here, the ladies hail their opportune appearance with unspeak- able satisfaction and relief, • "My dear, what is the matter?" the Rector asps in timid concern look ing round the excited group. "Yon 1(11 seem so discomposed! Perhaps Sir Stephen and I had better with- draw." "Oh, no! At least I don't know what to say, Phillip!" poor Mrs. Merrit .cries nervously. "We were I having a little discussion, and Miss Green said some very disagreeable things which we all resented.. But', dare say she is sorry and willing to withdraw then, now." This is ,aid with an appealing glance et Miss Green, who, as tl mat- te of fact, has no desire to fo"'e 01 a crus just at present, and is quite willing' to accept any plausible pretext to retreat from a not veey tenable position. ITowever, the matter is quickly let - tied. Sylvia runs to her brother's side unci, "looping her hands upon his arm, looks up in his fare. "011, Steve," She Brie:;, "'Wind chance has sent you here ,lust at :his moment when you were most want- ed? Never mind, though; you are lure, that is 1tieugh! You can tell that woman th•tt she must not think it sufficient .lust to say she is sorry, n" Mlrs. Merrit tells her. She must withdraw everything before us all— nm,t admit that all the shameful cruel things she said are utterly fals,, 1" "My dear Sylvia," Stephen says, "try to compose yourself and speak plainly! You are so agitated," "Agitated! So would you be if you had heard, and so you will be when you know, what she dares to insinuate! I have not always been 80 kind to poor Nellie myself, but 1 know--- " • "Nellie!" Sir Stephen cries. "What is all this about Nellie, Sylvia? You 1 do not mean item any one has been )'1111 alai' her?" Tu -t. ed I do! Alis Green has licen !,ilii us ib 1 the dt I t i :.r ,)est her 1,1 knowing yam i ha 1) bout Paulin ' d'•:-appean•adce, and also th:,i. she It,erse11' has ell alone; cuusidered her :t ,tt i,it i.ns,; persalt," "Sylvia," ibis; Clemency protests faintly, "1 Brink you oNeggerate. i did not hear Miss Orem say ally- WM!. quite so NO as that(' • "Wind did he say, then?" Mrs. C il11(en asks fionelyc, But Stephen sets her aside with grim decision. "That is enough, Sylvia; have toe rest. to me," ho says. "My dear Trevor," the hector whispers nervously, "I would not at- tach too much importance to any foolish speech of Miss Green's if 1 were you. Site is the most notorions end reckless gossip in the county! No one really heeds what she says." It is doubtful if Stephen Trevor hears. Certainly he does not heed the Rector's remonstrance, but, go» ing straight across the room .to where Miss Green sits, isolated and un- happy, but defiant to the last, he says g,rinily— "Perhaps, you will kindly repeat in my presence, madam, all that ,you have said --or think you can say --- against Hiss Slade!" Whatever else she may be, Harriet Green is not a coward, and, though 01)1 would not willingly have provok- till ,i , Wi1.11 100A10'.: "1t.',11, 1 4,01'.1 E,11'%01, i'(rn 11r> '0' t 100, tilt, 1.1101.111 1 hat,• no tir,110 do 11is.; Slade the hu=:n that may we!: come from too funs,: sp(ech now. 01 saran' 1:11( be 1t if :58(11 harm is done!" "What taro you to say against Miss Slade?" Then Miss Preen loses her dignity and self-control, and ,turning on him, pours out her words with passionate haste, not pausing to choose them, but recklessly saying every spiteful thing that cones into her head. "All sorts of things, and, mind you I am the only person who has the courage to tell you what many others are saying under their breath — that Miss Elinor Slade may be a romanti- cally interesting person, but she also Is a most suspicious sort of individ- ual, and, when she gets mixed up 1n such a strange case as that of Miss 13lake's disappearance—why, no won • der people begin to ask themselves who she is and where she comes from! Oh, yes, I know!" ---as Sylvia breaks in with an indignant exclama- tion. "Toa certain extent you are prepared to explain. Sale was bIrs. Ituthven's governess, and will per- haps be Sir Stephe'ns Trevor's wife, but I am disposed to think that soar• knowledge of her ends there. Mine (loos not—quite!" Miss Clemency, who has listened with ever-increasing agitation, says piteously— "Sir Stephen, do net listen to an- other word! She is mad today with temper and the consciousness of hav- ing put herself in a horribly false position, and she will not hesitate to say false and foolish things, which She will bitterly regret tomorrow, it you exasperate and encourage her as you are doing now.'' • Sir Stephen however does not heed the appeal, and Harriet goes on, with a yet more reckless laugh. "Don't waste, your breath, Miss Clemency! Sir Stephen and I must settle this matter; then the univer- sal peacemaker can intervene. }Ie leis a faney to hear the truth, how- ever unpalatable it may be, and, as it is quite sure to reach him sooner or later, I think he is wise to call for k at once. Here it is, then—•I any that Miss Slade knows more than she admits about Miss Blake's disap- p saran CH." "Stephen! What does she mean:' How dare she?" Mrs. Ruthven breaks in. lint Stephen has eyes and ears on- ly far the calumniator, to whom he says with fey :wont -- "Your g001111d for this assertion?" "I don't pretend to have proof:!" Harriet cries defiantly. "Your owe: detective is hunting, and will no detibt bring yet) plenty of them (,- fore long; but all that '1 have seer, all that 1 have long .cuspeetecl, is at your service, as it will be at ins 81!00 the,wav that you have insulted ee!" "Come away, Stephen! Don't lis- ten to her!" Syl" to cries, '•iohtenee by the loo,: in her brotdor', eyes. "Whitt good can it be to listen to thin woman? She is both tricked 11(1 (ru,•1. She would be that eve•1 if vied! -he said tW,'l0 tete•!' Stop!lon , clop:' the word o neer(( that d,ite ; II:u'riet.111)) 1. 1'0nntic. - "Very well!" ::he sntys. "Go ,. n your blind folly: ,he awskeebes won't be long. ('01010 and it will b" :t 101(01) vac when it conies. I ..;r111 y nothing meressor rather this rttl• thing- only! ,1sk Miss Slade who was the Man she met: in , ecret the night ln_fnre Miss Blake disappeared! :Ass her whc her Sho and her ht a -farts: cs did not 11800 1a furious quarrel thet scone night; and tinnily auk her. what Leenlno of the jdnv, l -ho Misr; i)htk,.e entrusted to her care! They acre trot questions Am will rvu'c to ittlsWc.r, but if you do not put them to her t.1 - day the detective will tomorrow,. and perhaps the magistrate next week." While speaking Harriet has backed in sur11 gradual fashion toward, the door that as she utters the last words she is able to disappear without the ceremony of leave-taking and before any of those present have divined 11e1• intention. For the moment no one knows what to do, Then Stephen makes a movement towards the olden door, but cheeks himself instantly, saying with white lips and an effort which makes Miss Clemency's heart ache -- "Why should 1 follow her? What could 1 do? She has at least the out- ward aspect of a woman, so I cannot choke the foul words in her throat!" "No, no!" Mr. Merrit agrees, look- ing immensely relieved by this de• ., ,0 o: gyei ey.g,t .l'ts "4..4'40 4.•, c.;. y.p c• •d 11 , �z! .,� rf a • a111 11' st Market ,)rice pk1)11 for your 111d( -s • c! F 's VIA •N7 ED x•tYd•0'F44.4S•W,•7• W1-N-1-44.40.1•m•N4,4.4, • vision, "I have always •disapproved of her reckless tongue and ]snow her to be of a malignant disposition, though an excellent parish worker, so energetic and thorough in all her undertakings. But really today she shows such wicked malice, such want of judgment and decency, that I do not understand her at all. Of course, Sir Stephen, you attach no import- ance to her very improper remarks?" Stephen has paid little or no at- tention to the speech which the good Rector has poured forth in a fussy eagerness to 1111 up a painful gap and cover an awkward situation; but the nervous final question arrests his wandering thoughts, He answers it at once, proudly and with a g1an:'n round—a challenge, as it were, to .the friendly hearers who are only too anxious to array themselves on his side. "This importance only,Mr. Mer - 1 1st! I resent them as an infamous slander on an innocent gill, and I shall not rest till the least and the worst of bliss Green's assertions are withdrawn or disaproved! "Which of course they will be!" Miss Clemency says, and a loud mur- mur of assent runs round the 1101M. The general sympathy is obvious and hearty, but the awkwardness and em- barrassment of the moment are in- surmountable, and it is a relief when Stephen and his ,sister take their de- parture. Then indeed the torrent of indi- gnation, of exeitment, finds vent. Illrs. Merrit is tearfully eloquent in her denunciation of the ill-natured ill-mannered woman who had dared to insult and malign honoured friends and neighbours under the Rectory roof. Flo and Ida vie with each other in projects of vengeance on the always detested mischief - raker, and the Rector speaks a fete strong words of reprobation. Only Mies Clemency, pale and dim - eyed in her quiet corner, does not help to swell the chorus. 0dd17 en- ough too, she Is the only one there who does not catch the suggestion that is —vaguely and faintly as yet, but with ever-growing force and per- sistence—beginning to instil itself in Lel :ir•omi,t. 1 urs :at. 0 a:I, y:..1 f •. i ,t ::,;. , et l8 r1 sl.+ anti t:, girl, an• atuu., ', 11 .11,.001(111 tali;. ;r 11411.. 1,1i , t e , , d t,,•, ,:WI 10'0 11.1*e 1 1111)ls ;111 1.r�1td tee people ple we t11Ii11, 1.0 111)40 best. Nellie. Slade seemed slid( 't frank noble -natured girl, ttic' !list to have a'ly sur't of cha111y see - rut!" "Why do you say 'seemed'? She surely was, mother!" Ada breaks in. "I ten as sure of Nellie as 1 could be o1 Flo or myself, and I would not be- lieve that wicked old Harriet Green on her oath! What could she know about the poor clear girl that we did not? "She knew one thing," Flo admits, with a bewildered look. "It was certainly true that she told us of Nellie's meeting that strange man in the park." "Which of course Nellie can ex- Iilaln 1" "Well, I am sure I hope so," their mother says, with a worred look and an impatient sigh. ''But I feel very miserable about it all, and, even if there is any truth in her assertions, I should always say that Harriet Green has behaved in a most unjust- ifiable and cruel manner—one that I shall find it very hard to forgive." "Hard! I shall not try!" the girls cry. "We always thought her a mis- chief -making old cat, but she has shown herself a demon today! 1t is a positive duty to detest her!" Mrs. Merrit cannot conscientious- ly approve of this uncompromising speech, but she is so far in sympathy with it that she only shakes her head. Stephen, absorbed in fierce and angry thought, has been, in a sen0e, unconscious of her presence; but, thongh her thoughts too are in the wildest confusion, she is all the time conscious of his, Every now and then she steals quick side -glances, half questioning, half angry, at the stern bronzed face that reveals much of its owner's pain, but nothing that she wants to know. She tells her- self that she must at all risks, learn (Continued Next Week) W. D. S. JAMIESON, MD; CM; LM -CC; Physician and Surgeon Office McKelvey Block, Brussels Successor to Dr. White Phone 45. T. T. M' AAE M- B.. M'. C. P.. G S O, 111, 0. EL, Vil,age of Brussels ehysician, Surgeon. Aceouchenr 'ace rat residence couo,nte Welt ills Churak. Willian, street. !?R. WARDLAW BARRISTER, SOLICITOR, 1 a'i t . Ie't;1!. 15111, 19"8, pil'i =":2 1 t? tsW N 1;: 1' I. ai1111i0$ Ildr"n t 1'. eds. 1 uu .f , •'ar- e ,'ion.., .•en r.i 130. math, by ceiling 1 he Piot, I r11 suis, • (liar}(+s tteasonabte, Satisfaction, Guaranteed nr. ,. , t .rd ur o charge. 10-9. JAMES TAYLOR Licensed Auctioneer for the County of Huron Side; attended to in all parts of the county. Satisfaction. Guaranteed, or nu pay. Orders left at The Post promptly attended to.; Belgrave Post Offleo, PHONES; Brussels, 15-13. North liuroe, 15-628 KEMP BROS. Auctioneers Auction Sales of ail ]rinds accepted and conducted. Satisfaction Guar- anteed and terms reasonable, Phone Listowel at 121, 38 or 18 at our ex- pense. W. J. DOWD Auctioneer Orders left at this office or with Thos. Miller, Brussels, Phone 16-18 will ensure you best of services at right prices. Box 484 LISTOWEL Phone 246 D. M. SCOTT Licensed Auctioneer PRICES MODERATE For reference consult any person whose sale I have nfficiatcl at. 161 Craig Street, LONDON C. C. RAMAGE, D.D.S., L.A.S. BRUSSELS, ONT. Graduate Royal College of Dental Surgeons and Honor Graduate Lin' versity of Toronto. Dentistry in all its branches. Office Over Standard Bank, Phones—Office 200. Residence 65-14 WM. SPENCE Ethel, Ont. Conveyance, Commissioner and C. J. Agent for The Imperial Life Assurance Co. of Canada and 4,42 Ocean Accident Guarantee Corpora. tion, Limited Accident Insurance, Automobile In- surance, PIate GIass Insurance, etc. Phone 2225 Ethel, Orel. JAMMBE.1 IIII' FADZEAN Agent Howie( Mutual Fire Insurance Company Also Hartford Windstorm and Tornado insurance f Phone 42 Box 1 Toruberry Street Brussel tSr fin .-ytr, �, � agf O, t 1` LIIL.r�4D & SON LIMITED .11.VS' F:d'ENoreef'V W'.n;tV GrillrAPS, Mr VOA tr. Of. 8.EXCAdie Honor gradual,• of the (Inter:, vc,terinar. CONVEYANCER, NOTARY PUBLIC etlose. Das midnight roll , Itnne onnoss, rlotrrMill 'heel. LECKIE. BLOCK - BRUSSELS er„ainw..s uowvsaaasamm�v vuvrarx na11, sY, i 1 tiunt50l1 01111A22asur:..aero. What s a win .l piositerous 1:1.:(1 l.(ntlntiun which d m:01,1 a conununity ;ear 1e whet rant- tnisiat.., educational,. reins.. 1dA,0 101 ant., 1 ,,1 ,enc n, 11,11itt00. Wileie the:,:. flourish .0 d a2'.' aVtiVO 1t is are t,, .,4141 11 •;e tial tat pt e,le rat that seetion ;led an)u:,i,1,:1 the 11111)0 to dam et `uea a dent,: What M § a9 ' It ? '(.1 en t . ;ire L1"("t - thiintitined by the surrouudi g Rile 111- (' 111' a'I: ', th,t ".k,•etioil, al., to a `,r•' at, trio ,1p of tlt, u•.t tit 'tolls in t -,'h intro art r I. ch 1,1.11 1.(t•.. toh,..th., tt'itt 11,1' • (litu,•tly nnl i,1 - !it t.ly (.0i100 ,1.0(1. tL . AVit IL \iII10111 the aeti: i c..,n,t....:1041 each "1.18, unit it, atitrri:1 anti govern h -,e i1111,1c i:,�tstu- tio , .t -.d (((10':1 0:1 11) town could these, Who 8a Ii hth e y Aiirecteca„y wf Every citizen either iu et about a town should be concerned in seeing to it Ott: 1lb); do their Batt in dirtying on any _roof wiliell 11)10 lu• promoted 00111.'( by financial or active. 1')p)olt. ,-Only in thin aay will any town pros'(,.( and de..1!op „s it shoald. a c t y 8 e uired Tr: prometion work your local paper takes the bitobog part. Tt is ever the champion of Worthy causes and philanthr)1'ic and patriotic amule:takings. But to function properly, and fully curry out its natural prerogatives, It must i11 tarn have Ude„ ficlanci•il support of the community it reeves, When nee•iing ativerticing or printed (matter always first think of The Post Publishing House I 1.