The Human Vampire; Or, The Elixir of Life — page 6: what you’re looking at

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6 THE LOG CABIN LIBRARY. Volist; No. v1, ruined her financially, but she docs not know how some of her money wes spent. For this reason I do not wish his papers to go out of my hands. I have had no time to examine any of them, but from a casual glance I saw enough to convince me that tor my sister's suke they had better be kept under lock and key.” The lawyer said nothing, but Sidney knew that he approved of his resolution, Now, that he was once more settled in his old home, taking up one by one the threads of his old existence, his sister gradu- ally becoming interestad in society, and much ovcupied by her baby, Sidney felt that duty impelled him to examine the records of his brobher-in-law's life, So, on the very day that the ludies had discussed the startling resemblince between Olifford Derwent, Algernon Viyian nnd Philip Warren, Sidney had locked himself into his stndy with two larpe packing cases of books and documents, the property of his late brother-in-liw, The tops of the boxes had been re- moved, and there thay lay ready for inspection. Sidney glanced at the windows, the day was somewhat dark, and ho possessed the large nearsighted eyes of the student, “Never mind,” he said to himself, “Lf can light up if I find the tusk an interesting one.” That he did so is proved by the fact that he rang the bell at dinner hour, and ordered a tray to be sent up with bread, but- ter, cold meat, and tea, “Master is going to make a night of it with them books,” said the butler. Ha was right. Beforo day dawned Sidney had formed a vastly different opivion of the late Clifford Derwent. Instead of the gay and dissolute triflar, he had proved him to ap a man of deep eruditign, and earnest research on one subject alone. For yoars, it appeared, Derwent had made o special study of the old but ever fuscinating subject—tho Hat» of Life. A diary extending over fifteen years had been left behind. Tt was not kept in an ordinary way. Sometimes for months there wonld not be a single entry. Then they would be set down in rapid succession, not daily, but hourly. “Great Heaven!” exclaimed Sidney,” who would snppose this was the samo man society knew? He has absolutely studied the subjects in books of every tongue; he hns traveled Wagt and West. Tam simply bewildered by the mass of information and evidence he has accumulated, Well, I never gave him credit for so much brains, I must deyote some time to fhe examination of this diary. Now, I cannot begin to form an opinion on its merits and demerits.” With more system he arranged the papers, which had been hurriedly gathered. As he said, the study of what Derwent had termed the ‘' Science of the Renewal of Life,” had extended over i number of years. , “Why has this man taken so muchinterest in this question, and what has been the result of his investigation?” This is the question Sidney Van Stretten asked himself. ‘There must have been some object to be accomplished, or a man of Derwent’s inelinations and habits would never have de- voted years to the study of anabstruse science. What was that object?” Sidney Van Stretten Inid away the papers, and locked up hic ubrary. He wished to muke sure of some hours of uninter- rupted leisure before attacking the mass of documents. “T shall toll Louise that no one must interrupt me for some days during the hours I spend in this room.” He found his sister in her boudoir; she looked pale and agitated. “Whatis wrong, Louise?” usked Sidney, kindly, “Nothing, Sid. ‘That tiresome woman, Mrs. Vandercliff has boon here boring nie to deuth with her gossip.” “Why, I thought she was a particular friend of yours,” “Nonsense! I nover'could bear her. She is the most ahallow creature on the face of the earth. She has not one idea beyond dress and diamonds. I think she is simply insufferable.” “You are upset. Shall [ order the carriage, and you can take baby out to the park?” “No, no, [am going to liadown, By the way, Sidney, do you know whut became of Gregory Hamlin?” “No, Why do you ask?” ‘Tor no reason, but I thought you might engage him asa servant. He was so faithful, and I should like to think he was about the house again.” ‘He would not suit me, Louive,” said Van Stretten kindly, but firmly. He knew the valet was a thorough scamp, but, of course, could not tell his atster so. “‘You don’t care for a faithful servant,” said Louise, pet- tishly. **T have no occasion to test their fidelity,” ‘What do you mean?” “TJ never require anything but ordinary services from tho people [ employ.” Louise reddened. “{ suppose you mean to insinuate that Olifford had under- hand work for his servant?” she said, angrily. : ‘“Nonsense! Do not vex yourself by putting things in my mouth that did not come there of their own accord.” Oh, I know you hated my husband; he never had a more bitter enemy,” Van Stretten found this hard to bear, and not wishing to quarrel with his sister, he turned and left the room, “T did not tell her to leave me in pence when I was in the library,” he said, ‘* but perhaps it is as well; she might have fancied I was plotting against her.” Louise Derwent had neyer possessed much force of charactor. She had been indulged and spoiled oll her life, and had grown selfish and careless of the feelings of others. She had never felt inneh affection for any one save her worthless husband, but she had exalted him on # pedestal and made an idol of him. She had suspicions that all had not been well with Clifford Derwent, but she resolutely thrust them back. “There is something mysterious about Sidney,” she said; ‘the hated Clifford. I suppose he is angry because he has to pro- vide a home for me. He is just mean enough to grudge the trifle I cost him.” The trifle was about three parts of Van Stretten’s entire in- come, but he certainly did not grudge it. If Mrs. Derwent had been sincere in her wish to see Gregory Hamlin she had not long to wait for its gratification. ‘Two days after the conversation with her brother, she met the ex-valet foe to face as she stepped out of her carriage in front of Mney’s, He did not appear anxious to speak to his former mistress, but was passing by, merely lifting his hat. She beckoned to him, however, and he halted, again touching his hat, ‘*Oh, Gregory,” she snid, ‘*I have been so anxious to see you. I thought you were no longer in the city.” “fT hove just returned, madam, I have been in England with my new master.” ‘‘Are you still satisfied with your position?” ‘‘Oh, yes, ma’am. My master is a perfect gentleman. Gen- erous and kind,” “What is he?” ‘An English gentleman. He was only married the othor day.” ‘Indeed! Js the lady English, too?” “No; the lady is a Southerner; she was # widow—Mrs. Arm- stead.’ Mrs. Derwent started violently. “Then your new master is the man who looks so like Mr. Derwent?” she said, hastily. For a moment Gregory looked confused and nonplused. ‘‘T have heard of Mrs, Armstead’s marriage,” Mrs. Derwent resumed, ‘and I was told that her husband resembled mine so closely that he might readily be saistaken for him.” “JT don’t think the likeness is so remarkable as that,” said Hamlin, after a few moments’ consideration, ‘‘ Mr, Vivian is a younger man than Mr. Derwent,” “Yes, I heard so, I should like to see him, I suppose they are in the vity?” “Yoa,"' said the valet, slowly, as if pondering his reply. “T Know Lillian Armstead, or, I should gay, Mrs. Vivian. Where are they? Have they taken a house?” ‘“No, ma’am; they are at the Windsor. abroad almast immediately.” ‘Ah, well, I may find time to call, I thought, Gregory, that you might not be satisfied with your new position, and in that case T should ask Mr. Van Stretten to engage yon.” “Thank you, Mrs, Derwent; but I do not believe I should ever suit Mr. Van Stretten.” “Strange!” thought Louise; ‘almost the very words Sidney used himself in speaking of Gregory.” “Well, Tam glad you are comfortably situated,” she said, aloud, and nodding affably to the ex-valet, she swept into the store. «Phat was a close shave!” sail Gregory Hamlin. ‘‘T tola him it would not do to be too mneh in New York; but I do not suppose there is any danger.” He strolled on meditating deeply. Mrs, Derwent did call upon Mrs. Vivian, but that lady was not at home. ‘*T have not seen Lillian Armstead fox six years,” said she, as she drove home, *‘and she never met my husband. How very strange that Gregory should be engaged by another master so They are going Eomicbooks.com