Witch Hazel; or, The Secret of the Locket — page 379: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

CHAPTER XL. HELENA RECKIVES AN UNEXPECTED CALL. Perey Morton had but just gone when Mrs. Stewart, Bell, and Marie reached the duchess’ villa. He re- turned directly to Sir Henry Harwood's residence, where he found Tom Lawson waiting to deliver Charlie Harwood’s note and to explain what had caused the young man's sudden departure. Percy was greatly surprised and a litle inclined to be angry that Charlie should have been so excited, in his weak state, by the wonderful story which the sailor had related to him. And yet it might be all for the best, he thought, for he could well understand how, his suspicious of the truth having been once aroused, it would be impos- sible for him to know a restful moment until every- thing had been clearly Spee He was very anxious about him, however, and he resolved to follow him to London; so, securely lock- ing up the house and generously remunerating the sailor tor his services, he took a later train and reached the city only a couple of hours after the ar- rival of his friend. Meantime, while the wonderful developments of the day were beine discussed in the home of Sir Henry Harwood and at the suminer residence of the duchess, an entirely different, though no less excit- ing interview, was occurring at Crescent: Villa. After the depurtare of Mrs. Stewart with Bella and Marie. Helena, having wwakened aud feeling greatly refreshed by her long uap. made un exqnisite toilet, and then went out upon the veranda to await the ar- rival of callers, who seldom failed to flock to the home of the beauty and belle to pass a pleasaut even- ing. But. for some reason, Crescent Villa 3s et >) deserted that night. RRSP