Page:The Social War.djvu/47

Rh Mr. Juno's house, an' kape an eye on that doctor chap," said Pat.

"Oh, Pat, how can I believe or do all this?" gloomily responded Miss Armington.

"Be me sowl, I have tould ye only what am good trooth; ye can axe Judy McCrea, here, what kin tell ye I am spakin' only the trooth," ejaculated Pat.

"Fath, me swate lady, Pat O'Conner spake the holy trooth, so far as I knows," responded Judy.

Miss Armington was in great distress, and soliloquized as follows, after she excused herself and was left alone for prayerful meditation:

"O Lord, what shall I do? I cannot let father know of this conspiracy to murder Victor Juno; nor can I allow them to poison him, since I can save him. How shall I manage this matter, O, how must I act? Great powers above, guide my distressed soul aright.

"I have it; I have it. I will go in disguise to the house of Victor Juno, and request to see him as an old aunt of his; I understand he has an only relative, and that is an elderly aunt. I'll personate her to the people in his home, and when I once reach his bedside, I'll manage to make him understand me. This will be his salvation, although it may prove my ruination."

Miss Lucinda Armington waited until about seven o'clock in the evening, when she dressed herself in some of her mother's old clothes, which she had preserved from her death, and quietly left by the side door, thinking that she would not be seen so readily by leaving the house by that direction (it must be remembered that this was the door through which Deacon Rob Stew mostly visited the house of General Armington); she made her way to Victor Juno's residence, and as she rang the door bell, Dr. Toy Fancy drove up, and also stepped upon the step, waiting for the door to open; presently a very polite male servant received them, the doctor passing to the patient's room direct, whilst Miss Armington, in her disguise, was politely