into a heap, saying:

"No, I don't want to hear any more; I shall have the same luck
throughout; clubs always come to me."

"Have you always had such bad fortune?" asked Miss Seaton.

"Oh! no; only a few years ago, I used to be as happy as a bird; sorrow
was unknown to me, and one enjoyment seemed to pass away only to be
succeeded by another. Now I have nothing but trouble all the time."

"Your lot seems hard," remarked Miss Seaton, in a sympathizing tone;
"probably you feel worse since your husband has been dead."

"Dead!" exclaimed Mrs. Thayer, springing up; then, recovering her
presence of mind, she sat down, muttering: "yes, yes, of course, he's
dead."

"What do you mean?" said Miss Seaton. "Is it long since he died?"

"I do not feel well to-day; and I shall not try to read my fortune again
when I am so nervous," replied Mrs. Thayer, evading Miss Seaton's
question.

Seeing that Mrs. Thayer wished to change the subject, Miss Seaton did
not press her further. The two ladies remained together until dinner
time, and Miss Seaton read a portion of "Eugene Aram" aloud. Mrs. Thayer
became deeply interested in the book, and borrowed it to read.

Next morning I received a telegram from Miller, briefly stating that
Pattmore had left Greenville. His destination was Chicago, though he had
given out that he was going to Cincinnati.

I knew that he could not arrive that day, as the railroad connections
were not promptly made at that time; but I instructed Mr. Knox and Mr.
Green to be prepared to "shadow" him, on his arrival at the depot the
next morning, and to keep upon his track constantly, while he remained
in Chicago. I also sent word to Miss Seaton to make some pretense for
calling upon Mrs. Thayer early in the forenoon, and to remain with her
as long as possible. I knew that Pattmore would communicate with Mrs.
Thayer immediately on his arrival, and my object was, to have some one
to witness their meeting.

On entering my office early the next day, I was surprised to find
Captain Sumner awaiting me, in a great state of excitement.

"That man has come here again, Mr. Pinkerton," he broke out,
impetuously. "He came before breakfast and went straight to Annie's
room. I called her to the door and expostulated with her, until she
agreed to send him away as soon as possible. I then came here directly
to inform you."

"Quite right, Captain," I replied; "there is nothing like taking prompt
action in such cases. You