. hh ^^****”’— ..............................„
I
It's a pity you should have come to
so we were happy to think, to the soli this evening at least be might have made my vroy to a group of acquaint *
By thia he li
,,,-ss entered
tary divan at its base on which Mr. been blind to a mere coquette's fasci ances standing Just outside the suppsr aud eacaped. The long plush curtains, this understanding tonight," said li*.
Z Durand aud I were seated. With poB- nations.
»
room door. As I listened to their which during the early .art of the "He’s an acquaintance of the mure
♦
I was thus doubly engaged In listen greetings some impulse l<sl me to east evt-uing bad remained looi>ed back on dered womuu. and It is only right for
♦ s'bly an undue confidence tn the ad
♦
vantage of our position, we were dis- ing to my lover's words aud in watch another glance down the hall toward either side of the casement, were found you to know that you will have to
♦
«
cussing a subject Interesting only to ing the various gentlemen who went the alcove. A man a waiter was Is at the momi'iit of the crime's discovery leave him behind wheu you start for
»
urselvcs when Mr. Durand Interrupted up and down the steps when a former suing from It In a rush. Bad news closely drawn together. Certainly a home. All who have been xeeii enter
»
♦
* himself to declare: “You are the wom partner advanced and reminded me ■was In Ills face, and as his eyes en suspicious circumstance. However, the ing that alcove this evening will neces
*
an I want, you and you only. And I that I bad promised him a waltz. countered those of Mr. Ramsdell, who question was one easily settled. If any sarily be detained here till the coroner
want you soon. When do you think I.oath to leave Mr. Durand, yet seeing was advancing hurriedly to meet him, one bad approached by the balcony arrive«."
My uncle and I strolled toward the
you can marry me? Within a week— uo way of excusing myself to Mr Fox, he plunged down the steps with a cry there would be marks In the snow to
By ANNA KATHARINE CREFN
tf-ir—
I east an appealing glance at the for which drew a crowd about the two In show It. Mr. Ramsdell had gone out to drawing room and as we did so wo
Author of • Th« Millionaire Baby “ “Th. > ,
H ouk In the MJ*-" “Th. Am«th*J"^®«Jb" “Th.
passed the library. It held but one
Did my look stop him? I was star mer and was greatly chagrined to find an instant.
ne»>. lie would le coming l>ack soon.
"Do you think this a probable expla occupant, the Englishman. He was
tled. I bad heard no Incoherent phrase him already on his fset.
What
was
It?
What
had
happened?
COPYRIGHT. 190«. THE BO
B B S - M F o „ .. .
from hltn before.
"Enjoy your dance.” be cried. “I
■■■
M PA N Y.
Mad with an anxiety I did not stop nation of the crime?" I demanded of seated before a table, and his appear
"A week!" I remonstrated. “We take pave a word to say to Mrs. Falrbroth- to define. I rushed toward this group Mr. Durand at this juncture. "If I ra ance was such as precluded any at
more time than that to fit ourselves for *r." and was gone tiefore my new now swaying from side to side in ir member rightly, this window overlooks tempt at Intruaiou, even if one had
a journey or some transient pleasure. partner had taken me on bls arm.
repressible excitement, when euddenly the carriage drive. It must therefore been so disposed. There was a fixity
. scuii-U for another woman, and. con- I hardly realise my engagement yet."
Was Mrs. Fairbrother the lady with everything mm before me. and I fell be within plain sight of the door In his gaze and a frown on his power
through which some 300 guests have ful forehead which bespoke a mind
In'The Woman In the Alcove" tidlug In bls honesty, trusting entirely "You have not t>een thinking of it foe the diamond? Yes. As I turned to In a swoon to the floor
to his faith, I allowed the plans and these last two months as I have."
enter
the
parlor
with
my
partner
I
passed toulgbt How could any one greatly agltateil. it was not for me
4nna Katharine Green has n>o- purposes of years to vanish In the
Some one had shouted aloud:
"No,” I replied demurely, forgetting eaugbt a glimiwie of Mr. Durand's tall
"Mrs. Fairbrother has l>een murdered climb to such a height, lift the window to read that mind, much as It inter
, n a pl t '-f unusual intricacy glamour of this new joy and sjioke the everything else In my delight at this figure Just disappearing from the step
ested me. and I ¡mssed on chatting as
and her diamond stolen! Ixx-k tbe ii nd step In without living seen?”
■id interest.
The mystery is | word which linked us together In a admission.
behind the sage green curtains.
"You forget the awning." He spoke If I had not the least desire to atop.
dOOM
1"
“Who Is Mrs. Fairbrother?" I In
I cannot say bow much time elapsed
quickly and with unexpected vivacity.
r. lit cleverly unraveled through Lund which half an hour liefore I bad
"Nor are you a nomad among clubs
dreamed would uulte me to nny and restaurants."
The awning runs up vary near this i before my uncle touched me on the
quired of Mr. Fox at the end of the
he agency of r.< professional I , never
CnAITEIl
II.
man.
dauce.
_____
_____
"No. 1 have a home."
window and quite shuts It off from the i arm with tbe ramark:
I ■
ng woman
Ml’ST have remained Insensible sight of arriving guests. The driver« I "The |M>lice are here lu full force. I
Mr. I'ox. who Is one of society's
Ills Impassioned "mine, mine!" filled do you." ° y°U ’°Ve “•
'
’
«'P
’
y
as
I
for many minutes, for when I of departing carriages could si«' It if • lv 11 «!■- •-■ ii'c in pin.., , lotbes i x>k
¡e heart i enlisted in the | my cup to overflowing. Something of
pi reunial beaux, knows everybody.
returned to full consciousness they vhamed to glance back. But their la bore a minute ug». He seemed to
"She Is—well, she was Abner Fair
ease of one of the suspects. the ecstasy of living entered m.v soul.
"ThAth°artt op,,n t0 «nrament.
the supper room was empty eyes aie usually on their horst's In such I have his eje ou you. There lie Is
brother
’
s
wife.
You
know
Fairbrother,
I
which
in
spite
of
all
I
have
suffered
...■tri'
ll her story with
OUS one ' 'h'" VO” .S!'c,lk of ** n Iwxuri-
and the 200 guests I had left seat a crowd. The probabilities are against : again! Wlint can lie want? No, don't
In the well km vvi skill of the l since recreated tin1 world for me and ’ uh one. be Continued. "I cannot of- the mlllloualre who built that curious
ed
nt table were gathered in agi any of them having looked up.” Ills I turn; he's gone away now."
At
| made all that went before but the pro- for you its equal I»u you ex I »oct me structure ou Eightv-slxth street,
tthor, which has won for her the I lude to the new life, tile new joy.
to?”
present they are living apart—an aini- tated groups about the hall. This was brow bad cleared; a weight aeomsd re- ! I- lightened as I had never beeu hi
¡¡best place among American
cable understanding, I believe, Her what I first noted. Not till afterward moved from his mind. "When 1 went all my life, I managed to keep my
llh. 1 was happy, liappy—perhaps too
I was Indignant
<li<l I realize m.v own situation. I wits
"You
know
tliat
liters of s.or.es of mystery.
I do not. Shall I, diamond mnk"s her conspicuous, It Is lying on a couch in a remote corner of Into the alcove to see Mrs. Fairbrother In'll«! up and maintain iiu Indifferent
nappy! A< the conservatory filled an 1 who Gelilierately <
one
of
the
moHt
remarkable
stones
iu
•lie was sitting in a chair near this aspect. What, as my uncle said, could
le a nurse's life
we passtsl back Into the adjoining when nn indulgent uncle's heart and New York, perhaps in the Halted this saute hall, and beside me, but window looking out. 1 remember the a detective want of me? 1 had nothing
CHAPTER I-
not looking at me, sto<xl my lover, Mr. effect of her splendor against the snow ' to do with the crime; not In the re
room the glimpse I caught of myself
T] W A S per' :p- tile plainest girl In one of the mirrors startled me into home were open to me. shrink from States. Have you observed It?"
Durand.
sifting down in u steady stream behind ! motest way could I be said to be con
"Yes
—
that
Is.
at
a
distance.
Do
you
bravin'.-
poverty
with
tbe
man I love?
I I in the n»nii that night. I was thinking so. for had it not been for t!i->
IIow he came to know my state and her—the pink velvet, the soft green of nected with It; why, then, had I caught
think
her
very
handsome?"
V.’e will begin as simply as you
odd color of n.y dress and the unique please”—
"Mrs. Fairbrother? She's called so, find me In the general disturbance I the curtains ou either side, her bril- I the attention of the police? Looking
way in which I wore my hair that
but
she's not m.v style.” Here lie gave did not stop to Inquire. It was enough limits and the snow for n background alxiut 1 sought Mr. Durand. He hud
”» !le ,i,ere,’'I|tori!y put In. yet
night I should not have recognized t’.ie with
me
a
killing glance. "I admire women for me nt thnt moment to look up and Yes, the murderer came In that way. left im* on my uucle's coming up, but
with a certain hesitancy wht.-h seetncl
beaming girl who faced me so naively
of
mind
and heart. They <1> not need see him so near. Indeed, the relief win Her figure would be plain to any one hud remnined, as 1 supposed, within
< Of doubts he hardly aeknowl-
fL | ’/p. I ala<> the happiest—up to 1 front the depths of the responsive dked to
himself, -I W1I| Ilot lnnrn. to wear jewels worth an ordinary so great, the sense of his protection wo outside, und if she moved and the dia sight. But at this moment lie was
1 ¿J .< not Ili.i.li'
for 1 my
ve. v This
bail
;. Then
.... ■ v. 1 <>;
1J glass.
comforting, that I Involuntarily stretch mond shone— Don't you see what a
nowhere to la» seen. Was I afraid on
.
U
If
I
must
eximso you to privation man'ti fortune.”
f- imbleil.
said t or
■ r ' at If. least of
-m ,,f late.
suffered
ah
ed out m.v hand in gratitude toward probable theory It is? There,must bo J
Can one be too happy? I do not or to the genteel poverty I hate. I love
I
looked
about
for
nn
excuse
to
leave
his account? Impossible; yet—
I Ip*.
„• ■ Why
I
i e. about
in face
him.
but.
falling
to
attract
his
atten
and how nut
I am
to know. I know that one can lie too per
ways by whlc li a des|>crate man might
Happily just then the word was
you more than you realize and wish to till’, none too desirable partner.
i- •. . h :
n' .1 f 'i- n.e to cherish plexed, too burdened and too sad.
tlon, slipped to the floor and took my reach that balcony. 1 lielieve"—
"Let
us
go
back
into
the
long
hall.
”
passed
about that the police had given
make
your
life
a
happy
one.
I
cannot
s of this nature. Iml.-eil
I urged. "The ceaseless whirl of these stand at Ills side. This tousel hint,
IIow eager lie was ami with what a '
Thus far 1 have spoken only of my-
11» r.,1.1 11' V< r <
ro.l 11.t , iny plan of ' rclf in connection with the evenltr 's - '< you a.l yojj have been accustomed dancers Is making nn' dizzy."
and lie gave me a look which steadied look hi' turned when tlie word came orders that, with the exception of such
ns had been requested to remain to
;» as was er in-id by the nurse's elaborate fun* tb*n; but. though enti- '» U your rich uncle’s house, but If
With tbe ease of a gallant man he , me In spite of the thrill of surprise filtering through th* crowd that, ' answer questions, the guests generally
matters
prosper
with
me.
If
the
chance
with which 1 recognized his extreme
ii :.. i 1 1 I J
- idled after three tie 1 by my old Dutch blood to a c er-
I have built on sneeeeds-and It will took me on his arm, and soon we were pallor and a certain peculiar hesitation though footsteps had been found In should feel themselveti at liberty to dip
t -s of hard
ly and severe train- tain social conskieratl' n which 1 i
the snow pointing directly toward the part.
nn
II or succeed toul -ht-you will have promenading again In the direction of In his manner not nt all natural to it.
balcony, there was none on the bal- ■ The time had now come to take a
happy to sa.v n -vei- f illed me, 1 ev en
lose comforts which love
love will height the ak-ove. A passing glimpse of Its in
Meanwhile
some
words
altered
near
I was rot made for I ire. But If I l:i tills hour of sv.pieme sati.sfnctl
eouy Itself, preving. gs any one could 1 stand and I informed my uncle, to
terior was afforded me ns we turned
<>U in into luxuries nnd- and'
us
were
slowly
making
their
way
Into
id 1 on. had I I "rii gifted with height, attracted very llttie attention a nJ
Ile was becoming lttei hcretit and to retrace our steps In front of the yel n;y benunti>e<l I rain. The waiter who see, that t'jc alt.ick/ha*l not come from i Ills evident ehugrlu, that 1 should not
v • i '. ii : o o ■ even with that
awake small comment. Tlic/e was i in tliis time with id
ri fix ' 1 el'-ewhero low divan. The lady with the diamond had raised the first alarm was endeav without, since no cue could outer the , leave us long ns uny excuse could be
¡ol ieii eof expression which redeems other woman present 'letter cal; ;!at
I
llowing bls gaze, was still there. A fold of the superb oring to describe to an Importunate alcove by the window without step- ' found for staying.
i 1 which savor of to Go tills—a fair woman, large and tuì than on my ¡j.
He said nothing at the time, but ns
of I discover» 1 wli: >lt ’1 distracted bls pink velvet she wore protruded across ! groi p lu advance of us what he hud p:ng on t'.ie balcony.
n'Tiiii.v. 1 k’.'.i >• well whose eye I a '.omitlful presence, accustomed lo
the gap made by the hnlf drawn cur
"Mr. Duruud has suspicions of his the noise of depnrtlng cnrrlugei grad
attention.
Tltefii
vl
h
the
diamond
come upon In that murderous alcove.
loald have chosen to please, whose conquest aud gifted with the power of
was approachlug us on her way to the tains. just as It had done a half hour . "I was currying a’out a tray of own," i explained determinedly to my- j ually lessene 1 und the great hull and
e :t 1 should have felt proud to win. | carrying off her victories with a cer- alcove.
self. "He me’ some ono going in ns I drawing rooms began to wear a look
liefore. But It was Impossible to see
She
was
accompanied
by
two
This kne'vle'ce catne with a rush to i tain lazy grace Irresistibly fascinating
her face or who was with her. What lees.” lie was saying, “and, oeelug the he steppisl <>r,L Shall I u.sk him to I of desertion be ut last ventured on this
angers
to
me,
and
gentlemen,
ls>tb
s
lady
sitting
there,
went
up.
I
had
ex
U L'art—did I say heart? I should i to the ordinary man; a gorgeously ap
name this person?” No, I did not have , gentle protest:
I could see, however, and did was the
in said understanding, which is pareled woman, with a diamond on her her head, sparkling with brilliants. figure of a man leaning against the pected to find the place full of gentle- the courage, not while his face wore so 1 "You have more pluck. Rita, than I
was turning from one to the other
1 men, but she was all alone and did not
urftldug very different—when at the ; breast too vivid tor most women, al
1 was not sur wnll at the foot of the steps. At first 1 move as I picked my way over her stern u look and was so resolutely | suppom-il. l>o you think it wise to stay
nJ of the first dance I looked up from most too vivid for her. I noticed this with an indolent grace,
turned away.
thought
this
person
unknown
to
me;
on her*'? Will not people imagine that
»tLidst of tiie bevy of girls by whom I diamond early In the evening, and then prised that the man at my side qulv- then I perceived that he was no other ! long train. The next moment I hail
The next excitement was u request you have been requested to do so?
ered ami made a start as If to rise.
ms surrounded and saw Anson Du- I noticed her. She was not as tine as She was a gorgeous image. In compar than the chief guest of the evening, the dropped Ices, tray and all. I had come from Mr. Ramsdell for us nil to go Into Look at those waiters hanging about
rnd's flr.e figure emerging from that the diamond, but she was very fine, ison with her imposing figure In its Englishman of whom I have previous face to face with her and neen that she tlie drawing room. This led to various In the different doorways. Run up
was dead. She had tieen stabtied and cries from hysterical lips, such as, “We
tarter of the ball where our host and and bad I been in a less ecstatic frame trallfng rotie of rich pink velvet my ly spoken.
and put on your wraps Mr. Durand
»tew stood to receive their guests, | of mind I might have envied the horn- 1 diminutive frame In Its sea green gown
His expression had altered. He robbed. Thera was no diamond on her are going to be searched!” "He be will come *o the bouse fast enough as
breast,
but
there
was
blood.
”
eye was roaming hither and thlth- I age she received from all the men, not must have looked us faded and color looked now tioth anxious and absorbed
lieves the thief and murderer to be
A hubbub of disordered sentences still In the house!” “Do you see the soou as he Is released. I give you leave
1 and bls manner was trotli eager and excepting him upon whose arm I lean less as a half obliterated pastel.
—particularly anxious and particularly
seasoned with horrified cries followed diamond on me?" "Why don't they to nit up for him If you will. Only let
tpactant. Whom was he seeking? ed. Later there was no one In the
A
striking
woman."
I
remarked
as
this simple description. Then a gen- confine their suspicious to the favored us leave this place before that Imperti
hine one of the many bright and riva
I saw be was not likely to resume tbe
: world I envied less.
'
eral
movement took place In the dlrec- ' few who were admitted to the al nent little man dares to come around
ls girls about me, for he turned al-
agifn." be artfully uddej.
Ths ball was a private and very ele conversation which her presence had
tlon of tbe alcove, during which Mr. cove?"
k tutantly our way.
But which gant one. There were some notable Interrupted. “And what a diamond!”
But 1 stood firm, though somewhat
Durnnd
stooped
to
my
enr
and
whis-
,
“They will,” remarked some one close moved by his final suggestion, und be
»’
The glance he cast me was peculiar.
guestB. One gentleman in particular
pered:
to my ear.
I thought 1 knew. I remembered at was pointed out to me as an English
ing n small tyrant In my way. nt least
“Did you notice It particularly?" he
"We must get out of this. You are
Rut quickly ns I turned I could not
lose house I had met him tlrst, nt man of great distinction and political asked.
not strong enough to stand such ex guess from whom the comment came. with him, 1 carried my point.
kse house I had seen him many importance, 1 thought him a very In- I Astonished, for there was something
Huddenly my anxiety became poig
citement. Don't you think we can es- Possibly from a much beflowered. be
#es since, She was n lovely girl. foresting n an for bls years, but odd very uneasy In his manner so that I
nant. A party of men. among whom
jeweled,
elderly
dame
whose
eyes
were
I
cai»e
by
tbe
window
over
there?"
itty and viva, logs, and she st xxl at and a trifle self centered. Though I half expected to »ee him rise and join
"What, without wraps and in Huch a fixed on Mr. Durand's averted face. I saw Mr. Durand, appeurod at the
Is • < ¡i •
t :.elb >w. In her greatly courted, be seemed strangely the group be was so eagerly watching I
snowstorm?"
I protested. "Besides, un- j If so. she received a defiant look from end of the hall, led by a very small but
sutr lay the lure, the natural lure restless under the fire of eyes to which without waiting for my lips to frame a
I
cle
will
be
looking
for me. He came mln*', which I do not believe she for self Important personage whom my
■ ■ i i f 1. gifts m. 1 striking per- be was constantly subjected and only resfsin.se, f quickly replied:
uncle Immediately pointed out ns the
with
me,
you
know."
got In a hurry,
lallty. If I continued to watch 1 happy when free to use his own In con
detective who had twice come to tlie
"It would 1« difficult not to notice
Au
expression
of
annoyance
—
or
was
Alas, It was not the only curious, I 1
red so<.n see h.s countenance light templation of the scene about him. what one would naturally expect to see
It perplexity?—crossed Mr. Durand's might say searching, glunce I surpris'd door near which 1 stood. As this man
ti ler th? recognition she could not Had I been less absorbed In my own only ou tbe breast of a queen. But
face, and he made a movement as If to directed iigilnst hltn ns we made our looked up and saw me still there, a
11'. give him. And I was right. In happiness I might have noted sooner perhaps she Is a queen. I should judge
leave
me.
way to where I could see my uncle look of relief crossed his face, and
o’ r Instant It did. and with a than I did that this contemplation was so from the homage which follows
“
I
must
go,"
he
began,
but
stopped
1
struggling to reach us from a short after a word or two with another
. ess there was no mistaking. But confined to such groups as gathered her.”
at
my
glance
of
surprise
and
iissumt*d
side hall. Tbe whisper seemed to have stranger of seetalng authority he de
iMing cntn::...n to the human heart about the lady with the diamond. But
His eyes sought mine. There was
a
different
air.
one
which
became
him
gone
about that Mr. Durand had been tached himself from the group be had
11» such warmth, such expresslve- this I failed to observe at the time, Inquiry lu them, but It was an Inquiry
very
much
better.
"Pardon
ms,
dear,
i
tlie
last
one to converse with Mrs. ushered upon tbe scene and approach
b to the features
IIow handsome and consequently was much surprised 1 did not understand.
ing me respectfully enough said with
I
will
take
you
to
your
uncle.
This
—
J
Fairbrother prior to the tragedy.
cade him look, how distinguished. ' to ccme upon him at the end of one of
"What can you know about dla-
this dreadful tragedy. Interrupting so ; Iu time I had the satisfaction of join a deprecatory glance at my uncle
»everything I was not except—
the dances talking with this lady In an monds?” he presenter demanded,
gay a scene, has quite upset me. I wns ing my uncle. He betrayed great re who»e frown he doubtleva understood:
lit what does this mean? He has I animated and courtly manner totally "Nothing but their glitter, and glitter
“Miss Van Aredale. I believe F’
alwnys sensitive to the sight, the smell, lief at the s ght of me, ami, encourag
“ed Miss Sperry—passed her with opposed to the apathy, amounting to Is not all. The gem she wears may b«
1 n*xlded. too choked to speak.
even
to
the
very
mention
of
ths
word
ed by his kindly smile, I introduced
>3 1? and a friendly word—and is j boredom, with which he had hitherto a very tawdry one.' »»
I am sorry, madam, If you were ex
blood."
Mr.
Durand.
My
conscious
air
must
to me. singling me out. offer- , met all advances.
I flushed with humiliation. He was He plunged down the «Cepe with a
have
produced
|
k Impression, for he pecting to go. Inspector Dalzell has
Ro
was
I,
but
not
to
the
point
of
cow-
>
I »» his arm He Is smiling, too,
Yet It was not admiration for her a dealer In gems-that was his busi
But then I had not just come I turned a startled and inquiring look
i»« he smiled on Miss 8perry, but person which he openly displayed. ness and the check which be bad put absorbed—so much so that I was not ardlce.
from an Interview with tbe murdered ! npon my companion, then took me res
surprised
that
no
one
ventured
to
ap
” wirmly. with more that is per- During the whole time he stood there upon my entbuslasm certainly made
olutely on his own arm, sa.i Ing:
*■ la It. I took his arm In a daze. bls eyes seldom rose to her face. They me conscious of my own presumption. proach him. Again I wondered and woman. Iler glances, her smiles, the
"There Is likely to be some unpleas
Hights were '.Gumer than I thought, lingered mainly—and this was what Yet I was not disposed to take back again I asked myself for whom or for lift of her eyebrows were not fresh 1 antness nheiiil for nil of us. I do not
"-i was really bright except his aroused my curiosity—on the great fan my words. I bad had a better oppor what he was waiting. For Mr. Durand memories to me. Some consideration think the police will allow any one to
*•* It seemed to change the world of ostrich plumes which this opulent tunity than himself for seeing this re to leave this lady’s presence? No, no was certainly due him for the shock be go till that diamond has been looked
ta» I f >rgot thnt I was plain, beauty held against her breast. Was markable jewel, and. with the per I would not believe that. Mr. Durand must l»e laboring under Yet I did not for. Tills Is n very s. rloua matter,
Tjt that I was small, with nothing he desirous of seeing the great dia versity of a somewhat ruffled mood, I could not lie there still, yet eou.e wo know how to keep back th» vital ques dear. Ro many think the murderer
twotsniem! me to the eye or heart, mond she thus unconsciously (or was burst forth as soon as tbe color had men mnke it difficult for a man t< tion:
"Who dl<l It? You must have heard was one of the gne ts."
leave them, and. realizing this. I could
■ *1 myse.f ldrawn away, asking it consciously) shielded from his gaze? subsided from my cheeks:
“I thfr k so, too." said I. But why
some
one say."
not
forbear
casting
a
parting
glance
1 J nn-icipntlng nothing, till I It was possible, for. as I continued to
"No, no! It is glorious, magnificent.
I tboug it so or why I rbottld nay so
“
I
have
beard
nothing,"
was
hl»
behind
me
as,
yielding
to
Mr.
Fox
’
s
W myself alone with him In the note him, he suddenly bent toward her I never saw Its like. I doubt if you
with mich vehemence I do not know |
J1“’ re-esses of the conservatory. and as quickly raised himself again ever have, for all your dally acquaint lmpo-tunties, I turned toward the sup somewhat fierce rejoinder. Then as t even n>w.
made
a
move:
“
What!.
You
do
not
wish
per
room.
It
showed
me
the
English
only the throb of music In our I with a look which was quite lnex- ance with jewels. Its value must be
My uncle looked surprise*!.
link us to the scene we had i pllcable to me. The lady bad shifted enormous. Who Is she? You seem to mr.n fu the act of lifting two cups of ' to follow the crowd there?''
“I on hail better not advance any
"I wish to find my unrie. and he te In
coffee
from
a
small
table
standing
near
| her fan n moment, and his eyes bad know her.”
opinions,” be advised. “A lady like
that crowd.”
the
reception
room
door.
As
bls
man
by had he brought me here Into
It
waa
a
direct
question,
but
I
re
Into ' fallen on the gem.
Mr. Durand said nothing further, and yourself should have none on a sub- I
ner plainly betokened whither he was
fairyland of opalescent lights and
The next thing I recall with any ceived no reply. Mr. Durand's eyes bound with this refreshment, I felt all I together we passisl down the hall. A ject so grewsome. 1 shall never cease (
•t'.rattn g perfumes ? What could definiteness was a tete-a-tete conversa- had followed ths lady, who had lin
lave to say—to show? Ah, In an i tlon which I held with my lover on a gered somewhat ostentatiously on tbe I my uneasiness vanish and was able to strange mood pervaded my mind. In regretting bringing you here tonight I
I shall seize on tbe first opportunity to
*r
,»e had seised certain yellow divan at the end of one top step, and they did not return to take my seat at one of tbe small tables stead of wishing to fiy a scene wtih-h take you home. At present we are
i k— moment
• ___ _ I knew'. He
under
ordinary
conditions
would
have
with
which
the
supper
room
was
filled
I
1« ln<j |r,vr. Brdent love, came of the halls
me til) she had vanished with her com
and for a few minutes at least lend an filled me with utter repugnance, I felt supposed to awstt the action of our I
I"* from his Upe.
lips.
To the right of this divan rose a cur panions behind the long plush curtains I ear to Mr. Fox's vapid compliment and a desire to see and hear everything host.”
feald It be real? Was I the object
which partly veiled the entrance By
“Hs cannot kre-p nil these people I
!*il this feeling. I? If so, then life ' tatned recess, highly suggestive of ro- this time he had forgotten my words. trite opinions. Then my stteutlon wan Not from curiosity, such as tnoveil
! mance. called "the alcove." As this al-
her»
long." I ventured.
most of the people nltont tne. but be
dered.
t "hinzs.1 frw me indeed.
I cove figures prominently In my story. If he had ever heard them, and It was
"No. Most of ns will he relieved "f am firry, ma»1»im. it you nwre ex
cause
of
some
strong
Instinctive
fad
I
bad
not
moved
nor
bad
I
shifted
with the forced animation of one wh-we
1 u.tfmni rush of emotion I search ! I will pause here to describe ft.
pt <■ ting to go."
soon Had yon not (»otter get your !
'll» face to see if thia paradise,
thoughts are elsewhere that be finally my gaze from tbe scene t>efore me— ing I could not understand, ns If It wraps so hs to l-e reedy to go as s*x»n arrived and would like to speak to
It
was
originally
Intended
to
contain
were
my
heart
which
had
beeu
struck
tbe ordinary scene of a gny and well
t •“ gates I was thus passionately
! a large group of statuary which our returned to the old plea:
*s he gives the word?"
you. Will you step Into one of these
When would I marry him? If he fill?*? supper room - yet I found r.iyself and my fate which was trembling In
r'-*s to enter, was Indeed a verity or - host. Mr. Ramsdell, had ordered from
"I should prefer to have a peep at rooms? Not the library, but nny other.
i
the
balance.
looking,
as
If
through
a
mist
I
bad
not
If > fiream born f the excitement of i Itnly to adorn his new house. lie Is a could offer me a home In n month—and
We were consequently among the the people in tlie drawing room first,” | He will come to you aa quickly as he
*
ami •!.,• .-harm of a acene
be would know by tomorrow if he even seen develop, at something as
my jierverae reply. "I don't know ; can."
^" unal in p, splendor and plctnr- man of original Ideas In regard to such could do so—would I come to him then? strange, unusual and remote as any first to beer such furtiter details ns whs
why I want to see them, but I do; I I tried to carry ft off bravely and as
matters and In this Instance had gone
r, ‘<s even for so luxurious a city so far ns to have this end of the bouse Re would not say In a week. That
— ' phantasm, yet distinct enough In Its wrre allowed to circulate among the and, uncle. I might as well tell you
If I saw nothing In this summons which
outline« for me to g-t a decided Im now well nigh frenzied guests. No one
L” Tort
But In
' constructed with a special view to an was perhaps too soon.
pression of a square of light surround knew the perpetrator of tbw deed, nor now that I engigixl myself to Mr. waa unique or alarming But I suc
r’ ’ ~ v , mere dream. Truth advantageous display of this promised month? Would I not promise to
ing tbe figure of a man In a peculiar dl«l there appear to tie any direct evi Ti'irnml this evening the gentleman I ceeded only In dividing a wavering
F •mestnes* wire tn his manner, work of art. Fearing the ponderous his in a month ?
glance Iwtween him and the group at
pose not easily Imagined ami not easi dent* calculated to fix his Identity. with me when you first came up."
f * - ria wore neither feverish
What
I
answered
I
scarcely
effect of a pedestal large enough to
"You hnve ecgig-l yourself to- to ' men of which he bad just formed a
ly
described.
It
all
passed
In
an
In
I* '*“*'■
Indeed
the
sudden
death
of
this
Itenutl-
R!s eyes had stolen back to the alcove,
L. *
1 need you!" So I hold aueh a considerable group, he bad •nd mine had followed them. Tbe g»n- stant. and I sat staring st the window fnl woman In the midst of f'Stlvfty this man—to marry him, do you part. In the latter were several gentle
planned to raise It to the level of the
mean?"
men whom I had noted in Mrs. Fair
tlemen who had accompanied the lady opposite me with the feeling of one ml b.t have been looked npon a* sttl-
f
smn made me believe,
I nof.led, with n sly look ?»hlnd to ' brother's train early In tbe evening
p have charmed me from the first eye by having th» alcove floor built a Inside were coming out again, but ot?>- who has just seen a vir.lon. Yet almost < • if th* Jewel had n >t been t <- .rr
few feet higher than the main on? A rrs wera advancing to ta’^e their Immediately T f <rg.it the whole occur fr> ri h'r breast and the Instrirret.t of sec if Mr. Durand were near enough 1 un*1 a few strangers, two of whom
f ha’alixlng. trusting, loyal self,
f
- than nny other. flight of low. wide steps connected the places, and soon she was engaged in rence In n y anxiety as to Mr. Do death removed from the wound. Ko to bear lie r/r.« m t. and I allowed were officials. Mr. Durand wns with
I two. which, following the curve of the
iny catbuslasm to eacaiw In a few the firmer, an! hla expression did not
rami'* whereabouts. Certainly be waa
i
- frvn my breast wall, added much to the twauty of this holding a regular court In thia favored amT’Ing h'mrelf very much e'.wcTtnwe far tbe casual aaarch which It d be- rt quick word«.
eucouragi me.
Instituted
hid
failed
to
pridui
e
this
retreat.
**n many women. admtrsd
"He baa chosen me.” I raid, "th*
of the hall.
? Why or Be would have f wind an opportunity weapon. But the pol'cc would l>e lie's
", T ‘’ you only have I portion
|
The group was a failure and was
I notice h»r or look thnt way of joining me long before tula. Ho soon and then aoanethlng would be plainest, moet calutmatfog pus* lu
(Continued Next Wee!t.)
- u’en-.r wife?"
never shipped. But the alcove remain- should Because Mr. Durarvi did?
the nbo.e dty." My u!K-!c smiled.
was not even In sight, and I grew tlone.
at
all?
■ ■■! beyond any a ! and. possessing as It did all th» ad-
"An
1
1
t(
..
c
!,<•
loves
me;
at
all
that for rii h.'s w^nry of the endless menu and t!ie
/ « tn »?>» means of entrance employ-
H-imebutluers wtli Tua Die rw.t
'-ed I forgot vantace**. of a room tn the way of beat slblr. I remember felt s IPtlr nlq-rel eenselese chitchat of my companion
bargains in Blair etreit additloa.
e) ly the as'sssin there remel to I»» events, I t.-i*' that I love him.”
I
I
‘ 3
' -rto said to myself. and light had been turned toto a min ardent lovemaking
My ui •• rlg-K-d while giving me th* Make your own terms; pay f >r your
ami. finding I'm amenable to fry
ti- be should divide bls attentions In whlma. rose from xy seat at tabie an4 but one opinion. Th*- slco’-e contained tuosi affi-.. io,»; « of glances.
'
'.greyed to tmprsse iature retreat of exceptional beauty
lot or acre tract out of your month
Perhaps
I
thought
that
for
a
window
opening
upon
a
»mall
bal
b ;
■ h.-r. I bsbsld him ap-
ly savings.
t.'
T!» seclusion It offered extended, or thia way
'
tatsnt u I badsrnd, to tos
The l&Joman
In the AlcotJe
I