nies ane TRE Se ate Peller roe - rmenarene eer ence Sau oath a? er : — - “might be sent for again. -m2de ’ tidy. 1 bethougtt m. jy fee; ¥ ‘whieh Tho ‘cbedsi into ty poke withou glancing at it. Af it had not been there I should lave treated the whole ’ very fashionabie locality. A parlor, sleeping and sitting- * generally be found until ten o’ciock in the morning, and ot fartive expression, from which one instinctively shrinks, ‘Whe third was a young man of five or six and twenty, well enough as to fissure, but with a very repellent counte- Nance. The forehead retreated, and the eyes looked as if they had ‘been crushed in, while ihe lower jaw pro- truded ithe lips seemed to ange aroundiina loose fashion had no contro! of 4he muscles. < | Harold bo « He was so graceful and handsome in contrast will men. — a i ; “Docior,? lie Megan courteously, ‘please assure these Ahére is no-collusiom between us., You j eres duty, Isuppose, for I have of- have performed, fered you no bribe." , “T have done |just what I would do under all circum- glances,” I repliedin amaze > | #3, “Phat it m pereppear mysterious to you I vill offer a brief explanation. ~ hours ago, when her guardian interposed; declaring that ghe would not be eighteen until nearly midnight, and that by the wording of her father’s will she could not be mar- ried until then. She is, you see, in the final stages of consumption, and but for, your timely assistance might have been dead ere this’ The rest, whether she wishes to marry me or not, she car best auswer.’! “Yes, I dof I dot’? aud site clung to him, with frantic, trembling eagerness. “Are you all satisfied '! “a There was a solemn silence, broken by no voice of dls- sent. i A brilliant color was coming into Muriel’s cheeks and a feverish light to her eyes. Althea grew deadly pale. “Raise ne ap,’! said Muriet. p FT arranged the piflows so that she should be in a sitting posture. Althea stood a, little apart, her eyes glowering upon thefire. Harold took his place. \ The ceremony was gone through with. Harold’s apathy grated horribly upon my senses. But he kissed her fondly as she lay half exhausted in his arms, “Oh,’? she murmured, “if 1 could only live. Jt is so hard to die.” . ‘ “7 do not see the slightest necessity for your dying at present,” I said, fipmiy. ‘E think by judicious treatment the disease might 66 Overcome.” ; ; I don’t know what made me utter this, butI feit that she was not trnly a victim of consumption: “As 800n 18 you Can bear the fatigue of a journey I should advise you aud your husband to leave this place.’! Aun indescribable look flashed in Althea’s eyes, as if she would be glad to murder me," The new husband turned to me, sayiug: “Will you be kind enough to Jeave her something, doctor? Audif you will sign this—l am under a thous- and obligations to you now.’? K wrote my name. Then I prepared a tumbler of medi- cine, stating the directions very explicitly, and addressing myself principally to Murie!. She thanked me with a most grateful look. 1f I could have-taken her away from thenballl A eee yt a: He LARTS E O The clergyman wished them frood-night and departed. I saw that 1 was expected to follow. I held Muriel’s hand in a lingering clasp, aud reiterated my directions. Althea’s face was durk and gloomy. Harold escorted me ¢0 the hall. “We shall probably send for you again,’ he said. ‘I have not been satisfied with the physician for some time, but he was an old family friend, and his discharge must be polite, at least.’? E assented, really giad that there appeared a prospect of my fathoming the mystery. it was siill storming furiously, though now mostly rain. Harold crushed something into my hand as I stepped out to the carriage. “Goodnight and most fervent thanks.’? With that we dashed away in the darkness. CILAPTER II. ‘WAS, BHE DEAD. T leaned back in the carriage and drew-a long breath. The events of the last four hours appeared absolutely incredible. When I began to recover a little from my “surprise, I made a violent effort sostop the driver, and .inguired from what street we had started. “Varick,’’ was the faconic reply; and on we rattled. , But I felt convinced thas thig was not true, and also that the driver had been instructed to confuse me by a variety of turns, It was evident that my patient's friends ‘Knew how to keep @ secret if i¢ was necessary. But I Aud then Dfelt angry that I had learned so little about them.) Of tlie! whole party I knew but three Christian names, but Muriel was a peculiar one. The events of the night had succeeded 60 rapidly, and my. anxiety had been so great, that [ had not found a moment Lo devote to solving the mystery: ; = It was justone when {reached home. I threw myself on the sofu, but though no one came to disturb me, I could not sleep. “With every’ other breath I asked myself if Muriel really had been poisoned? oe her lover Would not doit. Althea hated her—of that I was quite certain, but still she was anxious to have Harold marry her. Muriel’s death before she was eighteen would be an advantage to her uncle, yet it seemed monstrous to accuse him, or any one, for that matter. 3 A was thankful to have the day dawn. I always took breaklast with Mrs. Warren, so [ brush a thing as a chimera, bué there it was—a filty-dollar note, much crumpled and worn, on one of our city banks, and Without the slightest mark of identification. My heart gave a great bound. With my economical habits it would keep me for another month. _ § went in to breakfast in pretty good spirits. Mrs. War- ren was standing by the wide basement window-ledge. “T owe you an apology for not being more prompt,”’ I said. ‘Nearly a week in March has gone, but I have had a good deal ow my mind,’? which was true enough. “Tt doesn’t Mater, Now thas we know one another 50 well, wailing until (ie end of the month would answer.” “It is best as it ia, Ireturned, withalaugh. “I might run away some fine night.’? ; “And be brought back in @ carriage as you were this morning. I was 80 astonished that I really had to get up, but i thought it nearer morning.”* j “Oh, you saw my state, then?’ I said, in a gay tone. “I suppose that Was owing-to the storm.’* ’ “ig was a terrible night! Itis hardly ciear yet.) _ The sky was still full of cold, gray clouds, with a line of watery yellow in the east, / was to marry thisyoung girl four. my hair and }' ieor a 4 rows of houses answering your description, rows there is not a case of illness.” “T do not believe that it was in Varick street.”, “Neither do 1.’? We both Jaughed at this. ih ral ad spares pp nt pull at my. neryt In one of the ey, fan Ne a t state, Lpptieupe- Every aM ina , and to make the matter harder to bear, nob an e but some one. Strayed\in, often of not they piety ortance, it was” provoking {o be alteruately\ Foused atid depre . 4 hus passed three days. Sprit ; coming on with at oa 80 blue ak =e I thought of | bland airs au ; } Muriel [yanuot t The fair, sweet face haunted me, J could almost feel the sort, silken liair again in my Mngers, and see those lustrons, imploring eyes, And Althea—was she stillaveird and dangerogs in her beauty? ai. Bartholdy and I discussed it eveepeine we met, He was as strangely Interested in it as I, and experienced the same reluctance about giving it up finally. iS “Bunt I want you tocome around to my dengtomight,” he said. “There isnousein making such a hermit of yourself.? . y “What now 7? . “] have been promised a glen d body for dissection— a young girl—a consuniptive. ‘I offered Collins a good round sum forthe first chance he had, and he dceciares that he has done the handsome tiling by me this time.” “When will you be there t”? A eA “Oh, about eleven.” ; i “Well, Pil come round,"! Bartholdy had a room ina row of buildings devoted to various experimental purposes. Physicians aud chemists had private apartments here, and the janitor, & discreet man, attended to his business, asked no questions, and nade no comments. ome Ct T left hometrather unwillingly, I confess... Threading my way up the long stairs and through the dim hall, I tapped at the door, and found Bartholdy alone, enjoying his cigar. : “I can't understand what keeps Collins. Woe betide hin if he has given some other person my cliance!’? > I looked at the delicate face with its drooping features— for no other word applies so well to them—the air of re- finement and evem fastidiousness displayed in the slender white hand, which wight have belonged to &@ woman, as well asthe finelycu lip, that cou gotl ‘Bo easily. 1 shivered, ' ; ' ji beg ‘ “What is the matter, old fellow? you I believe if had been a young girl I sho irrevocably in love with Burtholuy, and followe the ends of the earth. ° : “No; but I have a peculiar feeling about——"’ “Well, about what?’ and he shoox the ashes from his cigar. touch a déad bedy, and\as if there was some ifportant reason for my gathome.” ° . BEN . “Nonsense! . You've staid, in one growing womanish and whimsicaL’?? 5. I glaficed oa the room as if a ghost might start up from some corné¥. The furniture was not very extensive. A rude center-table containing. some-books and. papers, six or eight wooden chairs in various stages of dilapida- tion, a Strip of hooks, from which depended sundry cast- off but still useful articles of glothing «a jong dissecting. table, and a sheet-jron stove. There was a handful of fire init now, for the night was rather chilly. — Y dts I had been here under almost every imaginable circum- Stauce. Alone through the silent nights, with Louis sim- ply, or made one of a careless party, who laughed or sung snatches of gay songs over their ghastly work. Icannot tell why I should loathe it ail now, but 1 did Jong to fly. Science seemed to have Jost figs charm. I really hoped that Collins would failin his undertaking. With it all Thad a vague, dreamy idea that I should be summoned to Muriel. What if some one came and found me out? “Sit down.and have a cigar!’ exclaimed Bartholdy. “This confounded business is making you 2 bundle. of nerves.* ; Isat down, but for a wonder declined the cigar, for I Was inedilating upon a plausible excuse for defection. Every moment 2 nameless terror grew upon me. The heavy tread of two men lumbering up the stairs aroused us, Barthoidy sprang to the Goor aud opened it. They came. in and deposited their burden upon the table. Coiling was a Known resurrectionist, and twenty years ago those things were mucli more in vogue. Heand® Bartholdy had a little conversation ina low tone, the sum piace. until you are the key behind them. chance of escape. f He lighted the barner directly over the table and fum- bled awhile about the body. | “I believe 1 won't stay after all,’ I sald, rising with a great effort. “You may laugh, Bartholdy, but [ have a curious presentimen|t-—~’?, “Nonsensel’’ iuterrupted he. ‘If Collins did not lie, here is a better subject than your dreams.”” He was unwinding the outer covering of coarse tow- cloth. I watched him with a kind of sickening feeling. A young girl—anad Muriel was a ION girl, What if some ater It was like cutting of my Jast a piimpse of a white ‘iti one stride I was be- mcGood Heavent” he eacuiaed; “What a beautify | : eavyenl he éjacula lat a beau , ‘Good Vv rea ee cad TS ae Et) Th fellaway. | robe and flowing, golden hair. side him. A lJoug, long glance. ts iit “Great Heaven!’ 1 cried, “it ds Muriel! “Macdonald, you have lost your sensesl’? * Louis Bartholdy’s face was aimdst as white as hers, and his frame shook as if with anague. « i sh “No, i huye not!” I answered fiercely. ‘This body is Muriel’s! 1f{s her hair, her glorious eyes, her delicate featurest”? a 5 The eyes were open and still brilliant. I took the hand in mine—it was cold, bat limp, with mo death-like rigidity. yee + “Oh, Heaven! sheis not dead!’’ I cried ina strangling voice. ‘Here! take* your antidote! Try with all your skill, and the merciful saints help you! She mus¢ live again)? r : My words seemed to electrify him. He tore off the wrappings, and there she lay in her winding sheet, still and beautiful as an angel. Then he felt for her heart, “T don’t know—” in a hoarse, tremulous tone, “But J Know, They have dosed her with their hellish stuff, and yet, thauk Heaven, done their work bungiingly! Try! try! You must bring her back to lifel? He raised her tenderly and studied the face. Then we We had quite a pnay meal, though no further reference was made to my call. Then I went out to seek Louis Bartholdy. We had a-suite of rooms in Thirteenth street, then a room, oddly but exquisitely furnished. Here he might here he invited his frlends to dine or lunch, and gave the most recherche Litile suppers, -&strolied in, He was lying on the sofa reading the morning paper, and just at the arm stood a small marble- top table, containing a piate of dry toast and a lovely na cup half-full of strong Diack coffee. | “Well,” he exqaimed, rising on his elbow, “is it an in- tricate case? Ome aight guess that you had been out all night. You don't look asif you had slept a wink)’ He was 80 quick to detect the slightest change in any one. e “That is exactly it,’ Ireturned. ‘Ihave hada puz- zling and mysterious case, and [ have not slept at all.’ “fn your brain!” aud helaughed. ‘You were straight enought when I ieft you jast nigtit.” “J wish you had-remained half-an-hour longer, or all night.¥ eWas ita ghost of some unfortunate skeleton 2” “Sit up, laziness, and atiend to me,’ Lsaid. {I have a -wery strange story to tell you. J was called out last night and here is my fees" As I spoke I dispiayed the bill. «Dpon my word you are making rapid strides,” With that he scanned me curiously. : *] shall begin at the very first,” I said; and I described my strange'visitor and the imperative summons. He was interested immediately, and roused himself to an attitude of attention. I went on very minutely, stated Muriel’s symptoms and what specifics I had used, and then, ma+ king a pause, [askeds ‘What would you have done?” He leaned his chin on his hand in deep thought, ; “Repeat that about her state—her pulse and the condi- tion of the body, A peculiar’ kind of consumption, it seems to me.’? { went over that part again. “‘Mac,’’ he exclaimed, ‘if you couid have had my case of antidotes ?"* i { smiled at this, and resumed: “‘] had them. You forgot them a few evenings ago. If I could have sent for you I skould, butas death appeared imminent in any case, E bethought myself of one remedy and ventured to use it.” F He was listening in his peculiar, absorbed fashion, and I detaiJed the remainder of my night’s experience. “And you actually restored her to consciousness ?”? “Yes; and saw her marriedl” “Jt is the strangest thing lever heard. You were right in calling ita mystery. But you must have learned some- thing about them?’?! “It vexes me to think that I have no clew whatever. I wonder now how I could have allowed everything to es- Cape me, but the moments sped 80 rapidly, and the events Were s0 startling, that I really could not command my forethought. They have promised to send again, how- ever, and I know well that Muriel desires to live.’! “But if some one else desires her death ?”! There it was! They had her in their power. “You were not bright, Mac, to lose every thread that might lead: to discovery, but with all sharpness, one might have failed. The girl must have been poisoned—there’s ‘0 question about that," “‘Muriel is an unusual name,’ I responded. “I shall rig gg list of deaths, aud that may afford us a faint clew.’ “People who go into suci wholesale villainy generally have keen, clear brains, Still, an accident may bring Something tolight. Keep my case, in event of your being Called upon again.’ {t was past ten, and I felt that I ought to be at home. [ could not divest myself of a stubborn belief that I should lear more of Muriel. “I'll drop in to-night,” said Bartholdy. I remained in my office until two, when_J ran out for a little lunch, and visited my only patient. From that time until evening no one came, save a poor woman witha severe attack of neuralgia. made a rude bed, for it seemed cruel to have her on those hard boards. I-spread out my plaid, and raised the ends of her shroud with fondest care and respect. One dainty foot slippered with white satin was visible. Bartholdy applied his ear to her heart, then the stetho- scope. The room seemed most solemnly still. Great drops of perspiration started from every pore of my body. It appeared an hour to me, at least, and yet, I do not suppose it was more than ten minutes, All this time I was studying Bartholdy’s face with the most agonizing alternations of hope and despair. It was so desperately Calm and immoyable thatit might as weil have been mar- ble. “Yes,!? he began slowly, ‘I belieye you areright. I can imagine a faint and infrequent pulsation, Life is not quile extinct, but held In thrall by some powerful agent. Give me the case! Which did you use??? I took it out, emptied and rinsed a glass and prepared the remedy. “Make it twice that strength,’ he said. Lobeyed,: He held the fair head, the Jong golden curis streaming over his coat sleeve. With his fingers-he tried to part the Jovely lips, but the teeth were fust set. “We must pry them open.?? ; That seemed barbarous, but I didit gently. Barthoidy always carried a small silver spoon in his pocket, and now he poured the liquid down her throat, holding her head back.as one does a child. I was glad tosee him so calm, for I was quivering in every nerve with the most indescribable sensations, Then he watched, but there was not the faintest sign of returning animation. He listened once more to her heart. “She isnot dead—of thatlam sure,’’ he said, confi- dently. . : “Try the antidote again.” He gave her a larger quantity this time. If you can imagine our breathless watching in that si- lent room, where there was not even the ticking of a clock to disturb, and the eager, desperate glances we gave one another, you can form some idea of the weird picture. It tng to me that my life as wellas hers was at stake. Not a quiver, not the faintest flutter of an eyelid, “Ohl? { prayed again, “try! try!? “Heaven knows that I will do my best,’ he returned, solemnly. : *Can I help? ‘ oe “Stir the fire, please. Perhaps we ought to use fric- tion,’? Idon’t know why I allowed him to touch her with his hands, for she seemed to belong to me, Save that he was so gentle, so pure and womanly. He drew off the stock- ings and chafed the feet, while 1 heated a blanket and rolled them din it, “If we had a small battery i’? “Dll see if the Bartons are using theirs,” I said. lt Was past midnight, and, most unusual occurrence, every room on the floor was locked, I groped through the dark hall trying the Knobs. Some one grasped my arm. “It is I, Doctor Macdonald,’ I exclaimed, “Oh, excuse me.’? I was thankful to hear the janitor’s voice. “James,’’ I said, ‘‘can you get me a small galyanic bat- tery anywhere? The rooms seem deserted early to- night?” ; “They're not all gone from Professor Marvin’s, sir.”? “ “Ban down aud see. Bring it to Dr. Bartholdy’s room. “Yes, sir, Ionly put out the lights a moment ago.” ‘“Never.mind, 1 can find my way back.’? There had been no change in Muriel. So heavenly beautiful was she that it seemed almost a sin to disturb her. Jl explained the matter briefly to Louis, “There’s not the slightest sign of animation.” “Louis,’’ I said, “before, her eyes were closed, now they are wide open and 80 peculiarly brilliant.) “The work of the poison. Jf1 only knew—if I dared to try something else.’? “Why not? Lasked, almost recklessly. “Great Heaven! If I should kill her!’ Ishall. never forget the expression of his face at that moment. Ican recallit now so clearly—the blending of hk can’t exactly tell you. Just.as if never | wanted it6. of money was paid and thé two departed. Louis turned }. ~ rs We worked on and on. The city abont us grew solemnly still. Now and then a watcliman's ratue was heard or the towmeelock Strack the hour. Ah, merciful Father! would she ever breathe again? Sho patiietic voice, or ninst it be shat forever i tho t of are 1nd g dian ing of inurderinany for Wil they had her, My precious » as e¢ he he ag o é » Ea ont “Let us try once more,” Isaid. _. f Indeed, 1 would te worked untiiee ; i. ’s effacing fingers # i Had swept Ne lia where be : lingers.? ee We redoubled our efforts. Louls opened a vein in her arm. The remedies were tried in more rapid succession. “Heaven be prry Louls ejaculated, presently. ‘Her heart beats! I bave heard itr*- ye” < His face was like that of amantransfigured. Iope and satisfaction of the supremest kind shone in it. : Il watched breathlessly. The same sign that I had wit- nessed before, but more slow and uncertain. Not one ef- fort was relaxed. Faint palpitations began to quiver through the pulses, and presently the eyelids drooped of their own accord. gy ) We worked unufthe gray dawn came up the eastern skies, and the nae the new-born day gave the gas /1 see that sweet, faint sintie, aud hear that tender, nthe grave? | flame a sickly and ulchral glare. Bartholdy rolled up the blanket, and spreading his handkerchief over it, im- provised a pillow for her. . He was yery genule in all his movements. Tenderness aud grace were natural to him. By degrees respiration became more frequent and regu- lat, though it was still faint and slow, *“T unink she will Jive,’? he said, in a tremulous tone. ] believe his eyes were full of tears. Tcould make no answer. “The puzzle is what tu do with her.’ I had not poor e! Lhat. “We conld take Her to the City Hospital, but I cannot bear the thought of exposing her to ahiy publicity.”’ ; “No, that must not be,’ 1 answered, decisively. “T want to lear her story before we make any effort to restore her to the world. Life hangs on avery slender thread, and gBhe needs a woman’s teuderest care. If we could only think of.some kind, good person who would receive her nnd ask no idle or curious questions."? “She shall vever go back to her friends!” I said, flercely. “Friends! Poor child, enemies might have been kinder, ‘| That she has nearly been the victiin of some subtle poison is certain, but ihe authors of her strange mischance evi- dently arranged their business with great care. We can fiud out something, doubtless, fromthe men Wieprons t her here, but all the speculatl win nat proyide for er present emergency. We can’t help.lerin this place” Thad béeti almost wild enougl to propose it, but 'knew it, was uniter practicable, Figg hy Nae e huddled oveg Se stove, for we were chilly from the reaction of excifément. I thought next of Mrs, Warren. It was so qulet there, so.removed from any atmosphere of gossip or suspicion. I felt certain that Mrs. Warren would take her on proper explanation, and then we should both be able to watch ler conyalescetice. I cotid not bear to think of’her being: beyond my immediate supervision. } { , Afler ®little Consideration lL imparted my pian to Bar- th thoidy. “Excellent! } id. “Your Mrs. Warren looks as if she"hight be trusted with a secret. But it will not be necessary to tell all the past.” : “No”? “Will it startle Mus. Warren to know that she was brought here for disseciion ?? ’ I could not repress a shiver as I answered: “Tam afraid is would.”? “It always.comes hard upon women, but forevermore they will-have anew sacredness in iy eyes.” j ‘I believe it would be better to take her there first. We can consider n our explanations. If Mrs. Warren once looks upon her she cannot refuse to befriend her,?? “You know best,’? and he looked strangely wistful. “We will take her,’! d It had better Dejone immediayely then. There are so few penne asuir nowy.) ‘Yes. Will you go for a conch? I wanted to be alone with her. Bartholdy rose, stood beside Muriel for many minutes, and then went out quietly. / I took his place. She was lying motioniess, her eyes partially closed, and her respiration ren, very faint, It was still possible that she might not live, though the knowledge was agony to me.. I knelt by her rude conch and kissed the shining hair ina ener of love and grie!, holy as that one gives to the dead. ad Lnotbeen instrumental in snatching her twice from the grave? nderstood my presentiment now. had seen Muriel thi: ht, but not iu the manner that I had fancied poszible, _ was here in my care, away from that w treacherous Althea, away from Harold, I believe U ei this time I quite forgot that she i ~~ nee him. [ wanted to ve had at stake. kets, and she was in that state of ullconsciousuess that she remarked no change. Gently we bore our precious burden down siaizs. “Will you drive?’ Bartholdy asked. Hie Was looking fearfully worn and excited. ‘ I nodded my head and held her in my arms until he had enfered. Sho was like a child in weight. “I will hoid her lrere on the cushion,” he'said. ‘Do not drive fast." vn ; » I was really glad, after sucha night of excitement, to breathe the pure, fresh air. The city had a curious look, as iff had notseen it for a long while. Over in the east there were long lines of pale yellow, aflush with crimson, and lance-like rays of flame shooting up through the biue. It filled my soul with hope. We met few travelers. One watchman eyed us a little curiously, but there was nothing suspicious. I turned into my own street at length. There was acountry wagon Just before us, and not even Mrs, Warren, who slept in’ the-third story front room, noticed our stopping. We were safe, I fastened the horses and ran down the area to open the door with my latch key. Louis Bartholdy brought in Muriel and laid her on the sofa. Was she alive, or dead? (TO BE OONTINUED.) A Mad Marriage. “SUCH A MAD MARRIAGE NEVER WAS BEFORE.” Taming of the Shrew By Mrs. May Agnes Fleming. (“A Mad Marriage’? was commenced in No, 39.’ Back Nos. can be had of News Dealors in the United States and the Canadas] PART THIRD. CHAPTER XIV. CHEZ MADAME. Half-an-hour later Madame Feliciaand Lord Dyne- ly had fairly started upon their excursion—their last, they both knew, and the knowledge gave the forbidden fruit fresh zest, even to their jaded pal- ates. | You must feelan interest in a handsome and devoted young cavalier, lying in the sunshine at your feet, who, this time to-morrow, for your sake, may be lying with a bullet through his heart. As well as Lord Dynely himself, Felicia knew what would iney- itably take place in the light of to-morrow’s dawn. and, though his youthful and impassioned lordship was beginning seriously to bore her, she had never before been one-half so sweet, so witching, as to-day. Half-an-hour after their departure, there rattled up to madame’s door a fiacre, from which alighted M. le Prince, That she would be awaiting, his coming, with more or less of impatience and anxiety, he did not doubt. He absolutely stood dumb, when the tall chasseur, indorsed by Mam’selle Pauline, announced madame’s departure, and with whom. “Gone for the day to Asnieres, and with Lord Dynely!” he repeated, staring at them blaakly, The extent of the defiant audacity absolutely took his breath away. “But, yes, M. le Prince,” Pauline answered, with a shrug, ‘‘not to return until barely. time to dress for the theater.” . And she left no note, no message of any kind for me? veh “None, M. le Prince,” “How did they seem, Pauline? in good spirits, or ——’ “In the very highest spirits, M.le Prince. She dressed with much more than usual care, and 80, evidently, had mi lor’, I heard her tell him, as they went away, laughing together, that he was looking handsome as an archangel and -elegant as a secre- tary of legation, and that she looked forward to the pleasantest day of her life.” He set his teeth witha snap, his eyes aflame. “And he—what said monsieur ?” . “That all days must be the pleasantest of his life 8 F nt in her company. Then they drove off side by side. The yellow complexion of the prince had turned dirty white, with jealous rage. If one chance of life had remained to his rival, he lost it in that moment; if one chance of setting herself right had remained 7 the woman who slighted him, she lost itin that our. “And, mademoiselle ?” he asked, ‘‘the little captive —what of-her ?” “Is still captive, monseigneur. She is to be re- ‘moved to-night, after midnight, safely out of Paris, for the present, Madame holds a little reception after the play to-night. When it is over Paujol and Mam’selle Donny quietly leave Paris.” _ | was the key-note of hk | Dew, and nothing tr warmth, anc v Hush j the champagne and trufiles were of the best, and her companion was the handsomest man in Paris, To- impatient shrug. “I in to think you have not mi exjoye our/excursion after all.” . 7 K WEEKLY. > He laughed. inwardly—a laugh that might have warned madame had she heardit. But, drifting Seine he music of the band of the ation heard nothing except the pn er English knight. arm ay—all that abo mps of th lightful,, With w n of achild, m threw herself into the pleasure of the mo and llyed, while she lived, each hour to the utm “Kat, drink, and be merry, for There was no ie,” ? , r life: There; nothing but the sun shone with sum- “mer band played sweetest music,. orrt the Prince Diventurini would shoot him or run him through—it was well; there were other adorers leftssibue: the knowledge added spice to the wine of life td-day. ~~ “Thou art absent, Erle, mon ami!” she murmured, tenderly, ‘Of what art thou thinking, then? Tired already of our fete day—which J am enjoying like a child, “since I am’ with thee-and) ef -poor little Felicia ? S weit Soi He awoke with a start—a gullty stati | rt (4 In very truth, as they wandered here arm in‘dim,! his thoughts, marvelous to relate, had strayed back- ward to—his wife! How madame would have laughed had she known it! Poor little sou! !—poor little Crystal! When the end came to-morrow, would not the shot that finished him kill her also? One creature at least of all the women who had ‘smiled upon him for his azure eyes, and golden hair, and Greek face, had loved him. Well, in this world, where there isso much of empty glitter, so little real gold, even that was something. The brief, bright Feb day wore on, grew gray and overcast. | ame shivered in her,wraps, and turned frettul and cold. They hurried back to the steamer and re-embarked for Paris, “We will have a storm to-morrow—dost not think so, Eric?” madame asked, wrapping her rose-lined seal-skins closer about her, and looking up at the Hi gray, fast-drifting _- He followed her glance, es To-morrow ! Where, this time to-morrow, would he be? In this world or the next ?—if there be a next—he thought. ‘Still dreaming, mon cher ?” Felicia said, with an ‘He answered her, as Re knew. she expected to be answered, in words of empty compliment, but still With that absent, dreaming face. His wife haanted | him like a ghost, ae oor little Crystal! poor little loving Crystal! Yes, Dennison was right—he had been a brute to her. Only seven weeks a bride, ee ae a widow! Ah, yes; it was hard on her f, a “Shall we see you at my rooms to-night?’ Felicia asked again, , _ *Yes—that is, no, I think not. I have an engage- ment for to-night that will prevent my having that wa) He ig “Diable! do you sit yg and mock at me! Do i 2 . = PAffirm nothing. M. ‘he pleases.” . Said, with one flash Xou have said quite ‘On will marry me. bur diabolical temper f Italy, much less Tdon’t really think i you ai mee too too ugly. , ore rc Dynely are you remember the & that, at least. And sal— Austrian marquis, ’ Inee? Yes—wel, De Vocqsal is coming to Paris hext Week, and is more urgent than ever that I shull become Madame la Mar- quise. He is young, he is handsomé, he has four- teen quarterings, and arent roil that is fabulous, lng & ge calls meugly names, and is much too gal- “think, la gentleman to intrude into a lady’s chamberat. ithe morning on purposeto insult‘her. Here Is your ring, prince; it never fitted from the first, and Tam glad to be ridofit. It isthe only present you ever gave me, so Lhave happily nothing to return. Now let me say good night and bon voxige, for I am really very sleepy.” ord = She yawned aloud, as she removed the..heavy dia- mond from her finger and held it out to. bim. “Good night, prince; and a pleasant trip to yeu both—he, pauvre en fan, to the next world, and you— to Italy, isit? Take yourring, monsieur, and go.” ) He took it, and stood | at her, his face ca- daverons green, his eyes like coals. ‘You tell me this? You mean Tipe > Vorgeal ?” Flom growing tired of the stage. Byen that pals. | eel marry De Vocgsal, prince, and become * y o ae { gr, me 53 ; TR istheend,then?” “Oh, mon Dieu! yes, if you ever mean to go. How can there be an end while you loiter here? Go! go! go! Linsist 1” ; y He laughed. “T go, madame; pray do not say it again. beforehand. Itis abrilliant destiny to la Marquise de Vocqsal. Good night, and adieu.” bowed low, and was gone—through the dress-_ oom, and Inte the elgting-room beyond. Here, Pauline, still guarding the wine, and fast asleep now, sat in the dim light. He went to the table, something between his fingers, a shining globule, and dropped it into the glass. The bell rang sharpe ly atthe moment. Pauline started up, with a cry and nturini vanished through the outer door. | “Ma e never misses her night draught, 80 Pau line tells me,” he said to himself, with a sardonic smile, as he leaped into his waiting cab; ‘‘she will pleasure.” She shrugged her shoulders. ‘They stood together in the chilly twilight at madame’s door. “Then this is really good night 2?” “This is really good night.” - She gave him her hand, in its perfectly fitting gray glove, and looked at him in silence for a mo- Ment, There was a half smile on her lips—so, with- out a word, black eyes and blue met, in one long, farewell glance. ‘\Ma foi! It isa thousand pities to kill anything half so handsome !” madame was thinking. ‘Well— he has helped to amuse me for four weeks. What more rae ask ?” ‘ “Does she’ know?” Eric was musing, ‘but of course she does, Also, of course,” rather bitterly this, “she an: care. It is only one more lover, growing wearlgome, and safely out of the way.”. *Good night then, mon ami,” e said softly, “and au revoir!” Lae “Good night, Felicia,’ he answered, “until we meet. in! : And then he was and those two had time on earth. -Four hours later, and the glittering rooms ot Madame Felicia were filled with a very brilliant gone, a smile on his blonde face, ooked on each other for the last throng. The best men in Paris, ihe handsomest and Wittiost women met there. And there, when St, ithe mus ‘ ter atytheir liveliest, le Prince Diventuri ’ came cae unexpected. ‘‘Who has béen here, Pauline ?” madame had demanded, when under the hands of her maid, at the dressing room of the Varieties; and the answer had been prompt, ‘“*M. le Prince, mad- ame. “Ah! and you told him——” “That you had gone to Asnieres for the day, with milor, madame.” ~ Madame laughed. ~ | she said gently, “I like the dusk. “Has—has not miss it to-night; and once drank, there is a long- er pay before her than.a bridal trip to the impe- rial court of Francis Joseph. So madame, and bon voyage !” CHAPTER XV.ii je5) foal “HOW THE NIGHT FELL.” LOW From the window of her bedroom, Crystal, Lady Dynely, watched, the twilight of that overcast Feb- ruary day close down. She lay on a broad, low sofa, half buried in silk and down cushions, her small, pale face earn Ie out like marble against their rose tints, the large blue eyes, so brilliant with happy love-light a few brief weeks ago, dim with watch- ing and much weeping now. , tside the wind was rising. The trees rocked in the gale, the darkness deepened, the first heavy rain drops began pattering against the glass. In- side the gloom deepened also, until the little, pale face was barely visible... All day long she had beem alone, sick in.body, sick in soul, crushed of heart. Now she was straining her ears, for the first sound of that beloved, familiar step on the stairs, for the first note of that gay whistle, with which he was wont to herald his coming. To her, this twilight hour, was the hour of the twenty-four, for it almost invariably brought Eric, to dress or dine. Her maid entered to light the lamps, but the soft, mournful little voice sent her away. ‘‘ Not. yet,” . my > pe “No, my lord has not come homé,” the French woman answered, with a compassionate glance at the little drooping figure. Alas! was not my lord’s defection as well known in the servants’ hall as in salon or chamber? was he now? Was he with her?—that wicked, beau- tiful, brown@woman? Oh! to be able to win him back, her very own, her husband, and hold him “How truthful you grow, petite. And M. le Prince—what said he ?” “Nothing, madame; but that later at the reception.” So madame knew he was coming, and was pre- pared for all chances. War or peace—she was equal | to either fate, only a trifle curious. Others were curious, too; that little contretemps at the bal @’ opera, quiet as it had been kept, was known, and people shrewdly suspected that Diventurini, noted duelist, and fire-eater, would not let the matter drop there. How would he meet madame ? He made his way slowly through the rooms, and met her with suave and polished courtesy, told her of his journey, of his health, hoped she had amused herself well in. his absence, lingered half an hour among the guests, and then, with an elaborate apology for his early departure, went away. By one o’clock the rooms were empty, the lights out. Madame valued her good looks and lustrous eyes too highly to keep very late hours! Paujol had quitted his post, Pauline had disrobed her mistress of silks and laces, and substituted a dressing gown. In her chambre a coucher Felicia sat, smok ng two or three nerve-soothing cigarettes before going to bed, Inthe boudoir without Pauline sat, waiting, half asleep, with her mistress’ night draught of spiced wine and eggs on the table before her. adame often sat dozing and dreaming over her he would see you cigarettes for an hour at a time, while the irl waited. So to-night she lay luxuriously back in her chair, her eyes closed, the rose-scented smoke curl-, ing upward, when a man made his way noiselessly into the boudoir from the street. He glanced at the sleeping Pauline, at the waiting night draught, and passed on into the dressing-room, into the bedroom, and.so came, still noiselessly, upon madame He stood for a moment looking down upon her. She had not heard him, but some baleful, mesmeric influence warned her he was there. She sat up suddenly, opened her eyes, and looked full into the yellow face of Prince Diventurini. For a second there was silence, She was a plucky little woman, without a nerve about her, and uttered no word or sound. She looked at him straight, silent, then: ‘Monsieur the prince!” : “At your service, madame! . I trust I have not too greatly disturbed you ?” A mocking smile was on his lips. She looked at him disdainfully, : ‘You have not disturbed me atall. For amo- ment, I confess, I took you for a burglar, but my nerves are good. What was Paujol about that you! entered unannounced ?” *‘Paujol was asleep in his lodge.” “And, Pauline ?? “Pauline is asleep also in your boudoir, two, madame.” “And a very late hour for M. Diventurini’s visit. Couid it not have been deferred until to-morrow, I wonder ?” “It could not, madame. By to-morrow I shall be across the frontier, and vere far from Paris.” ‘‘Ah! IT understand!” she looked at him unfiinch- ingly. **You mean to kill Lord Dynely 2?” **} mean to kill Lord Dynely. Such aninsult ashe offered the can only be wiped out in blood. Iregret that madame must lose her lover, but——” “Pray, no apologies, M. le Prince!” madame an- swered, with perfect sang froid; ‘‘he was beginning to bore me. Grande passions are always in bad form, and poor boy! he was ludicrously in earnest. Well, monsieur, as you depart to-morrow, I suppose I must give you an audience, even at this improper hour, and in this apartment, or—shall we adjourn to the boudoir ?” He laughed derisively. ‘It shocks madame’s delicacy then, that I have in- truded into her chamber! -with a slight langh—“T chanced fo die, for instance——” ; But she interrupts him with a shrill cry, like a child that has been struck. ‘Erie!’ He kisses her, laughing still. It was quite a treat to discuss the matter with Bartholdy [ fear, hope, desire, and something to which I was. blind “ 3 $ ; -k again, Turnitin every light and it was a mystery stili. | then, but knew well enough aierwabd Heaven help me.” | 1,5 aust aise ; OE Be CORDON, ota’ . be tere Mmadame’s daughter, that ahe keeps caged up o What a foolish little Crystal. Do I look like dy- We read up all our curious cases of catalepsy, but none| “Oh, you will not,” Isaid. “I felt so too, at first.’? prince said, grimly. ‘Very well, Pauline, I will | like a wild animal—what of her? You see I know ng? It is only a suppositious case—let me put it. appeared exactly like it. Tue battery came presently, and we tried it gently. | @ouble you no further, J will do myself the honor | that also. And all the lies madame has been telling | If I chanced to die, say to-morrow, you would for- “Bat then sue had medicine enough for to-day,’ said | Somehow we were both so afraid ef giving her pain. | Of being present at madame’s little reception after | me from the first—what of them ?” give me all my wrongdoing, my neglect? You Louis, “and pertiaps there may be no hurry about Muriel’s | There were the usual convulsive distortions, which I could |the play, Who knows when she may hold an-| “Nothing of them. And lies is an ugly word to| would not have one hard thought of me, would @eath now. I went turough Varick street and found two ! not bear to watch, other ?” use to a lady,” you? 3 Pe ~— ndiacali sel ia ceahlehigaditenniee Bel Leek AS pci nace ledaten alist. 2 @... H ae Thanks " for your good wishes. Accept my congratulations). Madame good night to you, ~ Where was he to-day?—the child wondered. Where ~ had these—she had nothing left but the pen nene _ With a sort of groan, of re- / If the past. could bu€é © aes | | | / | ) } | WL ioe aitntapernct inlet nie 4 fig