The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1865-03-06
A MYSTERY OF PARIS.
CONTINUED

NcnIuTeu 10 say Dut Nuat IL eho Soun
should have returned during your alb
sence?"
This was the first time had spoken in
the lady's hearing, and was not q little
curious to know what effect my voice
might produce, notwithstanding her
ewes had been deceived by my personal
appearance, for l had at no time been
masked myself To my great relief she
did not indicate in any way there was
anything wrong in either the sound OF
the words, but answered with assuring
prOmptness-
"Oh, if that is all, have no fear, for he
cannot possibly reach Paris under three
days. But hos was it, Sir Richard, that
you disappointed me before}"
Il must explain that some other time,
Ievasively replied, Here, madam, please
give me your hand" l added, as she was
about to set forward through the dark
passage in advance of NE; l can always
walk better with such sweet friend to
guide me-"
She gave me her hand. though l fan
cied there was slight hesitation. 1t
might be only fancy, but somehow my
suspicious were reawakened. Could it
be that we were both playing a part2
that the whole affair from the beginning
was merely plot to decoy me, foreign
stranger, into her meshes, for the pur
pose Of robbery if not murder? that what
| had supposed to be mistake was mere
IN 1Wse, and that for her own wicked
purpose shewas permitting me to think
| was dcceiving her? The very idea,
under the circumstances, was so start
ling, that in moment felt cold per-
SEPARATION start from every pore, and l
would have given half my fortune to
have been safely at my hotel. 1t was
now too late. however, to attempt to re-
treat; we were cropping our way through
dark passage, with the door closed be-
hind us; but her hand rested in mine, and
held it in such a way that she could not
Withdraw it without my consent. Day
light, moreover could not be far off; and
there was some little consolation in the
thought
We presently came to a flight Of
stairs, ascending to another story, passed
through q loug narrow corridor, with
several sharp turnings, and at last stop
ped at door, which she unlocked and
threw open. 4 blaze of light from q
large chandelier almost dazzled me, and
Jsaw at glance that the apartment
was luXuIiously furnished. AS soon as
we had entered, the lady locked the
door, and then removed her mask, dis
closing a young and beautiful face, so
animated and radiant with smiles that
instantly IfcIt ashamed of my base sus
PIGEONS.
There now, Sir Richard" she said,
gaily, you shall seat yourself in that
fnateajl, IS. viii have a glass of wine to-
gethcr aud then we will arrange our
plan with what haste we may, so that
you can depart before daylight.
Could ii he that even here, in this
light, at such close quarters, she well
mistook me for one who 10y her own
showing was an intimate friend2 II
true, our resemblance to each other must
be remarkable indeed; if not true, then
had ] been luTed hither for some dread
ful purpoSa. l seated myself as directed,
and awaited the result with good deal
of nervous anxiety. She stepped out of
the room for minute, through an inner
door that was slightly ajar, and returned
without her domino, IN a very rich dress,
and with decanter and two wine-glasses
on silver waiter.
Here Is your favorite sherry, Sir
Richard, she said, with very sweet
>mi]er placing the waiter on small ia
bic, pushing the latter up before ME,
aud seating herself OH the opposite side.
AS filed the two glasses, the thought
occurred ONE that the wine might be
poisoned.
II she drinks, however,, / will, said,
mentally, "but not otherwise
We touched glesses, and both carried
the wine to our lips Ny eve was upon
her, She coughed slightly, and removed
hers UNLISTED. In an instant | threw
mine over my shoulder unperceived, and
asl replaced the glass, that
I b ad never tasted anything better
Try another glaSs-One hardly gives
You the flavor" she said, with her sweet.
gst smile. ----1 . -AuL- 4
thanked her, reiilled the glass, took if
III my rand, and soon managed to get
nd OF 1t III tile same manner as the
other. Es~ .s.r.
Now, then" she pursued, "let us ar
range our plan about Marie, while we
have an opportunity. You know the
count opposes Your marriage, for no 9th.
or reason ;han-But, by-the-bye, Sir
Richard, yoa have neglected to drink her
Ii salthi" ,S 81 >DA..
True! returned /; chow could / have
esen SO thoughtlessl' l refilled the glass.
10 the health of my dear Merle, and our
speedy uuion! continued, raising it
TO my lips. The eye of my fair hostess
cleaning with a peculiar light, was now
watching me closely "Hark,n said 7. |
suddenly, looking quickly round. What
sound is that"
Where! what, Sir Richardl w I'm, do
yon, healy she exclaimed, with startlsS
glance around the apartment
Il think | was mistaken" I said. after
a short pause during which had man
aged to getrid Of the wine without drink.
Zig it.
when she retained to me againI-
"a the act OF removing the emptv was
from my lips. She saw this, anS glass
instant strange expression on the
'rumph ttitted across herb of wicked
lures. 1t was moments beautiful fsa-
1end-like. I felt my -ry, but it was
worst suspicious the blood curdle. My
How ' were just i was
stansiy5 resolve .sas I to escapeq In
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