The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1869-05-17
CHAPTER V.
SCENES ArrE.K TINE rL4r,

Duke de Brdsenorill. who, after the cur
tain fell upon the last scene in Maaemoi-
sellee Meyser's r,le, both roac from their
seats, and left the bo1 and the thcatrc
together. Lords Derby and Mordanpt
followed en- behind for n short distance.
and then the two after turned down the
street leading to heir own apartment. il
Grosvenor Square, Bulihougi tie Duke
de Bridgenorth felt that hs would much
lather have been left to hinselfto take the
route that best pleased him in returning
home, err to 60 where he liked in place of
Immediately returning to his own quarters,
yet he could not reasonably fad au excuse
TO leave Lord Duubar,on, whose own
mansion in town was nigh 10 the lodging
place of tue duke, So, in almost unhro.
ken silence. thu two friends irod the pave
and neared their separate atodrs. Then
Lord DunbarfNr who had in the bright of
the gas-burners which ,hickIy bordsred
their way been slyly but intently watching
the expression of his compani0u's face,
spoke:
Me,hinks thou art over sad and sober
since thy adventure upon the theatre
boards this eve he said. Zone would
think this charming actress reminded you
NOR. Of a living than dead sorrow, as
explained by the one whom supposed
the stage manager. aud friend Of Mad.
emoisrlIe Nley,tr's," he uttered, half IN.
terrogativcly as his eyes still covered his
companions face.
The Duke do Brilgenor,h, by ozerling
q will which in emergency was firm and
resolute as his companions, turned toward
him and replied, in calm and seemingly
careless tone Of voice:
All, Dunbarton, noble friend, thou
sawcst, with half London, tonight, how !
did make simrlcton of myself when [
was mia!ed by the fancicd resemblance Of
this dancing actress into the belief that
her face and voice were mucl, like those Of
my lost sister, Eloise, who died some three
years since in our own home Mt Paris.
Indeed, til. resemblance seemed so real at
arst, that could not resist the impulse
which sent me flying in such wild munuer
upon the stage. But once there, imagine
my embarrassment when, after hastily
graspiug the hand Of this dancer, I found
that | was making . fool aud dolt OF my
self, and that, too, in the presence Of my
creates, number Of London friends"
Z" Yes, Icau well imagine thy confusion
and chagriu at finding myself in such a,
plight, but how happened it that tie dark,
iorcign.locking man who came put upon
the stage, knew thee so readily. my lord
duke, and explained so ap.ly the reason Of
thy strange freaki' questioned Lord Dun.
barton, not without a hulf smile Of con-
scious power upon bis handsome features.
(" All, yes, my lord, | had forgotten to
give reply to that natural query gu your
part; but when tell thee that the s,ran.
ger was a frencl,man, and one bad
Known somewhat in my beloved France,
then thou wilt at once get rid of thy w,n.
derlncnt in the mater" replied the duke,
with ready words aud unblanchcd face.
1" All, we'll, that surely is reasonable
and SO tue matter is set at
rest in my mind, my lord duke. But
pray tell me the name Of this Frepch.nan,
for by it can yethope to fud my way iuto
the presence Of the enchanting actress"
continued Lord Dunbarton.
The Duke de Bridgenorth now looked
US if he fain would have kept the name to
himself, but siucc he could lini no reason
able pretext for doing SO, he gave the re.
quired intelligence with his accustomed
grace aud courtesy Of manner.
The name Of my countrymall is Mon
sicur Dalgarno, and if | mistake. not, he
keeps strict and jealous watch over the
handsome actress, and, | have heard, will
not allow any one, save her fellow actors,
10 approach his charge he said.
"Well, we will see what effect good
handful Of golden sovcreigns will have
over the sentinel, who, it appears, stands
guard over tins charming actress. Oncc
let inc win the way to the presence of
Alademoiselle Mcyser, aud fancy the
conquest will not he so hard III winnnc.'
exclaimed Lord Dunbarton, in boastful
tones, as he drew his fne figure to its rul-
lest height. and gazed down with pride
upon lis handsome. shapely person..
1t may be well for thee to talk Of
conquest in other quarters, but much
doubt me if thou wilt find thy way to the
presence Of this dancer, WHO, as | told
you, | have heard is strictly guarded from
the public curiosity after sue has per
formed her part Of an evening replied
the duke, il colder tone, which held
somewhat Of constraint within it.
Lord Dunbarton was about to reply.
saying he would take up the gage Which
the words Of his companion appeared to
give, when the conversation was Interrupt.
ted by the sudden appearance beside then,
Of a short, misslapen figure. whose high
shoulders and square body at once pro.
claimed him no other than Nigel Wllita.
ker the dwarf.
The youth, who must have been follow.
lug them with hoiscess steps. now
brushed against the Duke de Brilgenorth
as If he were aboa. to pass them.
"Ah. is it you. Nigel Whituker!'' ex-