Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1870-03-31
FLORA FAIRFAX;
The Curse Of the Crimson Cross.
CHAPTER 7.

Marian,-Lady Fairfax-had been one
Of the most beautiful women in the eoun-
try when she became the bride of Sir Roy.
nor was she less lovely now, in the second
year of her wifehood. Tall and exquisitely
moulded, she belonged neither to the class
of blonde nor brunette, yet united In her
pcrsOneLe the chief charms of both. Her
hair was of rich, ghstening, chestnut
brown, brushed back from Transparency
clear forehead: and her soft, large eyes we're
OF the clear brown which seems to melt and
grow limpid as you gaze at 1t, while her
complexion was fresh as a rose, and no
sculptor's art could have improved on the
perfection of her small pure features.
Sir Roy Fairfax was worthy of the aristo-
cratic race from which he sprung-an
Apollo In beauty, q gladiator in strength
and size lie was dark, with curling hair
and bright blue eyes, whose gaze was fall
con like II its keenness, but there was an
expression only Of the most careSsing ten
derness IN their light as he approached his
wife Lady Fairiax's face grew brightas
she held out her jeweled hand.
''You are late tonight, Roy"
"A little late, ny love, but had letters
e. write, heanswered
Il wish you were rot going out to din
ner tonight" she said, instinctiveIy draw
inc nearer TO his side.
My darling. don't be unreasonable, he
answered, touching her bright hair fondly.
81 shall he back before you have had time
even to aiss ne
GAS if did not always miss you, Roy"
Don't sit up for me, Marian. 1 shall
en9eavor to return rs early as possible, but
1 don't Ike the idea Of those bright eyes
growing dim with midnight yigils. Prom
Use me to 90 20 your room at eleven"
Il promise Roy"
Her eyes shown softly up into mis- as he
bent to press a goodbye kiss upon the
dewy scarlet OF her lovely lips, and thus
they parted.
SIR Row footsteps had long died away
in the corridors. aud the little clock had
chimed several times, when Lady Fairfax
sounded the small silver hand-bell on the
table. Her maid answered the summons
grave. middie-aged woman.
''Are there lights IN my room. Wharton?"
''Yes. my lady. Do you wish to retire.
Il may as well go mp stairs. as to sit
here, said Lady Fairfax. YEARLY. Iprom-
ised Sir Roy not to be late"
HAS Sir Roy gone ont, NV Lady,"
''Yes: he dimes al Mr. Mountjoy's to-
night"
"Gsne out to dinner. my lady2"
Lady Fairfax glanced up in surprise.
Did you not hear me say ne was to dine
at the Mountjoy's What is there so
strange about that"
Nothing. my lady, TO be sure" an
swered Mrs. Whsrton, occupying herself
with gathering up the books and work
scattered roma Lady Fairiaxs table; ''only
Dickson has Just come NJ from the game
keepers cottage. and says he saw Sir Roy
going in there"
Dickson mu st be mistaken" said Lady
Fairfax placidIy. You have left my cdSso-
Iette on the table, Wharton"
Mrs. Wharton followed her lady up the
broad staircase, on which a strip of velvet
carpet desdened the sound OF footsteps
into large and beautifully-decorated
apartment, where the skill of The modern
uphOlsteTeT had turned the ancient walls
iRto casket Of beauty and freshness.
II an not sleepy yet, Wharton" said
Lady Fairfax, elancing around her, as she
sank into the cushione' depths of this easy
chair. ST shall read for sometime yet
will ring for you when [ require you."
'.Yes, my lady," said the maid, quietly,
and SIZE withdrew, leaving Lady Fairfax
alone IL the beautiful room.
Suddenly Lady Fairfax started to her
feet.
''Hark - she exclaimed, as if to herself,
''what was that ?
For the dTesCly sUmmer-peTfUmed ST.
Ience Of the room had been suddenly rent
asunier. as 1t were, by the quick, sharp
report of I gun