The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1874-05-16
Written fOr the NuEkIHssASs Arvv,ArK
UNDER A SPELL
CLOSE PLAY FOR AF0RTUNE!
BN WELDON J. COBB. JR.
CHAPTER XII.
pISENCHANTED.

The dehrium IF fever had passed from
the suffering frame Of Clarence Thurston,
and left hlu4 IN that uncertain waverin9
condition which Is always either the per
cursor ot death or a weakness consequent
upon an Uverstrain f the mind, and pre-
ceediug recovery There were some mo
ments familiar face or sound would
awaken his shrouded mind TO temporary lu-
cldity, only again to be plunged back into
the darkness and agony he mad undergone
for almost a week. Gradually, however,
tins acuteness Of sense and nerve passed
away and was succeeded by a calm SO peace
ful, 80 unbroken, that it resembled state
Of Gonna.
A Hood Of glory poured from the gold
paved west into the window Of his little
room, the evening upon which he once
more looked with eyes devoid Of the fire
Of insanity out on the world. A mental
consciousness of his past-an inaccurate
vague idea that he had been sick, broken
III mind and body, caused his still veled
mind to seek for the cause thereof Too
feeble for the effort, he turned his gaze
upon the resplendant glorIes Of sky and
land. and allowed his mind t. drift aimless-
ly and dreamily over the scene before him
1t was only at his first sight IF ClarIbel,
afew hours later, that full consciousness
Of what he had done-of the shame and dis
grace attending his las visit To- the villa Of
the Countess Blanca Tutti. flashed over
his mind. He had welcomed her warmly,
and then his mind becoming suddenly
aroused, he sank back exhausted, reproach-
ing himself for his past misdeeds, and raw
| nd
circumstances the physician called to at
tend upon him advised his removal to
Rome, where he might receive the contlnu-
al medical attendance his condition de-
ended.
Under the tender care of his fair young
nurse, Claribel Markham, the young artists
health steadily returned. At times fits of
despondency came upon him, and bitter
thoughts and self accusations followed. No
aluslon was made to the object of his in
fatuation by either Mr. Markham or his
daughter, and their kindness and tender
sohcItude panied him more than would
have their reproaches. Burdois, however,
who visited him almost daily, lost no OPP
portuuity, when alone with him, to revive
the subject Of his mad passion. Excite
ment and depression followed, and Thurs
ton would become restless, irritable and
melancholy. He was now able to sit up in
bed, yet weak and wan, and much older
looking from his brief yet severe illness.
One day carriage drove up in front of
the little home the Markham's had en-
gagged for their stay in Rome Claribel
was alone -Thurston lying on the sofa in
a light slumber. InstInctvely she recog-
nized in the elegantly appareled figure
which descended from the vehicle her RI
val, the Countess Blanca Tutti. She knew
that in his present weak state any excite
ment might prove fatal to her patient, and
with huttering heart and tightly com
pressed lips, she quietly stole from the
room, without disturbing Thurston, closed
the door and stood in the open hallway to
receive the visitor, who, with a regal air
and imperious gaze, sailed along the little
path leading to the doorway.
Messienr Thurston r she said, half
inquiringly, to Claribel in French. 81 be-
lieve he remains here !"
Miss Markham's lips grew white under
the determined presence, and she gaZed
coldly and unARchingly at the beautiful
suave lady before her.
"You cannot enter here, madam" she
said, standing in the doorway, and uncon-
sciously putting out OBTAINING hand.
The Countess arched her eyebrows an
grily.
{" Are you aware that Messieur Thurs.
ton is friend of mine-that there can be
no one whom he desire more than myself 7
III am aware of the fact that you are
the Countess Tutti," was Claribefs reply,
and also aware that your presence would
be most fatal to Mr.. Thurston.. If you
are determined to see him, allow me one
word with you r.
The Countess bowed, chagrined at the
squanimity and GOODNESS of the young CIR
before her, and followed her NJ abe led the
way into little room next TO the one con.
tanning Thurston. Instinctively she rec
ognized an enemy and n rival in Misl