The Morning herald., 1878-11-26

| laKeu complettly ly OH his guard, ne would
have uttered her full name.
"How strange that We have not met be-
fore, Mr.. Eldridge!' said Cecil, ere he could
speak.
Not the slightest token of recognition did
she give.
Clarks astonishment increased
How could she possibly, knowing him so
well, mistake him for stranger2 If she
did not why did she appear so unconcerned?
HO could not think her impulsive nature
capable of restraint Yet there she stood,
her clear, beautiful black eyes turned full
upon him.
| And he, her mortal enemy--an enemy
who would crush out her young life, need
be, for the sake of gold.
No compunction for the misery he had
caused her entered into the feeling Of ad-
miration produced by her beauty. The
baseness OF his heart overshadowed every
twinge of conscience.
"Better late than never, Miss Clayton"
he returned. "Will you favor me with this
dancer"
Certainly"
They glided off together and in moment
were amid the walters, having left the gay
Mrs. Burrill in very unamiable frame Of
mind.
Both were graceful dancers, and immedi-
ately became the centre Of attraction.
But Cecil did not mean to waste time.
The waltz over, she begged the polished
villain to lead her out on the piazza.
with pleasure, Miss Clayton"
She took his proffered arm, and, crushing
down her feelings, was escorted from the
room.
The moon shone brightly, making objects
about the ground as discernible as in broad
daylight. \,
"Rather sultry, isn't it, Mr.. Eldridges"
said Cecil as she stepped over the low win
dow-sill. ~,
'Yes, +" replied Clark, wonderingly. "But
the uncomfortable atmosphere melted away
in the enjoyment of the dance!"
sIndeed? How different! Would you be-
lieve it?-every step Itook filled me with
loathing"
He stepped aside and uttered on exclama-
ton.
cay, and with contempt for myself that I
could belle my character BY, allowing your
leprous hand to touch mine"
She did not stop tanning herself, nor ap-
pear in the least excited, but her voice told
Of repressed passion.
Clark leered.
"Harsh language, Miss Clayton"
"Is it? I shall use severer, and to some
purpose, Mr.. Jared Clark"
'Enoughr' calculated Clark. "Pray do
not speak so loud. "What is your wish?
"Ah! YOU understand the advantage have
this evening gained. Well, first, I require
the details Of your completely In the de-
struction Of the Clayton household eighteen
years agop ,o,
care you sure Of your hand, Miss Cecil9"
Perfectly =.
"Are you aware that / am able to draw
the mask which covers the crimson blot on
your escutcheon?'
II am"
'You do not fear it9'
II do not fear it"
"But if I choose To-"
She interrupted him.
"Unless you answer my question, shall
return to your friends!
At last fear mastered him,
"Your demand is modest?' he said, IN
sarcastic tones. "Do you expect me to tell
you tonight"
ssNo; this not the place for revelations OF
domestic troubles Tomorrow morning, at
ten, at the residence Of Miss Coles, where l
am at present staying"
Miss Coles!
A fiendish thought flashed across bis
brain!
II will be there within the hour.
"Do not disappoint, If you value your
GOOD name-beg pardon; I should have said,
names"
With this taunt, she left him.
He shook his clenched fist, and scoWled
darkly as she disappeared.
Course you" he muttered, savagely,
1--WE shall prove who will be winner Ii tbs
to be girls limited knowledge of the world
apainst the accumulated trickery of years,
let the game commence Yet the thing is
easy-what if tonight I should fix it so
that No; I've done, enough of that.
I'll fight it out! The advantage is entirely
on my side.'
He returned to the gay Mrs. Burrill.
An object that had remained in the shadow
Of n tree not more than foot from the bal
cony during tie whole OF this conversation,
now stole cautiously out into the moonlight.
\ The figure of medium-sized man, MS
face concealed by the broad brim OF slouch
hat.
He passed to the back of the yard, keep.
ING close to the fence, and vanished la the
shadows!
CHAPTER K.
auRarApy--MoRs MYsTERY-A VOICE IN THA
STILL WATCHES OF THE NIGHT.
CL,,,oh o1oOk tOII6d one.