The Russellville Democrat., 1880-10-07

ences aud sensational novels, fell an easy prey to the moral wild beasts that wait in every liie-path. Sad-eyed, hopeless out cast now, whose feet are swiftly tread Ing the downward path from which so- ciety says sterneIy, "Thou shalt never turn back.n If the mothers of our land would pause and consider the pitfalls in our cities, which, artfully wreathed in flowers, await the inexperienced feet of thelr' darlings, and would devote less tune 10 fashion and frivolity, and think only of fighting these monster evils. which, licensed and encouraged by the good (?) government, every year drag thousands of innocent ones down to infamy and shame.
 CHAPTER II. 9
 How Bell got through hes lessons the nextday Is only know to herself and the longsuffering and patient teacher. For was she not soon to see the magnl- ficent mansion where she would some time reign queen? What were Latin roots and French verbs to young lady of her grand expectations? At last the clock chlmed the hour of three, and our youne lady was free to go to the house of the friend with whom she had ob- tained permission to pass the evening. But instead of going there as she left the school building she entered a street car going in the opposite direction, toward the very heart of the city. The streets which they presently enter arc un- familiar to Belle, but what school girl of sixteen is not equal to such an occasion? So she leaned calml back in the seat and watched the changing panorama in the street. It was long ride, very long one, but at length her eyes bright ened, and she sprang to her feet; ben evolent looking old gentleman stopped the car and assisted her to alight She thanked him with graceful little bow and smile, then walked slowly down a side street, scanning every house closely. Though near the center of the city, the street seemed quiet and retired. It was lined on both sides by grand and gloomy looking brown stone fronts. Before one of these Belle paused, then with beating heart ascended the marble steps and rang the bell; the door was opened by a girl who looked at her curiously as she timidlv inquired if Mrs. Hunt was with in-thls was the name of the aged aunt, for whom Alphonse had directed her to ask. The girl hesitated for a moment and then with a peculiar smile on her unpleasant countenance threw open the door of magnificent reception room and invited Belle to enter. She did so, and, after seeing her seated, the girl left the room, closing the door after her. The room was rather dark, but gradually as Belle's eyes became used to the dim light, shs was assured that Alphonse had not exaggerated when he described his magnificent surroundings. A carpet thick and soft as moss covered the floor; rich curtains were draped so as to con- ceal the plates glass windows, and here and there, from out the darkness gleamed beautiful statuary. She had ample leasure to observe all this, then as no one came, she began to grow in- dignant.
 "Why was not Alphonse here to re- ceive her? Why did they keep her waiting so long?"
 Suddenly voice so near that it made her start, exclaimed
 "H clio, sls!"
 She looked around with startled cry; she had thought herself alone; but near by, partly hidden by the window draping, was man gazing at her with an impudent stare. He was adorned by a red necktie and profusion of fiashy iewelry; he sat astride chair with his arms folded over the back, and a look in the bold black eyes which made Bells cheeks blaze with indignation. She did not deign to reply. Her silence seemed to amuse him. He caressed his mustache with smile of intense enjoy ment, then inquired afiably:
 You came to call on me, sup pose?"
 This was probably an impudent ser want; would Alphonse never come? She replied coldly: qs
 T wish to see Mir. Sartoris."
 Any relation to the Grant family?"
 q wish to see Mr. Alphonse Slrto- risp
 "Ah!p with gesture of mock surprise; 'I thought you were inquiring for Al- gernonl" he arose, and bringing his chair to her side, peered into her face insultingly; but as Algy is not in at present, and the other gentleman IS en tirely unknown to me--won't IT"
 Belle sprang to her feet, the blood surging over her cheek and brow; a dim foreboding of, she knew not what, filling her with one idea-she must get away from this house, out of the presence of this terrible man; as she reached the door it was opened from without, but the glad exclamation, "Alphonsel" was checked by the appearance of the wo- man who entered. Richly, but fiashily dressed, crime was stamped on every feature of her repulsive, red face; its appearance was not at all improved by q large scare which ran zig gag across the forehead. She closed the door and kept her hand on the latch as she looked keenly at the shrinking figure of the girl. ..
 Mistaken in the person, my dear," !" she said, in a course voice, "Walt, what's the rumpus?" Kesn
 Walt laughed brutally. But Belle, her heart beating with terror, said
 Madame, I fear am mistaken; does not Mir. Alphonse Sartoris live here?"
 The woman and the man exchanged significant glances, and then they
 '9Another one of Larkey's fancy names" said the woman. All right my girl, you'll stay" .,
 "Where am IF Who are you?" gasped Belle. :,
 "One question at time young lady, ' answered Walt, blandly. T have the honor to introduce you to Madame Corallie Hunt, principal of this unri- valed institution for girls. Special at. tention paid to morals and manners We are just out of circulars, but per haps you have heard of this place be- fore?"
 Madame Coralliel-heard of herl--she had. but as she had heard If imaginary hnrrnrs fnn tarrihle to be named. some