The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-11-03

She could answer no questions put to her by anxious officials, save that she and the servant had returned, to find her dear mother lying lifeless in the chair.
 CHAPTER II.
 Seven years after the murder in Levant street, Jacques Mery came, one buster ing, rainy evening in autumn, to the same place where seven years before he had steod and watched the lights in the house opposite. Seven years The house was there still-it was a thriving cigar store now-but the convenien, little archway had been torn away. He stood now, in the rain holding an umbrella 10 pro tecf his clothes, that were we'll worth pro- lection.
 Any one who had chanced to have seen him that night seven years ago, would not recognize him now. His face was altered. 1t had grown quiet and settled in its looks, his hair was almost white, although he was but forty-hve. He stood leaning on a slender cane, and gazing absently down the street, when a faint cry attracted his attention. He turned about. chilled to the heart, for 10 him the place was filled with ghosts. But, # was only woman who had slipped on the wet pavement and was struggling to re- gain her feet. In an instant he was by her side.
 My ankle pains she murmured, and leaned heavily on his arm. Sit here. madam he said: my carriage waits q, youder corner. can send you to your home
 He hurried away and soon returned with the carriage.
 Allow me. She took his assistance as matter of course, and entered the carriage. with a little bow and thanks, monsieur
 Shall tell the driver your address"
 Yes. % rue C."
 Au revoir, madame" he said. Sssy
 Strange he muttered but, TO. My mind is overworked, my imagination over-stretched. Their voices were alike only to my ear.'
 He gave one more glance towards the house and then hurried away. He must do something to distract his mind his brain was on ire; his heart was heavy as lead.
 Hello" said some one. and a hand was laid on hls shoulder. He started as if shot
 Diable, wish you would no, star,le one like that"
 "Ciel. one might think you were a murderer your face is like ashes.''
 And. indeed, II was. Time had not lessened the terrible horror of tha, night seven years ago. in his mind. He had spent seven years abroad. out. now in Paris, he felt as If Clare,s spirit haunted him still.
 Let us get a glass of wine" he nut tered. II am choked."
 His friends words rang in his ears. " One might think you were murderer He must do something to distract him. self from such thoughts. You are nervous" said Claude Me.a- pau.
 No. am have had an adventure"
 Which accounts for the state of your nerves ~
 oh, no. l was tanding-oomine down the street. when lady slipped and fell. and assisted her to a carriage"
 Claude laughed. "l understand. You are such an anchori,e tha, the mere touching of woman's hand sets you into nervous shivers.'
 NleY shook his head and laughed.
 Perhaps there was rendezvous pro- posed-Je serai seule dix heures.'
 No, no. The lady was a lady know. She was no belle dame"
 Eh bien, She. d, least. was enough to set your nerves in a tremble.'
 They went to d cafe and sat down, being, in few minutes, surrounded by friends. for Mery-ihe owner of silver mine Tn America good fellow. if trif'e quiet, and a generous friend at all times That he summed women's so- ciety was an affair of his own. He was able 10 make his choice of associates When the conversation became general il was proposed tha, they should go to the opera.
 "oh, no. cried young man.
 a But why no, =
 The bill is changed"
 What's being played:'
 Aida"
 :" thought i, was Favori,a -
 "Therese does not sing tonight
 :" An, true then why go:'
 An. lovely Therese
 Have you heard her ~
 N no: asked Mery.
 Therese Lambillotte, the las, can,a- ,rice."
 "No."
 But you must
 'l am fond of opera, lIshall do so."
 And she is divine. wish she were receiving tonight, we could go.'
 Does the lady entertain:'
 My deai Mery, one can easily see iha, you are a stranger. Why Therese is the adopted daughter of the old Marquis Lambillotte. She studied for the opera,ic stage before her mothers death. She has made il a success"
 And she Is beautiful. of course"
 As some dream. She is unlike mos, singers. She is quite unique"
 Mademoiselle Therese has had lite calculated to make her unlike most wo- men; she has suffered both for others