The Press., 1883-06-07
[Contributed.] MARBLES MISFORTUNE.
BY DELLA ADELAIDE.
CHAPTER VIII.

| CHAPTER vIu
 Mrs. Sheldon entered her carriage in no enviable frame of mind. Not only had she been unsuccessful in her design, but she had become fully convinced that her wishes in this affair were of secondary i'm portance. She was very seldom opposed by her children, Howard, especially, being very careful not to offend her, for he had early learned that her displeasure was something to be dreaded.
 | Leaning back against .the cushions of her carriage, she muttered: stFools, do they think to baffie me thus? Have they yet to learn that my will is not braved with impunity? I will move heaven and earth, but this marriage shall be prevented. I will consult Marie, and together we shall think of some plan, which will be safe and successful"
 Arriving at home she immediately sum- moned Marie, 8 middle-aged French wo- man, who had been many years in her ser vice, and whose keen wit and foresight had rendered successful many 8 doubtful scheme which her duller brain would never have conceived. And being greatly at tached to her mistress, she was ever ready to further designs, as well from 8 natural love of intrigue as because she was sure of being 8 gainer in a pecuniary point of view. Being very angry and impatient of delay, Mrs. Sheldon broached the subject immediately.
 ''Marie," said she, ''Mr. Howard is de- termined on marrying girl of whom do vent it at whatever cost. Can you assist me?"
 sWhat does Madame advise?'' | stMadama advisas nothinO T havo Of fered her money to refuse him, but she would not listen, and even had the effront- cry to tell me to my face that had no business to interfere. Of course, Marie, after that, she deserves no consideration, nor do I desire her to receive any," said Mrs. Sheldon, maliciously.
 Madame does not desire her death ?"
 'Not unless it can be safely accomplish ed, and only as last resort. We will try other measures first, but she must be re- moved forever beyond Towards reach. That am determined upon, and depend upon you to form some plan which can be immediately acted upon otherwise we shall be too late to frustrate their inten- tions.'
 Marie was silent for a few moments, then said
 Madame remembers Jacques Lavaille, l
 "Yes, Marie, what of him?"
 "I think he will take charge of the Mann selle He is very safe, and will serve Madame faithfully"
 ''The idea strikes me favorably," said Mrs. Sheldon. ''See Jacques at once. The girl, Mabel Charming, resides at No. 7, Ashley-st. There are two, but he need not mistake, as they are totally unlike the elder dark, while Mabel is very fair. l shall depend entirely upon you and Jacques, as do not wish to seem concern ed in it at all. Here is money for the pres ent," handing the woman a roll of bills. Marie's eyes sparkled with cupidity, as she replied:
 Madame need not fear. The fair girl at No. 7 shall be Jacques charge as long as Madame desires"
 As before intimated, it was not Mrs. Sheldon's first venture upon the sea of strategy. Years before, when 8 girl of twenty, she was engaged to Charles Ire vor, young man of near her own age, whom she really loved, and whom, but for her indomitable will, she would undoubt- exhibitions of her unyielding dispositions, MT. Trevor became convinced that any. thing like happiness with his iege lady, was out of the question. So, withdrawing from the engagement, he soon after mar ried Miss Emily Estmore, 8 personal friend of his former betrothed, who con- ceived violent hatred for the happy pair, threatening 8 direful revenge, which she afterward succeeded in executing.
 Shortly after her marriage with MT. Morris Sheldon, gentleman three times her own age, she, with the assistance of Marie and Jacques, had succeeded in ab- ducting the baby heir of Charles and Elm. lily Trevor, whom Jacques had taken charge of, and who had been known as the son of Jacques and Ardelle Lavaille, and whose death, after lapse of years, Jacques had duly reported.
 MT. Lorrimer's progress in Helen's af feeions was not at all satisfactory to that gentleman, though he was by no means discouraged. And observing Belle's ani- mostly and evident jealousy, whenever MT. West was in Helen's vicinity, which happened as often as circumstances would allow, he made partial confdant of her. enlisting her in his service by deluding hel into the belief that if she could by any means bring Helen under censnre Mr. West would perceive his mistake, and in gratitude turn his attentions to Belle as his preserver.
 Meanwhile, Helen's affairs progressed favorably, she having risen in the esteem and confidence of her employers, until al the present time she was custodian of the most valuable faces in the department, g mark of favor which Belle was not slow te perceive and resent, and whose ill will in creased accordingly. MT. Lionel Wes had departed for Europe, the interests o1 the firm having necessitated his absence but between him and Helen the mos friendly relations existed, though no love passages had ever passed between them. CHAPTER K.
 It was quite late before May reached th' store, her interview with Mrs. Sheldon and an hours practice with her music teacher, who was more exacting than usual causing delay, and Helen had glanced il the direction of the street more than once } and wondered what could have detained her, when she at last made her appearance looking quite bright and happy, in antici patton of her expected pleasure. Helen made few judicious selection from her stock, an extravaganza which sh hardly knew how to afford, but which thu occasion seemed to justify, but Mays fanc. . alighted on one rare piece of lace, possess ing hardly more bulk than cobweb, ant she would not be denied.
 y After some approximation, Helen explain !. ed that on Miss Simpsons counter sh