The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-05-21
but Yet a Woman, by 4. S, Iardy.l
An Adventure.

A few weeks before Roger Lande was sit
ting in the garden of the Hotel du Nord, at
Aix-les-bains. He'had been summoned to at
tend patient, whom he had sent TO the
baths, and, having returned from the consult
tation was taking his coffee, after the table
dh0te, in the evening air. His table was in
distant corner, remote from the hotel en-
trance, through which the walters we're hur-
rying in and out, serving the many groups
scattered in the less shaded portion of he
garden, under the lanterns. The garden it,
self extended behind him still farther, but,
at this time, was already deserted and lost
in obscurily. Nevertheless, in the pauses
of the conversation which floated out to lin
on the light wind, he thought at times he
heard voices behind him. AT last, In hi
OF voices, when the rustic of the leaves
ceased, he heard a woman's voice, asking
''Bat win the king consentp''
An unwilling listener, he took a match
from the table and lighted cigar Present.
ly woman emerged from the shadow. 1t
was Stephanie Milevski. Still concealed in
the darkness in which he sat, he saw her
distinctly as she followed the gravel path
toward the no ell. At her side walked a
priest, with pale, intellectual face, who,
on reaching the entrance, waited TO permit
her to enter first, bowed, and, passing
through the hallway, disappeared into the
street
In all this there was an air of mystery which
piqued his curiosity. What was the mean
ing of this strange interview, and who was
this woman who talked with a priest of the
consent of a king? Sooner thau he antiel
pated, this riddle, which occupied him as he
finished his cigar, had partial answer.
As he followed the path along which
Stephauie had preceded him, his eye was
caught by white object, which proved to
be letter. The envelope was large and
carefully sealed. On entering the hotel he
sought for some evidence of its owner. But
there was no address; only, on the back,
written across one end in pencil, 80 be for
icdrded to the king
Who has not felt that feslstless pressure
which we call the force of events, y hleh,
without, often against, the voice OF reason,
impels us forward?
who was the lady that had just entered.
"A young lady, with priest9'
'sYes.n
Madame Milevski, monsieur"
Take her this card, aud say that | am
waiting
Daring the delivery of this message he
took his tablets from his pocket, and wrote
prescription. When he followed his guide
to Madame Mlevskis salon. he held it in
his hand. The room was rather dimly light
ed by single lamp, instead of candles, and
its soft light gave an appearance of luxury
to the apartment In the shadow at the OPP
en- window overlooking the garden in the
rear, sat its only occupant, Through the
thin lace curtain he could see the outline of
her form against the black sky. As he en-
tered she rose, and stood for moment be-
tween the parted curtains, evidently expect
ing him to speak
Madame" he said, glanelng at his card,
which she held in her hand, Il am physi-
clan. win you permit me 10 offer you the
advice of one?''
She was looking at him curiousy. Ger
tainly he was not a fool nor did he have the
air of mailman.
taking my coffee tonight in the gar
den" he continued, looking steadily in her
eyes, Il noticed that you were hoarse".
And he laid the folded leaf on the table
Your interest, monsieur she answered
for the first time, coming nearer to him,
''does me honor" There was trace of
irony in her voice.
son the contrary, madame; and, by the
way, this letter." taking it from his pocket
and placing 1t in her hands, s'does it per-
chance belong to youa''
A sudden pallor overspread her face, but
she recovered herself instantly.
Where did you possess yourself of this
letter?' The irony is deepening, though her
vice trembled a little.
st seems to me that is unimportant,
since have given it to you"
Then ought to thank you," she said,
after pause, in which she did not lower
her eyes.
81 did not say so.n
Despite her anxiety, an amused smile how
cred about her mouth, as, taking the pre-
scription from the table, she replied
True, it is professional secret"
He bowed, without answering, and took
his hat from the table.
Monsieur" she said. impulsiyely, Il
have to thank you
NO. he replied, as he stood at the door:
.syou have yourself said ii is a professional
secret.n
''What you will not permit me to say.
then, shall feel, she said, softly. zone
cannot be friend, NJ. Lande, without haF-
ing one.