The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1883-03-31
CHAPTER XIV.
4 VISION OF THE DEAD.

Mrs. CRANKY Dumont found herself alone
with the masked stranger in the ante-room
OF the opera box. The door communicating
with the box was closed; the door lea,lin.
into the corridor was locked.
The young bride conld hear the music of
the orchestra; she could hear the football of
the dancers, the laughter. the reckless mer-
ri,nent in the vast area below, and Yet she
was alone with this man-as mitch alone as
If she had been III some wild retreat amid
the solitude of a desert. Had she screamed
aloud in her terror, her wild outcry would
have been lost among the myriad voices of
the careless crowd below.
Bat. although terrified for a brief period,
Maud Dunont was not subduel. She felt
that she was IN the power of those hidden
and mysterious enemies who had endeayorcd
to separate her from the General. She felt
also that only her own imperious will and
daring nature could save her.
Il have not feared my own dark memo-
RES, my own secret agonies," she said to
herself. ''Why should fear these people,"
She looked earnestly at the masked
stranger. He was Of medium stature, but
his figure was enveloped in long domino
Of black silk, which left only the thin out
line OF his form visible. The hood OF this
domino covered his head and joined the
velvet mask which concealed his face The
thick lace fringe hanging from this mask
covered his chin.
All that the searching scrutiny of Maud
Dumont could reveal tpher was the color of
the eyes that looked through the oval OPEN
ings in the black mask These eyes were
black, large and limpid. This was all that
she corld discover Of the strangers personal
appearance. Had she seen the ring upon
his right hand, she would, even then, have
failed to guess what the initial 3D." cut in
the stone signified.
Mrs. Dumont drew himself to her fullest
height as the stranger approached her, after
locking the door communicating with the
corridor.
''Why have you fastened the door?" she
asked
because wish to speak with you with
out fear Of interruption"
'And you refuse to lead me back to my
husband3"
eyes, do refuse. until you have heard
what have to say"
The Generals wife burst into loud and
ringing laugh.
'.Be it So" she said, gaily ''It is carni-
val time, and folly reisns supreme. Why
should refuse to Join in a carnival iest?"
This is no jest. madam" answered the
stranger. Il told you, some moments
since, that had a solemn purpose in bring
ing you here"
'Yes," returned Maud, still laughing with
the silvery music of girlish mirth; land
this solemn purpose is to frighten a poor,
helpless woman out Of her senses! But
am not so easily terrified as you may, per-
haps. imagine, and can only say that, if
your purpose is n solemn one. this place is
ill-chosen for its fultlment.
''Think you SO. MADAME" said the stranger.
''You little know the hidden secrets, the u..-
discovered mysteries, which lurk beneath :,
scene of reckless ga'e.y. The wild mirth OF
the maskers may drown the shrieks of the
dying; the merry m,,sic of the orchestra
NAV drown the sobs Of the despairing. Do
not think that you are the less in danger be-
cause you hear music and laughter around
you"
Il fear no danger" exclaimed Mrs. Du-
mont. with proud defiance. ..ahoever and
whatever you may be, you shall sntitr for
this insolence! General Dumont will avenge
the insults offered to his wife,
sWhile he believes her worthy to be his
wift. doubtless, madam" said the man.
'Bnt how will he act when he learns Of her
Mrs. Dumont did not condescend to an
swer this question.
''You have something to say to me?" she
said, coldly.
II have"
"Will you be so good as to say it as speed
lily as possible, in order that you may after
ward restore me to my friends, who a7e, no
doubt, searching the building for me?"
Il obey, madam" answered the man,
wheeling forward chair which he offered
the lady.
the long silken domino which had enveloped
her.
'sThis place is insuferably hot" she nid,
as she flung the domino across the back Of
the chair.