The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-08-09

clad TO have him devote his time to
amusemcntS. \ few evenings passed,
and he proposed the theatre. II seems
there was Il very good French company
Just beginning long season there, ana
were playing to crowded houses. We
went, and it was ere first saw my
fate
Ned paused, and silence reigned for a
few moments, while with a hard set eN-
preston on his face he ga2ed modify
at the glowing Goals.
1T is needless, me began, slowly, "to
recount all my FIRST impressions. and
rave of personal charms. Sutii'e il 10
say, fell deeper and deeper In love
with this angelic being behind the
scarce less dazzling tootlights, and my
friend observed 1t. as we fairly haunted
the theatre.
"'YGu admire the LADY, he said. one
night, as we were in our accustomed
seats.
Yes replied, little mifled at his
observance.
"'7res Jien! | can give you an intro
duction.
What, you know herr and could
have embraced him, so suddenly were
my feelings changed.
Eyes
"'And will introduce meg
"'If you wish it, and he dartcd Il
side glance at me from under his buShy
eyebrows.
You may imagine how impatient |
was after that. | could scarce wait till
the end of the play, and little needed
the stage when Nile. Neranique that
was her professional name was not
on.
"Dupres was as good as his word, and
the next day took me around to her
house, where she was living with her
mother as chaperOn. 1t was magnit-
cent place, piled full of all the Injuries
fancy can suggest, or an unlimited out
lay purchase. We found a thrOng of
visitors, as it was her reception day,
and it was with no little difficulty that
we reached her presence, when the
Frenchman introduced me to Adele
Fabian, for she dropped her other name
at the stage door. | wish you could
have seen her. She was enough to turn
the head of an anchOrlte. with her deep
blue eyes and dazzling smile. tits use
less to dilate on this point. 1t is
enough to say that | soon became mad
ly infatuated with her. had never
questioned DupreS's acquaintance with
her, but supposed, like me, he had been
introduced by some mutual friend.
Il became a frequent visitor at her
house and from that to constant one.
In fact, | became her shadow. Where
ever she went | was sure to be found
near at hand, and the close of four
months found me hopeleSsly entangled
in the meShes of love, beyond all
thoughts Of eXtrication. 1t annoyed
me to find DupreS at her house so
much, for it seemed as though | could
never call but to find him there. He
never appeared to be very deeply inter
eSted in her movements, but hung
around with familiarity that was in
tensely irritating to me.
Il fancied my case was not altOgeth
er hopeless, and finally, when | learned
it was the last week of their engage
ment, made up my mind to know my
fate, thinking it preferable to this mad
denlng uncertainty"
You were certainly hard hit, my
boy" said.
Ned smiled as he continued:
1T was beautiful day that called,
determined to know the worst. Upon
sending in my card, was ushered into
her presence, and by great good luck
found her alone. | made a few incO-
herent remarks upon minor topics, and
then boldly declared myself, urging my
suit with all the fervor of burning
passion. A rosy blush mantled her
fair face for moment, and then, dying
away as suddenly as it came, was sue
ceeded by deadly pallor that DER
spread her entire features.
81 am deeply grieved at this, my
friend she said, in her low, musical
tones, and | would have spared you
this confeSsionp And she turned her
head to hide her face.
But, my darling, I love you more
than words can tell. My very existence
hangs trembling on your lips
II seized her hand and pressed it to my
lips. which seemed again to touch her
heart, for with sad look in her beauti-
full eyes dimmed with tears, and in a.
faltering voice, she said:
sit can never be, however much l
may
"'Then you do love me? O, my dar-
ling, nothing shall separate u.s. and |
drew her to me, seeing the loveight
beaming in her starry eyes.
All! don't be too sure, my fine '7l-
10 NJ! sneered familiar voice. as Ou-
pres walked into the room. He had
been in the room adjoining, and
through partially-opened door had
heard all.
adele turned to the window, while
met his scowl with "A steady face, fired
by the deyilish CLEAN i'll his wicked
eye.
$50 hon he said; this is the way l
find my charming friend employed
'Scoundreln | cried; leave this
housed
"'I guess not, he replied, with eXaS-
peratng GOODNESS, when he rolled and
lit cigarette. Il trust monsieur will
be calm. have little business to
with our amiable American
friend. Adele turning to her, will
you be Seated?'
"She sank into chair without a
word, and seemed dazed at his villain
Gus manner.
81 desire monsieur to give me his
note of hand for twenty-five thousand !
francs. | will write the paper and he !
shall sign it, He seated himself at the |
small table, and made preparations |
with all the SnDO-frOj1 ima~in9blp