The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1884-11-07

discovered by chance that Mn,
Stephanie had altered her hours of Ell
trance and exit. He had risen earl
to join some friends in a country expt
dition, when glancing from his windo'
he saw the familiar form gliding in a
the shop door. In a moment his resolv
was taken. Sending off hasty line G
excuse to his expectant friends, he sa
down to wait more conventional hou
in which to pay the opposite abode
visit. Penetrate that sanctum he would
and if possible see Nine. Stephanie fac
to face, freed from all disguise. Salts
fed by an untiring watch that she hat
not left the premises, he saunteret
across about o'clock and boldly open
ed the sacred door. He found himsel
in what appeared at first more like ;
lady's boudoir than shop-mattine
and Persian rugs beneath his feet, lux
urious sofas and easy chairs, flowers
and plants in abundance; some chests
of drawers of excellent marqueterie,
and scattered about on chairs and ta-
bles some silken garments of delicate
tints. A few bOnnets on stands, lace
wraps, fans and perfumery evidently
formed the whole of Nine. Stephanie' s
|
stock in trade.
A French woman whose shrill tones
he instantly remembered, came for
ward and in broken English sought to
discover Monsieur's wishes. Algy, not
one bit disconnected, declared that his
mission could only be fulfilled by Nine.
Stephanie herself, upon which the fore
woman parted some heavy curtains at
the farther end of the shop and dis
closed tiny apartment, in which mad
anne was seated at her writing table.
She laid down her pen and arose in
stantly, but at the first glance of the
approaching figure, she started and
would have shrunk back into the shade,
but that Algy had caught glimpse of
that pale, agitated face and with
bound forward had seized her hand.
''Mrs. Molyneux!-you!''
Eyes, l." she answered, striving to
smile. "Only please call me Nine.
Stephanie and remember that you are
my customer"
81 cannot understand this mystery"
broke in Algy eagerly. ITO think it
should have been you all this time who
have so interested me, and that l never
guessed une tTuIn!
''Alas for mans power of penetra-
ton! But please go now; that good |
woman yonder is astonished, as well |
she may be. l will be merciful and let |
you off a purchaser this time, for sus-
pect curiosity and not any of my wares
tempted you hither. But should you
dare to repeat the offense my most ex-
pensive article shall be forced upon
you"
81 must see you, must speak to you.
Do you think l shall be satisfied by this
half glimpseP There is so much must
near"
Nine. Stephanie reflected a moment.
What must be. must" she replied,
lalf smiling. swell, will meet you
1t Stanhope Gate at 6 o'clock, when my
business hours are over. Does that sat-
sly youP"
Perfectly. But you will be sure and
omeP'
81 will. But please go now" And
o, without further demur, he went,
with establishment, love
nd incredulity
There, years before, Mrs Molynenx i
ad been the acknowledged belle of the I
eason, even royalty had, to remark
BILE extent, worshipped at her shrine, t
nd poor Algy's heart was not the only t
ne laid at her feet. But Mrs. Molly I
eux was as cold as she was beautiful; Z
ne accepted homage, but it awoke no s
nswering passion in her breast. And d
lie speedily gained for herself the SOU S
riquet of 'The Ice Queen" Her hus- t.
and was small, dark and ugly, with
olent temper, and but two passions, n
and drink. Surely, society v
lid, it was not for his sake that she re- d
aimed so impervious to alteration! 1t
hard nowadays for society to accredit Z
~ one with pride and purity. The
e Queen had her reign; then came the
nal crash. They pretty house IN Pork
ane was sold, and crowds went to see
hat the famous beauty had collected
bout her and bought her furni- Z
re at fabulous prices and charitably !,
lnexed their own stories to each ia u
e and chair. The Molyneux disap- y
cared. Society saw them no more. -
eport said he was in madhouse, and j."
S wife living abroad; but nothing was d.
lown for certainty. Other beauties
rung up less proud and cold to take +
e absent ones place and the Molyn- IL
* were speedily forgotten. Algy Il,
one remembered always. He had %
we'd the more because his passion had ~
en gently but firmly repulsed. He T.
and worshipped the pur =,
:, even while he swore tiercely against =. ~
e GOODNESS that forbade his love. 1t ~ ~,
rs with a beating heart that he await L
his queen, and went to meet her at a.,
e first glimpse of the stately figure " y,
owing toward him across the grass.
''Have you yet got over the shock of fo
ding your old acquaintance has turn III
sales-womanp" she asked, half play h,
ly, as they turned and walked slow RI
side by side, ''well, l always flatter- FIR
myself that had excellent taste, in
d l am turning ii now to good ac- ev
unit am / not? Besides, labor is hon m
+, and to feel honest is a delightful in
lsation." r.,
DO not jest" exclaimed Algy, inn br
tiently. Tell me all that has pass m
since we last met. Why are you ~
,e and alone? Are you free" tn
'he put up her hand and stopped We