The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1884-09-27

TWO Weeks, Wnen she expressed a Wis
to visit her father. | readily consented
and she started, to be absent a week
Two weeks went by and she did no
return. The third week passed and
wrote the Major, her father"
"Great heaven what's the matter, arr
you ill cried Madison. ''Speak, ole
boy, shall | ring for doctor. Speak
John, you are so pale. Take some wine.
go on" gasped, Ego on, you shall
go on. Do you hear me -
certainly, old boy bat what is it
won't you tell me 90
"Ies, yes I'll explain all, only go on
very well,' he replied, "the Major
answered at orce, saying he was alarmed
and perpleXed that my wife had moi
been at his house since she was there
with me. The next morning | was il
Austin. We secured the whole Of the
country for ten days. During that time
| was not out of the saddle twenty foul
| hours. We first thought she had beer
murdered, as she preferred to do the
journey on horseback. 1t was only thirty
miles. But when our search was ended
the news came in the shape of letter
from New York. My wife wrote her
father, without once trying to conceal
her act. She told him plainly she loved
the Count better than she did me, and
she was on her way to France with him
The intelligence killed the Major within
twenty four hours. He was taken with
stroke of paralysis, and died urging
me to hunt the Frenchman to his DEATH"
My head was bowed between my hands
and bitter tears stained my cheeks.
James Madison sat and watched ne for
awhile without speaking, at length he
said John, my story is completed,
but there is something you have to say
to me. am waiting" lie spoke very
slowly AMI with great distinctness.
walked to my room, he following by
my side. Going to my trunk l took
therefrom a package, and drew out a
photo and handed him.
SIS that your wife ?" | asked.
Striking his hand to his forehe~ d he
uttered an exclamation dare not repeat,
aud asked, "Who are you ?" Sitting
there by my side l detailed that part
Of my life wherewith Kate Bur-
well was connected. When I had con-
cluded he took my hand tenderly in his
own, saying: ''And it was l who caused
you all this misery. John, l never knew
it, but suppose should have done SO
all the same, even had l been aware of
it, for, you see, | loved her so we'll that
would have suffered the torments of the
damned to win her."
YES, yes; understand" l replied.
"John, do You forgive me ?''
'What foolish question, Jim. You
had never heard of me you didn know
she was plighted to me. have nothing
to forgive"
John, she never mentioned your
name. | didn't know she had cousin"
"My heart is with you in this search,
jim but you must heed me a little"
'1'll try to do so, john" he replied,
''but you will give me my wife's picture :;
will you not -
Take it" | answered.
He gazed at the semblance of the au-
thor of his misfortunes with a tender
ness it was difficult to comprehend, then
reverently kissed the picture of tie wo-
man who had betrayed one of the most
loyal hearts that ever beat in human
breast, and, covering his face, wept.
"Come back with me" he said present
ly, as he linked his arm i'll my own and
took the way to his apartment. "John,"
he continued, ''you think this an exhib
ition of weakness, and unmanly, no
doubt, but if you knew how | loved that
woman you would understand why the
sight of her features affects me. 1t will
pass away directly. See, It's quite gone
already" and he smiled
On reaching his room he sent for the
clerk, a dapper little fellow brim full of
politeness. He made profound bow as
he entered, and Madison invited him to
a seat.
''How long have you been in this house?
was Jim's first inquiry.
Upwards of three years, SIR" was
the reply.
''Do you preserve the names of the
patrons of your hotel?"
Undoubtedly, sir, we keep our regis
ters.''
''Can you favor rue with sight of the
one used last season %
"With pleasure, SIR and he started
to leave the room.
stay a moment continued Jim, as
if sudden thought had occurred to
him-''Pm in search of certain informa-
ton and if you can aid me l will remun-
crate you for your service
The clerk S face visib,y frightened. 81
| shall be only too happy to serve you, sir,
if in my power" he replied. May l
ask you the nature of the information
you seek ?'
LISTEN" returned Madison. Can
you recollect a Frenchman. a certain
Count Lafonte, who stopped here last
season. He had lady with him
mean his Wife The words almost
seemed to choke the poor fellow as he
uttered them.
The clerk unused awhile. Count La
fonte,'' he muttered, mo, there was nc
such parsonage here. We had quite a
number of Counts, but none by that
name. | am quite sure am correct, SIR
'He played the piano." continued
Jim, and the lady was musician also. "
pardon me for asking you to stop a
moment. | wish to reflect, land he fell tC
thinking. There was gentleman here
this very month last year. Perhaps his
name was Lafonte. I'm not sure, but
the register will tell. lie was not a
| Frenchman, however, and he had nc
title. He was a Belgian. He played
the piano, but then so many gentlemen
do the same. He wasn't married, for
remember he occupied Room SO, and
that next the room where the English
lord cut his throat. Pardon me for men.
| tinninW so dreadful an nccurranca :,