Daily Kennebec journal., 1884-05-24
Gales aud Sketfhes.
Continued from yesterday }

not take his customary hand at whist lest
it should make him late for dinner, as he
had a particular engagement in the even
ing. he said he should probably look in
at the opera later, but soon after he started
of in q hanson to an address in Bond
street and was set down at the door
of Nine. Lebeufs atelier. He was ush-
cred into handsomely furnished apart
ment on the first floor, where he amused
himself BY studying with complacency the
reflection of his well-preserved face and
figure in the numerous mirrors, until the
door opened, and a swarthy little lady,
with mustache and very dark eyes.
hustled into the room.
..Milor Leytonstone 20 she said, inquir
inely, glancing at the card she held in her
hand, and stumbling over each syllable in
the name.
"Ernestine ?'' said his lordship, with
Transparent attempt at sentiment,
Comment, C'est vous. Mons. Barring
ham ?'' exclaimed Nine. Leb9uf, quite
calmly.
Yes. We used to tu-toi one another
once upon a time when we were both
Younger" remarked his lordship, press
ing the plump hand which was extended
to him.
"Were you not at Lady Blanche Dulci-
mer's to-day P" inquired Nine. Lebeuf,
glancing at him curiously.
Yes. l passed you in the hall as l
entered" said his lordship. ''Iknew you
again at once. That is more than you can
say of me-"
II did not recognize you, Milor; but
had forgotten that you were no longer
young even when knew you," returned
Nine. Lebeuf, frankly.
"How's Lebeut' inquired his lordship.
with grin, as he polished his eye-glass
with his dainty silk handkerchief.
HE is dead" said madame, pursing
her lips.
90! Indeed. Left you fortune, sup
pose ?'' remarked his lordship, in an off
hand way, as he continued his occupation.
That is my affair. 1t is no concern OF
YOURS" said Nine. Lebeuf, with startling
directness.
"Ot course not but may be permitted
to congratulate you, Ernestine p'' said his
lordship, setting his glass in his eye and
flushing up. "You seem to be in clover
here. Lebeuf's luck must have changed,
indeed, if he left you in position to start
a business like this. You are making a
fortune. hear"
.'Pas mal," responded madame, with
an angry shrug.
"Well, well. That is capital capital 7"
said his lordship, in more genial tone,
as he glanced approvingly round the room.
II am delighted to hear so good an ac-
count"
You did not come here to pay compli-
ments. Milor," said Nine. Lebeuf, evil
dently notified.
mo, madame. Frankly. l didn't"
said his lordship, leaning back in his chair
and regarding her with an odd smile. "On
the other hand. am the very reverse Of
unfriendly. Nothing is further from my
intention, for instance, than to make known
to Lady Blanche, or to any one else. GER
tain little incidents in your career which
are within my knowledge"
"My customers have no concern with
nv private AFFAIRS" said Nine. LebGuf,
while her dark eyes flashed.
THAT is quite true. On the other hand
for your sake shouldn't like to tell what
know. However," added his lordship.
pleasantly, .'as said before, nothing is
further from my intention. To tell the
truth, had called to ask favor"
"What favor ?" inquired Nine. Lebeuf,
looking slightly relieved. though she
feigned supreme Indifference.
IA very trifling one. The fact is, l am
very much interested in Lady Blanche
Dulcimer." said his lordship.
"Oh! Is that so ?'' observed Nine.
Lebeuf. glancing at him sharply.
"Yes, that is so;" returned Lord Ley
tonstore, with shade of embarrassment.
s'Her husband was friend of mine. To
come to the point, want to know the
meaning of the mystery"
.'Quel mystery P"
"Come, you know what l mean, Ernes-
tine Where does the money come from P
She pretends you supply her with fine
dresses out OF gratitude, but that fatty
decline to believe, having the honor of
your acquaintance" said his lordship, be-
coming suddenly brisk and matter Of fact.
That is my secret. There is nothing
to tell" said madame, rather energeti-
cally.
"Well, there isn't much, because I'm
pretty sure I've guessed it; but want to
make quite certain. said his lordship.
"Whv-what does it matter to you,
Milor?" demanded Nine. Leb9uf. sinking
her voice.
'You were always curious, Ernestine
Suppose / were to whisper in confidence
that contemplated marriage?" said his
! lordship. stroking his moustache.
with Lady Blanche DulcimerP'
THAT depends" said his lordship,
meaningly.
''In that case everything explains itself
said Nine. Lebeuf "How much will
you give if will tell youP"
"Pshaw! you see l have already
guessed
"You may suspect. but that is nothing
You want to know more. You want fig
ures," said Nine. Lebeuf, with convic-
| ton.
"Well-yes. 1t comes to that after all ~
said his lordship after thoughtful pause,
"You are quite right, Earnestine. lam
ia your hands. Name your price.
"A thousand pounds.''
1T is extravagant. but / wont haggle
with you. Ernestine." said his lordship.
Il will say thousand. payable six
months after my marriage with Lady
Blanche. if it takes place. viii that suit
you?"
THAT will do.''
Very well then. at is a bargain"
lone moment, Milor l will take your