Weekly commercial herald. (Vicksburg, Miss.) 1884-18??, 1885-07-17
CHAPTER XXI.
MAKING PROUD KNEES BEND.

AaAa RAf6a 1a0
Provided he Is not a French journalist,
whose dropping honor is cured by a scratch,
lman about 10 fight duel has generally
preparations to make. Maurice Hervey's
approaching duel being Of a peculiar nature,
the preparations he made were also peculiar.
they consisted Of inducing the room be oc-
cupied-which, In an unmolested state, was
a nice, tidy apartment-to look as disrepu-
table and dissipased as, with the resources at
bis command, Il was possible. lie gave no
orders for his breakfast things TO be cleared
away, but added b the relics of the meal a
bottle Of whisky and a glass. He also laid u
short pipe and a tobacco pouch on tAe table.
With great satisfaction he found in a draw
sr dirty pack Of cards; these were also
placed in a position to carry effect He told
the servant not 10 attend to bis bedroom
Just yet; 20 that by his leaving the door OF
commenicatlon between the two roUmso open
a visitor might have thu privilege Of gazing
IN a dshavelsd sleeping apartment Given
the materials at his disposal, he made a very
fair effect with them.
He kept his own appearance In sympathy
with the surroundings. He wore slippers
which be troi down at the heel. His clothes
were too new TO look shabby, but by putting
On a soiled shirt, describing his waistcoat and
cravat be managed TO get within reasonable
distance Of his requirements.
All these preparations were inspired by
An exquisite refinement Of malice. Meta
phorically be meant 10 bring Beatrice down
on her knees and his cruelty told him that
to one OF her type, the process woulh be
doubly d.sagreeable when it took place in
ugh a scene.
"Gad!' be said. as he gazed round and
approved Of his handiwork. II wish | had
my prison suit bere. I'd don it once more
for your benefit my lady"
He gave orders that II a lady called she
was b be shown up at once, then he lit a
cigar and lounged in the easy chair. At Ave
minutes to twelve, just MS the man was won
dering whether she would come or not. and
If, in the event Of her not coming. It would
be well FOR his WI interests 10 seek her at
Hardwood Honse, the door opened and Baa-
triee stood before him. He laughed a low
mocking laugh, and without changing his
lounging attitude, looked up at her.
She took it all in. the d~isreputable look of
the place and Of its tenant: he could see that.
by the culver Of her nostril, and the look Of
deepening scorn ON her firm mouth. His eyes
CLEANED with riumph.
And she, as she looked at him, the hought
ran through her, how could she ever in her
most foolish girlhood's days have loved this
man-have loved him even for an hourl His
features were the features she had once
thought so p~erfect-now no human creature
on the earth could have inspired her with
such loathing. She did not fear him, simply
because she knew the worst be could do-tht
heaviest penalty she could be called upon tc
pay. Or she thought she knew.
swell, my affectionate wife, he said.
knocking the ash off his cigar, and looking
her up and down; you've grown into quite
a fine piece OF goods, quite a ~tip-topper, nc
end Of a swell You haven't pinned much fol-
ne, l guess
She shivered as she heard his voice anc