The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1886-04-15
CHAPTER ".
"Oh, what q tangled web we weave,
When first we practice to deceiven'

When first we practice to deceivep
The attack was so unexpected that I
crimsoned, and for moment was speech.
less. Iknew that my true motive for the
concealment was, in respect to Viola, If un-
worthily conceived, at least free from evil.
This thought strengthened me, and | was
able to face my interrogation. But, all Shs
same, it was q great modification to foel,
that in order to e1plaih matters to this man
Imust, as it were, lay bare my most sensl-
tive feelings.
''You know my true nane!" asked.
':.No But have seen you somewhere
Vieuna, .Paris-I forget where. Then you
were not called Vane."
'tNiy name is Julian Lorraine"
"Juliau Lorraine" he repeated, musingly:.
"I have heard that name in thu world, and
with little goo1 attached to it. But it could
not have referred to oyourself. You are too
young. But your reason for the decep-
on? Speak," he said fiercely.
l curbed my rising anger, and, as well as
7 could, told him why had wooed Viola
under false name. l think he believed
me, but 1 saw scorn on his face as he lis
tened.
1.-The act of q fool" he said. "Mr. Lor-
eine such romantic affairs should be left to
pocts and novelists. Viola Keith would
need neither riches nor poverty with tho
man shc loved. l tell you, if were to go
tomorrow and make known to her our
doubt of her s;sglc- heartedness, could
shutter the whole fabric Of your happiness.
Why should not do so?"
1T would be the act Of fiend," l said.
He laughed, not pleasantly. Eyes, it
would. i will not do it will even keep
your secret, and let you carry out your
ridiculous plan. But will also do this:
will follow you on your wedding morning,
and see with my own eyes that you have
married Miss Keith in your right name.
''Eo!" he said, seeing was ready to spring
from my seat in Indignation, mo! l will
have no protest You have brought this
upon yourself. You have given me the
right to mistrust you"
evil you be good enough to show me
the right by which you interfere at aliF'
I said
Until her twenty first birthday l am
Mss keth's guardian"
"a verj young one" sneered.
Yes; but older than you think. Her
mother died six years ago. was then 30;
she til, ught me old enough to be ner chlids
guardian, and I will see the trust to the
end.n
The meaning thrown into the last SEN
tence dill not escape me. It implied that he
still viewed me with distrrst. My anger
was thoroughly aroused.
'sPerhaps, Mr. Grant," said, there is
nearer and dearer right you wish to e1er'
else over your ward-one which she her-
self alone can bestow."
He drew himself up to his full height.
THAT sir" he said, calmly, lis ungen-
erou.. had hoped that my love for Miss
Keith was matter unknown to all save
myself love her as it may be beyond
your power to love woman. would lay
down my life for her far more easily
than to-day I lay down my love. Yet l
do this, and to you, my rival, can say:
Take her, and make her happy-make her
happy"
The repetition Of the last three words was
not a wish; it was command, threat.
Grant was still standing above me, and as
Hooked at him saw that his face was pale,
and on his forehead were drops of moisture.
His appearance almost startled me; but l
said nothing. rose and wished him good
night. Somehow, in spite of the dislike
with which the man had inspired me, there
was about him strength and dignity which
impressed ME more than cared to own.
He accompanied me to the door. When it
closed, I paused for moment to light ono
Of my own cigars Then I crossed the
road. As did So I glanced back The
gas was burning in the room which I had
Just left; the blind was drawn up. I saw
Grant enter, throw himself into the chair
which had left vacant stretch his arms
out on the table, and lay his head upon
them, like one in agonics Of grief. He was
bewailing the loss of the happiness which
had won.
Ipitied him, but hated him. 1t seemed
to ma that if this man set his heart upon a
woman's love, sooner or later she must give
it to him. What would it be if now he
used all his power to rob ME Of Viola2 l
knew that till the ring was on her finger I
should lave no peace Of mind.
The next day, when I paid my visit to
Viola, was full of the fear thatI should
lind Eustacc Grant at her side, perhaps OK
ercising all his craft. In spite Of his as
sumption of franliness, believed him to be
crafty, TO my disadvantage. 1t was q fear
which had no foundation. Neither on that
nor on succeeding days did Grant in any
way interfere with M monopoly of Viola.
Ono. or twice I met him, apparently conf
Ins from the house On these occasions he
bowed gravely, but did not stop to speak.
His visits were evidently paid at such times
as did not clash with mine l ragged in
wardly to think that ho had a right to visit
Viola at any time; but was too proud to
demonstrate. It was some comfort to me
to hear Miss Rossiter occasionally remark
that they saw little or nothing of Eustace
now.
Viola seliom mentioned bis name. No
doubt, with woman's quickness, she un-
dcrstood that it was distasteful to me-
Nevertheless l knew that she held her
guardian in the greatest esteem, and looked
forward to the time when we should be
friends. This I swore should never come.
Viola once my wife, the acquaintance be-
tween her and this strong -willed attractive
man should cease.
AS 1said, I nm indeed pitiful herol
But if l saw nothing Of Grant heard
from him He wrote me- telling me he had