The Wilmingtonian., 1886-07-24

cation with the outer world, save to send
her maid out with tiny pote, and receive
one in return.
She only descended to the parlors when
the room was full.
"Perhaps ! imagined it, she thought, as
she went slowly down, more elaborately
dressed than usual.
But the same strange chill met her as in
the morning. Some of the gentlemen spoke
to her, but all seemed to shrink from her
vicinity, and she would have beenlelt stand
ing absolutely alone but for Allen Ford,
whose eagerness, for once, divested him Of
his usual bashful awkwardness.
He was almost graceful as he offered her
his arm. But she would not take it.
Il would go back to my room if | were
you, Mrs. Chissom,' he said buntly. "Let
me take you They are all down on you
here, except me and few more"
Her face could get no whittier than it was
but her soft eyes flashed.
She stood still.
"Why are they so down on me?"
ooh, you know.-oh, don't ask me, Mrs.
Chissom, please" Allen stammered.
sis it because they have discovered my
name is not Chissom that am Isabel Chat
eris, and that | have been tried for murder2"
Allen hung his head before that dauntless
look
"That is what they say, he answered iu
low voice.
Isabel Chateris turned and walk ed slowly
the length of the long room, Allen keeping
beside her though she would not take his
arm.
Pale as she was she had never looked love-
lier, and there was no unsteadiness in her
step, no tremor in the carriage Of the proud
little head.
Count Emi stot at the uppe, part of the
room, exactly opposite the door. He was
the centre Of an adrnring group of fcminnes
as usual.
80 good of the count to interfere, and not
allow us to be imposed on any longer" they
were saying.
Isabel Chateris went straight up to him,
an expression in her large eyes that he
shrapk and whitened under, in spite of bis
effort to look careless aud unconcerued.
She never stopped till she stood so near
him he could not advance without putting
her aside.
'Mugderer !" she cried in ringing voice.
did you never guess that the reason why
was afraid of you was because | knew you?
| have only been waiting, because ! would
have spared you in my weakness, il you had
allowed me. You are no count. Your is a
wig your mustache false your lace painted
Your name is Henry Thulber. 1t was you
who came into the rom that night. You
put poison iuto my uncle's medicine You
wore mask, aud as you went out you said ::
"Don't be afraid, madame" few days
ago you asked me "Are you afraid of me
madame p I knew you by your voice then,
though never saw in my life till that night
and here"
| He never opened his lips He stood quak-
ing and quivering in every limb
| Once he made a movement to pass her,
| But that instant two men who had been
stealthily approaching from either side, each
laid heavy hand on his shoulder and ar
rested him in the name of the law.
His guilt was easily brought home to him
when suspicion once fastened upon him.
| He was distant relative of Col. Thur
ber's, and next heir to his wealth after Isa-
bel Chateris. He had hoped by the one deed
to have got rid Of both But failing in that
would have liked to marry Isabel and secure
the property that way. But something fam
iliar in his air must have made her shrink
from him from the FIRST and at last his voice
betrayed him.
~ never doubted you, " said Allen Ford,
coming up with his great honest eyes full of
tears.
ii know it," Isabel returned, giving him
both her quiyering hands.
sob, if you would only marry me-" he
whispered, regardless of surroundings.
"Why not p she answered. 81 should be
the most insensible of women if l had not
discovered your worth by this time"