Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1886-01-09


to the best Of my ability
"Oh, il you only wouldp exclaimed
Hazel. 81 only arrived in London to-
day from Brighton. | am an entire
stranger in this great city, and il you
will find me a lodging | shall be very
thankful
"You had better come with me to my
house. My sister keeps house for me
in Hanover Terrace, not very far from
here. Emma will be delighted to have
you for guest this evening; tomorrow
you will be able TO arrange matters sat
islactorly between you"
81 shall be very grateful for her SYM
pathy and assistance. | am quite COM
petent to teach, and | prefer to work; It
viii give me less time to think. | beg,
Sir Charles, that you will not question
my motives in thus leaving my. bus-
band believe me, l do 50 from a sense
Of duty"
"My dear lady, | do not seek to in
quire into your private affairs. ! only
wish to serve you rs well as | can
I MY good, kind friendp exclaimed
Hazel, warmly.
"You have not lunched, have youp
"Not yet"
@Well, 1t is almost three o'clock" said
Sir Charles, looking at his watch, "and
ut is about time you had some refresh
.ment. You look fatigued."
"Yes, | am very tired"
Come; we Will take a cab, have lunch
and then drive to Hanover Terrace" he
said, Offering his arm and taking her
travelling bag and shawl in his hand.
If the unhappy creature had known
the character of the man whom she be-
lieved was to prove a friend to her in
her need, she would have fled from
him. Dame Rumor had told some
queer tales out of school regarding
the numerous qftires dc coer of Sir
Charles Villas. Perhaps his distin-
guished appearance, refined manners
and handsome face won the far sex, ana
made them easy victims to his wiles,
His dark eyes, Grecian nose, high, white
brow, shaded by soft curls OF dead
black hair, went far toward making up
a handsome profile. The only feature
in his face that physiognomist would
have found fault with was his mouth,
but it was concealed by black mus
tache, which hid the sinister curves OF
this only Objectionable feature. He was
above the medium height, and carried
himself with languid, easy grace. Be
ing a wealthy man, his society was
courted by all except the very particu-
lar few, who had daughters whom they
did not wish to fall under the spell OF
his destinations. Society was surprised
when Sir Charles married the beautiful
Mary Bradford, the daughter of De-
vonshire clergyman. Lady Villas was
greatly admired, during the few weeks
she spent in London, Immediately af-
ter her marriage and prior to her de-
parture for the Continent; and when il
became known in England that she had
met with an accident in Switzerland
which had caused her death, great deal
ofYmpathy was felt by all who had met
the charming Lady Villas.
They drove to a quiet restaurant in
the neighborhood and tempting re
past was ordered for Hazel, who failed
to do Justice to the baronet's hospitality
She drank two cups of tea, for she was
exceedingly thirsty, and ate little o.
the broiled chicken, but found it I'M
possible to swallow another mouthful
Her mental anguish had destroyed hel
appetite,
Travers."
"Thank you, Sir Charles, l have made
very good lunch" replied Hazel, lift
ing her brown eyes to him.
GAS much as sparrow would pick
my dear lady. You look weary anC
need rest. / will bring you home a
once; my sister will see that you art
made comfortable. Come, let us 60"
He told the cabman to drive to Han
over Terrace, assisted Hazel to entel
the cab, then got in after her. He die
not trv to converse with her during
their brief drive, for he had tact enough
to understand that she was suffering
from mental trouble. He though
Lord Travers had grown tired of hi
Eiaison with the beautiful girl and cas-
her off. Her own words had conhrmet
his belief, and therefore the baronet de
termined to console her himself
Sir Charles Villas was good speci
men of the fascinating scoundrels 81
frequently met with in this world. HI
had not an atom OF principle, and h
looked upon women as children d,
upon their toys. He believed they wer,
made for the qualification of the houl
"All is fair in love and war;" was mot
to which he strictly adhered.
When the cab drove up to the resi-
dence of Sir Charles, he showed Haze
into a beautifully furnished drawing
room, saying:
81 will go and see if my sister is a
home"
He seated Hazel in comfortabl
easy-chair and left the room.
Sir Charles smiled as he walked uI
stairs and rang the bell for his valet,
man as unprincipled as himself.
"Watson, have room prepared for
lady guest. When | ring the drawing
room bell to inquire for my sister,
want you to answer it, and say that Mis-
, Villas has gone out to dinner"
eYour sister ?" exclaimed the maj
looking at him in surprise.
"Pshaw you understand"
"Ow replied the valet, as look of il
telligence flashed over his face; Il kno
: what you mean"
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