The Delta independent., 1888-04-03
CHAPTER vi.
MADAME ELFINA.


take a drive, Mary Rainsford accompany
ing him.
As soon as they had started, Lord
he was in Mrs. L'Estrange's pretty
drawing-room, waiting for her to make
her appearance.
of excitement upon her cheek, and she
was looking more beautiful than ever.
She came eagerly forward with her
hands outstretched.
what news of Paul?" she enquired,
anxiously.
I'm health he is wonderfully better"
''Then shall soon have him home"
she said gaily.
He shook his head.
81 fear not" he SAID gravcly. evil
it be great disappointment to you if
he does not Gomez"
"If he does not come" she repeated,
looking at him with wonder and pain.
''Paul will not remain an hour away
from me, when he has the doctors per-
mission to be moved, you may be sure"
Yet he could not bear your pres
ence"
A panied look crossed her pretty face.
True, but he was delirious then"
''He is not delirious now; he is gone
out for drive this afternoon, but he
won't come home"
She raised her eyes to his questioning
ly.
'Do you regret your marriage, Ell.
tiep" asked Lord Cranburn. "You
know l promised always to be your
friend, and | wish to keep my word"
Lord Cranburn, said Mrs. l. Es.
TRANCE, a sudden fear in her bright eyes,
sis anything the matter? certainly do
not regret my marriage with Paul.
How could 1? l love him with all my
heart"
II felt sure of it." Re returned; "but
he believes you false to him. 1t is a
fixed idea. He has watched Miss Rains
ford's brother come in and out during
his illness: he found some love words in
his handwriting, which he fancies were
addressed to you, and he followed you
to Bournemouth in his jealousy, and
between five and six o'clock he wit
messed an interview between you and
Mr.. Rainsford, which brought on his
illness again. Ellie, can you explain
what he saw?"
"Oh, Lord Cranburn," she said in
low voice, so Paul has really mistrusted
me! l shall never be happy again"
Nonsense. child! There is no love
without jealousy. When the matter is
explained, L'Estrange will crave your
pardon for his mistake, no doubt"
She sat in deep thought, her color
coming and going.
II have secret" she said at length.
"but it is not what Paul supposes. You
have promised to be my friend, and now
| ask you to prove your friendship by
doing what 1 beg of you without ques
ton. Take Paul to the theatre at which
he is accustomed to act tomorrow night
and he will there receive a full explana
tion of all that has puzzled his poor
BRAIN"
81 really do not understand -" began
his lordship.
II dare say not; but have you too
Lord Cranburn, no faith in me!" she
asked with feeling.
Il do believe in you," he answered
with emotion, "or should not be here. !"
Then do as have asked you with
out comment; if Paul is satisfied, bring
him home yourself, and Mary also, and
we will have supper together. If Paul
wishes to leave me then l will accept
his decision. Faith will trust, even
where it cannot understand"
"What will the doctor say?"
'.Do not ask him; it is Paul's insane
jealousy which is now retarding his re-
covery. If cannot cure it no one can;
he must have lost his reason"
II will do my best to obey you," he
said firmly, with Miss Rainsford's s he p
may succeed. What good girl she
isr'
II am glad you have found that out, !"
replied Ellie with a bright look. "And
now good-bye; l have pressing en-.
gagement and must be Off"
"Can take you anywhere?' he asked
but she pointed out of the window.
Thanks, no; my carriage is already
waiting" For the managers broug.
ham was at the door to convey her to
the theatre for her last rehearsal.
Mary Rainsford, of course, understood
it all perfectly, when Lord Cranburn
took her into his confidence that eve
ming, and promised to persuade Paul to
take her to the theatre the following
night.
She had great influence over him, and
he readily acceded to her wish that he
would escort her there, and the trio
took possession of the actors box.
Il wonder who is this Madame Elfina
who makes her first appearance to.
nightP" said Paul, as he ran his eyes
over the programme.
"She is very dear friend of mine. ="
replied Mary with a smile. II hope
she will do justice to my dear brothers
piece, as well as have a great success
herself"
His brow darkcned.
"Is the piece hisp" he said. II had
not noticed"
HE deserves success" continued
Mary in gentle voice. "Mr. LES
TRANCE, don't think you know how
really good Cecil is.''
The man clenched his teeth savagely.
at is right you should think so," he
answered shortly.
And the curtain assembled.
Mary's heart beat fast as the drop