Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1888-04-21
CHAPTER vi.
MADAME ELFINA.

twas the 25rd day of December, but
the weather was mild for the season,
and Paul L'Estrange was permitted to
take drive, Mary Rainsford accompany
ing him.
As soon as they had started. Lord
Cransford went out, and an hour later
he was in Mrs. L'Estrange's pretty
drawing-rJom, waiting for her to make
her appearance.
When she entered there was a flush
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.
..In health he is wonderfully better. "
Then | shall soon have him home"
she said gaily.
He shook his head.
II fear not, he said gravely. "Wili
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 a drive this afternoon, but he
won't come home"
She raised her eyes to his questioning
ly.
do you regret your marriage, Ell
fie?h asked Lord Cranburn. ''You
know l promised always to be your
friend, and | wish to keep my word.
Lord Cranburn," said Mrs. LES
TRANCE, sudden fear in her bright eyes,
sis anything the matter? certainly do
not regret my marriage with Paul.
How could /? love him with all my
heart.
II felt sure of it, | g 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 sawp
"Oh, Lord Cranburn," she said in a
low voice, so Paul has really mistrusted
me! | shall never be happy again"
Nonsense. child! There is no love
without jealousy. When the matter is
explained, L'Estrange viii crave your
pardon for his mistake, no doubt"
She sat in deep thought, her color
coming and going.
81 have a 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 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-
ton of all that has puzzled his poor
BRAIN"
al really do not understand =" began
his lordship.
81 dare say not; but have you too,
Lord Cranburn, no faith in me?n 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 / will accept
his decision. Faith will trust, even
where it cannot understand"
"What will the doctor sayPn
"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 NUT have lost his reason"
II will do my best to obey YOU" he
said firmly, with Miss Rainsford's he
may succeed. What good girl she
isi''
~ am glad you have found that out"
replied Ellie with bright look. ''And
now goodbye; have a pressing en-
gagement and must be OF"
''Can take you anywhere?" he asked
but she pointed out OF the window.
Thanks, no; my carriage is already
waiting" Far the managers broug-