Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-05-02
CHAPTER Xx.

A S1lcnCO, 1QCenSo, QOrrOr SCr1CKcn, IOl- lows on his words. Miss Roche has fallen against the wall, with her hands clasped upon her bosom, and her eyes, large and affrighted, fixed on his.
 "StolenP' she says, the words coming with difficulty through her white lips. ssDo they think stole them?'' She shrinks backward against the wall as though she would fain sink through it, and so disappear forever.
 "Oh, nol Good heavens! Nor' re- plies he, shocked. "But this man An nerley. It is essential that he should be found and compelled to say where he got them. You say you don't know his ad- dress, but surely it may be discovered"
 "Have they been thinking that?" says Nadine, needless of his last words. "And you, have you, tool She breaks off as though the power to go on is lost to her. Her blanched face terri fies him.
 My darling! Don't look at me like that. Nadine! Who is accusing you! Who suspects you? Be reasonable"
 s'Lady Valworth suspects me. I see it all now, though did not understand be- fore why she was so cold to me all to-day. She thinks most cruelty, most unjustly of me. Ohi what shall I do?''
 'Nothing now. Tomorrow you must give us any help you can toward finding MT. Annerley. No doubt, 1" with quick contraction of the brows,' he will bS able to explain to us in a satisfactory manner how these jewels came into his possession. ,"
 ''What terrible situation,' says Ma dine, faintly. She covers her eyes with her hands. "If I had only obeyed him. If had followed his injunctions not to wear these fatal ornaments.
 ''He advised you not to wear them?' Duran's voice is sharp and keen.
 s'Yes. But only because he believed when we were both poor. Afterward, he said, when he had made his fortune, they would suit me we'll"
 "Did it not strike you that it was strange for man calling himself poor to be able to purchase such costly things?'
 'sI did not think. I seldom thought of him.'' Her tone is low and self reproach- full. ''How strong is fate," she says presently. tsTo drive me hereto com pei me to wear what had never worn before. But am not regretful," ," cries she, suddenly, with touch of vehe- mence. "He will be able to explain, of course. And now Lady Valworth and Millicent will get back their own.n 2
 She tears off the sapphire ornament and throws 1t into Duran's palm with 8 shudder.
 ''I must see Lady valworth. must speak with her." exclaims Nadine, eagerly. Her cheeks are burning, her hands tremulous.
 sWait until tomorrow
 "I shall not wait another moment. I cannot live with this weight upon my heart" She presses her hands convul- sively against her breast, "Take me to her." she implores, faintly.
 Seeing the excitement that Is betraying itself in glance and gesture, Duran draws her hand through his arm and leads her from the conservatory. The tea room is now deserted. and they pass into the hall without encountering anybody. Mid night chimes from some distant tower, the solemn sound breaking even through the light sparkling dance music that comes from the ball room on their left and that swells and rings through the house.
 "The last train is in. am afraid Lady Valworth will be taken up with her son. He has surely arrived, or is on the point of arriving" says Duran to his compan- ion in a low tone, Nevertheless, we will try if 1t be possible to see her alone for even a few minutes.''
 A servant gives them the information that her ladyship has just passed into the library in momentary expectation o1 Capt. Boyle's arrival. There they find her with Millicent, whom she has en- treated to stay with her, and Sir Thomas. As Nadine and Duran enter Sir Thomas is expostulating 8 little on his wife's assertion of her guests.
 s'It will be but for . little while, few moments" returns she eagerly. "He must, he will come by this train; and Clarissa'' (Mrs. Brand) "has taken my place. shall not be missed for half an hour, and he is sure to come straight here" T She looks up rather impatiently as Ma. dine comes into the room. The girl is white as death and trembling with agita- tion. Going up to Lady Valworth, she lays the sapphire pendant upon the table near her.
 "Lady Valworth," :" she says gently, hel voice low and earnest, Git is only just ! now that I have heard from MT. Duran about this," pointing to the sapphires "And your diamond cross-it is upstairs I-you shall have it in few moments But what want to say is-is''- Sh,
 w ANIED