Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1888-01-19
proof against surprise, Fairfax would have

proof against surprise, Fairfax would have
evinced this
Lydia gasped, shrank back upon her seat
and, under the keen scrutiny of those
searching eyes, became crimson, then pale
ana In her confusion it seemed to her that
the quiet, strong face gazing SO fixedly into
hers seemed to read all; that those resist
less eyes pierced to her very souls depths
and caught its inmost secrets, and seemed
10 say: Whatever your answer, I know all.
She stammered out breathlessly, in ter
rltied, shame-faced manner:
III you know all, why do you asks"
An" replied he, mistaking the meaning
OF her answer, but still failing to compre-
mend the cause of her confusion, 'tyes, 1 do
know all"
She hid her face in her hands to conceal
her feeling of shame. He could have no re-
spect for her now; and-horrible thought
SuppoSing he were to make it public!
In asking this discomposing question of his,
Fairfax had been actuated only by a desire
to learn what was publicly known about the
abduction of the Princess-if his accom-
pieces had been discovered; if others, be-
sides Lydia, knew of his guilt and where
abouts; or if she only had gained the secret.
He had made no accusation at all against
her; and was, therefore, taken aback and
did she mean! He could not stop to reflect.
He was resolved upon this plan.
His future, at any rate, was ruined-so he
took it for granted. Still he would make
the best of circumstances. He would Sc
cure Lydia as shield to protect, from the
shafts of justice, Dick and his other accom-
plices. He continued:
snow, will tell you all about it. You
know
'StopI' she cried, beseechingly. She
had become desperate. "Stop! Mr.. Fair
fax Unjust explain myself. You say you
know all. You do not. l am not the bold
creature you believe me-"
Fairfax listened with growing astonish-
ment. Lydia continued:
''Some time after Natalie's disappear
ance, a singular dream awakened in my
mind an unpleasant suspicion. 1 drove it
away, time and again. But, time and
again, it returned. A brief conference
with Louvait, the French detective only
confirmed my belief that this unwelcome
visitor was right in demanding entertain
ment. But, on such slight grounds, how
could bring accusation against an individ-
ual whom l supposed not only gentleman
but a man of sincerity-one of the class
which my experience, as a rich woman
with 1atterers and sycophants has led me
hitherto to believe either fictitious or de-
funct? l could not do it; and yet that sus-
picion refused to be put down. There was
but one resort left me-either to prove it,
or disprove it; and that by myself, alone
Oh! do not then think it boldness OF shame
lessness that led me over the sea in this I'M
womanly Manner
Fairfax listened in wonder Did she
really mean that she had done this to shield
hims Was it possible that, after all, Dick
was righta
Turning toward her again, he abruptly
asked:
''Do you mean to say that you actually
came to America wishing to prove my inno-
cence?"
II do,'' answered she, fearlessly, and
looking unf'inchingly into his eyes.
Fairfax, seeing that the girl was very
highly wrought-up and keenly felt the dis
grace and aWkwardness of her position, re-
solved to comfort her. Besides, he was NOR
tai and could scarcely repress secret feel
ing of exultation over the fact that he, the
man of humble fortune had, to such an I'M
suspected extent, aroused the interest of
the greatest ''catch'' in England.
"You are mistaken" said he, 81 do not
consider you bold or shameless. 1t is |
who am disgraced; who have ruined nv
reputation in the eyes of two lovely women
And yet am not the abandoned wretch you
must think me. told you the truth at that
fatal ball at the Warehouses. I never had
seen the Princess before that evening"
about shutdown. 1 saw her-and if you will
have it-loved her. The whole thing was
an affair of but moment. You think she
has suffered and been unhappy. l do not.
l believe she has never been happier since
her brothers death. 1 never troubled her
until to-day, when she discovered who 1
was, and, naturally, was indignant at learn
ing my course of duplicity. She is the love
lest, purest and most angelic being on
earthl''
AYE! that she is ~ warmly added LYDIA
without the least tinge of jealousy"
''Of COURSE he went on to say, 81 have
promised to free her, and think you must
have been sent here by merciful provi-
dence to take her back I shall put her in
your sole charge. The steamer by which she
came is still in New York, but will tele-
graph the captain to stop here for you.
You will not refuse to take charge of her,
will your said he, looking up inquiringly
II have failed after risking literally every
thing. I even borrowed a large sum in
order to carry out my plans. If I have moth
ing else to work for, shall at least strive
to repay that. You do not know that am
poor and professionless!"
81 know it ALL" replied Lydia, quietly.
81 know all about you.'
How asked he, in surprise.
She answered simply:
Il have been at your home''
''Ah, then you are the lovely Miss earns
forda''
Lydia blushed.
Fairfax looked at the girl She certainly
must be a remarkable woman to have
undertaken such an errand as she declared
she had come upon. Next to his own Prin-
cess she was, assuredly, the finest woman
he had ever seen.
She felt his scrutinizing gaze, and became |
visibly embarrassed. By no means was
her regard for this man yet gone
Il ask of you one more favor" he con-
tinued. II shall not see the Princess again |
at least, to speak with her. Will you tell |
her-that if her suspicious are aroused as |
to my confederates in the deed request |
her too keep them to herself If Justice |
must be satisfied, myself will appear alone |
and suffer any penalty that may free the |
others. But | feel quite sure that she will |
divulge not even the name of the steamer |
that brought her here and takes her back to |
France; and think the Lady Lydia is still |
friend enough to stand by me in keeping this /
request HERSELF
You may depend upon me-" said Lydia,
holding out her ungloved hand, and placing
it in Fairfax's in sign of friendship.
Here Fairfax stopped the horse They
were at the entrance to Eld-Field.
Handing the reins to LYDIA he said
''1f you want my assistance, send note
over to the cottage yonder, where my aunt
and am staying. Meanwhile will order
Blanche, the Princess maid to prepare all
things for deDarture and will lot ber lrpoyv