Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1888-02-16

he cooLLY TOOK THE LINES FROM HER HAND.
then, you did not place the matter in the
hands of derectivel How is 1t you deal
with me personally! In other words, how
came you here, and what do you want with
me?'
AS he asked her this he turned suddenly
and sharply around and looked her full in
the face.
The question was perfectly natural; but
the effect was extraordinary, and had he
not been in the mood that rendered him
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,
and in her confusion it seemed to her that
the quiet, strong face gazing so fxedlY into
hers seemed to read all; that those resist
less eyes pierced to her very souls depths
and caught it's inmost secrets, and seemed
to say: Whatever your answer, 1 know all.
She stammered out breathlessly, in ter
rifed, shame-faced manner:
'sIf you know all, why do you ask?'
"Ah," replied he, installing the meaning
of her answer, but still failing to compre-
bend the cause of her confusion, Eyes, do
know all.''
She hid her face in her hands to conceal
her feeling of shame. He could have no re-
supposing he were to make it public?
In asking this discomposing question of his,
Fairfax had been actuated only by 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 abaci1 and
talu nv cd hxyf hah hat
did she meanl 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 shield to protect, from the
shafts of justice, Dick and his other accom-
plices. He continued:
''Now, I viii tell you all about it. You
know"
''Stopp she cried, beseechingly. She
had become desperate. ''Stop! Mr.. Fair
fax. Unjust explain myself You say you
know all. You do not. / 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 supposed not only gentleman
but man of sincerity-one of the class
which my experience, as a rich woman
with fatterers Ind sycophauts has led me
hitherto to believe either fictitious or de-
fuuctl / 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.
Obi do not then think it boldness or shame
lessness that led me over the sea in this un-
womanly manner"
Fairfax listened in wonder. Did she
really mean that she had done this to shield
hint Was it possible that, after all, Dick
was right?
Turning toward her again, he abruptly
asked:
''Do you mean to say that you actually
came to America wishing to prove my innO-
cencea"
ST do'' answered she, fearlessly, and
looking unflinchingly 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 a secret feel
ing of exultation over the fact that he, the
man of humble fortune had to such an un-
suspected extent, aroused the interest OF
the greatest ''catch" in England.
'You are mistaken" said he, ''I do not
consider you bold or shameless. 1t is
who am disgraced; ! who have ruined my
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 Marchioness'. I never had
seen the Princess before that evening,
about shutdown. saw her-and if you will
have it-loved her. The whole thing was
an affair of but a moment. You think she
has suffered and been unhappy. I do not.
believe she has never been happier since
her brothers death 1 never troubled her
until to-day, when she discovered who I
was, and, naturally, was indignant at learn
ing my course of duplicity. She is the love
lest, purest and most angelic being on
earthr'
''Aye! that she is % warmly added Lydia,
without the least tinge of jealousy"
''Of course" he went on to say, at have
| promised to free her, and think you must
have been sent here by merciful provi-
dence te take her back 1 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 viii not refuse to take charge of her,
will youm saia ke, looking up inquiringly.
| al 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, 1 shak at least strive
to repay that. You do not know that am
poor and professionlessi'
81 know it ALL replied Lydia. quietly.
al know all about YOU
'How," aalzed he, in surprise.