The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-07-31

u,ents that no one observed the tiny
blue fame that was creeping and crawl
ing up the lace curtains of the box,
close at Ruby's side; crawling nearer -
nearer; no one knew, no one saw, save
that graceful, fairy-like creature upon
whom all eyes were fixed, while she
danced as surely mortal never danced
before. All at once hot breath famed
Ruby's cheek; she turned suddenly
and started to her feet with wild
shrek of horror which resounded
through the crowded house. The cur
tains of the box were wrapped in
flame, which had already crisped and
scorched the lace drapery that she
wo-a
The insidious flame was famed into
blaze by her swift movements in aris-
ing, and in a moment she was writhing
amid crimson tongues of fire. One
swift glance, and Arthur Wynne was at
her side, his face pale as death, his dark
eyes full of unutterable horror.
He caught up his overcoat from a
gilded seat where it was lying and
wrapped it about the slender form OF
the girl. The house was in q panic. Men
ran wildly to his assistance, women
shrieked and tainted; it was q scene
never to be forgotten.
Fifteen minutes later, Ruby Law
renee, pale and half fainting, was borne
from the theater and placed in her car.
riage, terribly frightened and unstrung,
but saved, uninjured.
Arthur Wynne assisted Mrs. Chill
ingworth to seat at Ruby's side, then,
after slight hesitation, sprang in and
seated himself, while the carriage drove
off at full speed for Lawrence Park.
Ruby felt a pair of dark, handsome
eyes bent upon her pale, terrified face
eyes which held q divine light before
which she trembled like culprit.
"I said that I should meet my fate
tonight" the girl murmured softly to
herself. II wonder if-if-"
The words died away in blissful
reverie; but the beautiful eyes turned
no more in his direction.
Lawrence Park was reached; the car.
riage entered the gates, drove up the
broad avenue and paused before the
entrance to the great white villa, stand
ing as still and white as though the
shadow of doom were not resting ove1
it. Aye, lowering upon its very thresh-
old.
A pair of strong arms lifted R Iby
down and placed her upon the marble
steps of the mansion. And then she
lifted her shy eyes to his eager face
once more.
@How can I thank you?" she was be-
ginning. but he interrupted her.
by saying nothing about it, dear
Miss Lawrence, " he intervened. "And
you will let me call soon?"
The look that she gave him said more
than her courteous reply; he bowed his
head swiftly, and pressed his lips upon
her white hand.
Then he was gone, and Ruby entered
the house, little dreaming of all that
would lie between them before they
met again.
She ran lightly up the velvet-carpeted
staircase; Mrs. Chillingworth, who
was to remain at Lawrence Park for
the night, had already sought her own
room.
At the door of her fathers chamber,
Ruby paused.
IT wonder if papa is asleep?" she
said, softly. II wish I could see him
before retiring: but I do not like to
disturb him; it is so late! And l will
tell him about my wonderful escape
and-Mr Wynne" (her sweet face flush
ing like the heart of June rose) "in
the morning."
She rested her flushed cheek against
the pazel of his chamber-door for an
instant, and then, with a whispered
Goodnight, papa!% she was gone:
Murder! Murder! Murder!"
The cry rang out upon the still
morning air. like knell of doom; dy-
ing away into broken gurgle of hor-
ror.
A few moments later. q trembling,
white-faced group had gathered about
the door of the library, from beneath
which slender, dark-red stream was
issuing.
It was human blood!
And then q strong hand burst open
the door, and they saw sight which
would haunt them to their dying day.
The chandelier was still burning,
throwing it's garish glare over the
awful scene, and making the daylight
quail.
And there, upon the velvet carpet,
prone upon his face, lay Gilbert Law
renee, of Lawrence Park-with dag
ger thrust in his heart-stone dead, and
had been for hours.
rTO RE CONPIEuED1