The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-09-11

What could he do but murmur some
low words of fiattery, which made the
color rush to her face for an instant
and she seated herself upon silken
couch close at his side.
A chill passed over Arthur Wynne al
the contact.
How did he know what hand this
beautiful enchantress might have had
in Ruby's downfall?
"Who was your escort this morning,
Miss Lawrence?" (he choked little
over that name) "who was the gentle
man with whom you were driving, II
it's fair question:"
She smiled sweetly.
"Oh, that, of course" she returned
quickly. 1T was only Mark! lou see,
Mark Alleyne has been like brother
to me all my life! I cannot remember
q time when I did not know Mark! He
has always escorted me, is always at
my command! He is-just Mark, that
is ALL"
And the sweet smile grew into a
laugh.
It was evident to her that Arthur
Wynne was really interested, or why
should he trouble himself to ask such a
question. And the belief was strength
ened by Arthur's murmured observa-
tion that Mark was to be envied, and
must be very happy man! =
VI course Arthur Wynne desplsed
himself for the part he was playing
but it must be played. He must lose
no chance to find clue to the awful
mystery which he had sworn to un-
ravel. And he watched the fair face
beside him as cat watches mouse,
as he put another question:
"Miss Adele, have you heard any
thing? Is there any news of-of-
Miss Ruby?"
She turned away with little shiyer
of disgust.
"No, none!" she replied, so harshly
that it made him start. Don't speak
of her!" she added. hoarsely.
He arose to 60.
IT will do myself the honor of calling
again scop," he said. 81 would like to
see your mother and hand over to her
the kew of the room upstairs. 1t has
been in my possession long enough,
since no clue can be obtained. And I
prefer returning it to her direct!' he
added.
Adele smiled assent. It was so easy
to see that the key was mere pretext
to repeat his call at the earliest possi-
bic opportunity. What bright idea
it had been for her to represent NAM
ma!
And all the time Gabrielle, upstairs
in her own chamber, was patiently
awaiting the termination of the inter-
view.
Some one else was waiting, too! In
the music-room, which was separated
from the drawing-room by heavy por-
there's, Mark Alleyne had overheard Ill
that had passed. His face was like O
corpse; his eyes flashed like fire as he
muttered silently:
"Only Mark! Like brother to
her, all my life! All! my dear little
sister Adele, you shall live to learn
that there is no feud like that between
brethren! She shall remember that
while Cain was the first murderer, it
was his brother whose life he took!
"But I have made up my mind to
one thing! I shall know her decision
her final decision-soon! Ali" as
he heard Arthur Wynne's retreating
footsteps, "she shall answer me now!
She shall not make mock or play
thing of me any longerl I will know
my fate-happiness or woe! It is bet
ter to know the worst! And, if she
refuses me! Bah! I hold her-and
hers-in the hollow of my hand!"
And Adele, smiling last adieu to
Arthur Wynne, turned when the outer
door had closed upon him, and found
herself standing face to face with Mark
Alleyne-the only living creature on
earth whom she and her mother feared
and had good reason to fear.
"Come into the drawing-room, Adele,
he began, sternly, his eyes burning
into hers. II have something to say to
you!"