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

1ust1ce upon earthl know, for you
have told me, all your pitiful story ei
wrong. How he deserted you, leaving
you with your child upon your breast,
unprovided for, for all those long, darl;
years! And now we find him million
aire, looked upon as kind, charitable,
honorable! I have thought over the
story OF our wrongs until my brain
reels and my heart is on fire. Mamma,
I intend to be avenged!"
"Adelep
"I intend to be avenged!"
Her voice was slow and level; hel
ewes flashed with hateful light; she
was something to fear. as she stood
there, in her glittering stage dress, SO
out of place in the midst of that wild
storm of passion.
"He deserves punishment" she said
slowly; "and /" she stopped short,
for Gabrielle had arisen, and ap-
preached her, her wet garments drag
ging over the bare floor with swish
ing sound.
sListen, Adelep she commenced
and bending her head she spoke swift
ly in low tone
The girl fell back little, trembling
violently.
Ellis daughter, mamma? What do
you mean? Is it possible that"
"lt is possible that he has married
agsin!" broke in Gabrielle's voice in a
slow monotone.
"She is dead, thank heaven! But
there is child-a young girl-a beau
tiful creature, Adele! I watched her
through the window where I knelt in
the storm and darkness. She was mag
nifcently dressed-like queen, Adele
for the theater, she said. And, lis.
ten, dear, believe she is in this very
house tonight"
A low cry broke from the girls lips.
"Hushp painted Gabrielle. "You
must go upon the stage now! Seel
They have sent!"
A change instantly passed over the
girls face, transforming it into smil.
ing painted mask. as her eyes fell upon
the call boy, making his way towards
her.
A little later she had fitted out upon
the stage, to be received with loud
outburst of applause. She came float
ing back again, after the dance was
done, pale and trembling like leaf.
Gabrielle, who had exchanged her wet
clothing for dry garments, arose invol-
unfairly at sight of the awful anguish
upon the girls face.
"My child" she was beginning;
but Adele clutched her imperiously.
Mamma, listen! He is there, in
front, Arthur Wynne! He has come
every night for weeks, to see me dance:
he has showered at my feet the love-
iest bouquets! He has been very kind
and courteous to me, as you know.
Once, when I was insulted by drunken
fellow on the street, Arthur Wynno
came to my rescue and saved me from
yhame and humiliation. He treats me
as if I were the highest lady in the land.
He is rich, handsome, sristocratic, far
above me-he is"
"Ir short, the catch Of the seasonp /"
answered Gabrielle; "and not likely to
think seriously of ballet dancer!"
The girls eyes were blazing. She
was pale as sculptured marble, and her
slight form shook like a reed in the
wind.
"Hush!" she cried, sharply; II am
Adele st. Cyr Lawrence, by right, and
quite as good as he! But have not
told you all! Mamma, he is in stage
box, the box on the right. I can al.
most touch him as I move over the
stage; end he is not alone! A beauti-
full girl is with him; yellow-haired,
blue-eyed doll, with a wild-rose color
in her cheeks. She is no prettier than
I, but she wears costly dress-violet
velvet, and amethysts. l.
Gabrielle st. Cyr started as with a
shock, and her face grew CHASTITY white.
"Wait moment!" she painted swiftly.
She slipped from the room and
around to the "wings." She peered
forth, seeing but unseen, for moment,
then she returned.
"Adelo!" her voice was shaking so
that it was scarcely audible; lit is
Ruby Lawrence!"
Silence. No sound to break the still
ness resting over the dingy dressing
room like pail. At last:
Mammal" Git was like o wall of de-
spair) II love him-Arthur Wynne!
Far above me, though you say he is, I
am his equal after all; and he would
have loved me in time, I know it. But
she has won him; I could see it even
while I pirouetted over the stage, for O
dancer must dance though her heart be
breaking! Every glance OF his Deauti-
full eyes into her doll baby 70, means
love!
"She has won him, mamma, as she
has won all! For her-home, fortune,
position and now, greater than I'LL else,
his love! But she shall not triumph
long! Let Ruby Lawrence beware!
The tigress in the jungle is no more
pitiless than jealous hatred; swear to
punish her, to make her bow her head
in endless shame; to pay back all the
debt owe! And Adele st. Cyr never
breaks an oath!"
CHAPTER TIT