Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-12-26

inc Corsi and preparations had been made for the celebration of the cere- mony with the splendor worthy of such q wealthy bridegroom.
 Pauline and Camilla wore together in the young girls apartments.
 On one of the sofas lay the dresses of white satin and lace, which the brldo and bridcmaid were to wear upon the following morning.
 On a table near stood a box, which contained the wreaths selected by the Frenchwoman for herself and Camilla. ].
 This box had not as yet been opene ;.
 Come, dearest Camilla" exclaimed Pauline; "have you no wish to see the Parisian flowers which are to adorn thu t beautiful head tomorrow? You certainly are most devoid of that feminine weak ness-curiosity.
 II can trust to your taste, Pauline" '" answered Camilla.
 That's just as much as to say you don't care straw about the matter; and that you are thinking of nothing but that stupid lover of yours. who is, no doubt, thousands and thousands of miles away"
 Camilla sighed. Her face was averted, and she did not see the arch smile which lighted up the Frenchwoman's face "However," continued Pauline; "I shall insist on your approving of my choice"
 She unfastencd the cord which was tied about the box; and, lifting the lid, took out the two wreaths.
 They were both Of the same pattern -coronet-shaped garlands of orange flowers and buds, purely white amidst their glistening green leaves as true to nature as if they had been gathered from hot-house, and breathing tho delicious perfume of the flower.
 They were tho perfection of Parisian tastc and art.
 Why, Pauline," exclaimed Camilla, "they are both bridal wreaths."
 "Can you guess why 1t is r
 "No, indeed"
 "Because there will be two brides to- morrow. never break promise. To- morrow, Don Juan Moraquitos will divide his fortune: one half he will TO- serve for himself and his wife, the other he will give to his daughter and the hus- band of her choice" But, Pauline, how in Heavens name will you accomplish this?"
 "That is. my secret There is very little time left me for my work. It is now nine o'clock. l must go out imme- diately."
 ..Go out, and at this hourp"
 Ut Is absolutely necessary"
 "But. dear Pauline, you will have my carriage. you will let me accompany you9' "Neither; 1 so on foot and alone." She hurried from tho room before Ca- millia could remonstrate further, and the Spanish girl, beEildered and amazed, seated herself near the table, looking | musingly at tho two bridal wreaths. That night Sllas Craig sat alone in the office in which was the map of America The lawyer had triumphed over the man who had scorned him. He had seen Gerald Leslie's proud nature abased to the very dust, and the darling child of doating father sold to her most deadly enemy; for the slave ha. no greater enemy than the hardened profigate, whose guilty passions her charms have awakened. Silas Craig was a winner in the game of hfe-what cared he for the dark secrets upon the cards he had played? He was rich, and he could defy man. kind.
 He had dined sumptuously after the fatigue of the slave sale, and the table before him was spread with glittering decanters of the choicest wines. This man reveled in the luxuries of a palace; but he had risen from the gut wore the degradation of the foul haunts in which he had been reared.
 He lounged in his easy-chair, slipping wine, which sparkled like melted jewels in the light of the shaded lamp.
 He was disturbed from his reverie by the entrance of the slave who waited upon him.
 "A lady, massa," said the man.
 "A lady? a lady at this time of nightp phsaw; why you must be dreaming"
 "No, massa, me wide awake. lady, a very beautiful lady, with white hands and rings, oh, golly dey shine like stars"
 Did she tell you her name?"
 "No, massa, but she glib me dis"
 The negro handed Silas card.
 This card bore the name of Mlle Paul. inc Corsi.
 warning:
 "There are secrets which Silas Craig may ~hsh to preserve; If 80. he will do we'll to see Mile. Corsi"
 Like all base creatures, Silas was a coward. The card dropped from his trembling hand. md his bloated face