Iuka reporter. (Iuka, Miss.) 1888-1894, 1890-02-20
A Mad MARRIAGE
The Heiress Of Law
renee Park.
A STORY OF ABSORBING INTEREST.
by MRS. e. u. COLLINS.
CHAPTER II.
BEHIND THE SCENES.

ehlouSh buc MY III ufltt tlle StOrUl, VA
brielle flew down the long, wind-swept,
rain-drenchod walk, which led from
the mansion to the high arched iron
gates beyond. Once there she halted
and glanced back toward the house,
standing white and grand amid the tall
trees like marble enchanted palace.
An awful look rested upon her stern,
white face, as she lifted her clenched
hand and shook it savagely.
Curse you'll" she painted, hoarsely,
under her breath; "the curse of a
broken heart, a ruined life, lost soul,
rest upon that house and all within it y
The iron gate opened swiftly. She
passed through; it closed behind her
with a loud clang, and all was still.
Lawrence Park was situated in the
suburbs of a great city. She turned
her face in the direction of its twink
ling lights, and plunged ON through the
gloom.
The thunder and lightning had lain
down to rest. The rain was coming
down in a slow, musical drip, drip,
upon the wet pavements
She drew her drenched garments
about her and hurried on. All at once
q dark form emerged from the gloomy
shadows, and ere she could cry out a
hand was laid upon her own.
"Gabriellel" cried low voice in
guarded tones; she fell back, trem.
bling violently.
Don't you know me?" cried the
mans voice a little contemptuously
'you are not usually such coward,
Gabrielle st. Cyril"
She drew long breath Of relief.
Mark" she faltered; "is it YOU:
What is the matters"
He bent his head; handsome
brigandish fellow, and spoke in low
hurried tone:
You have been thereto Lawrence
Park?" he demanded sharply. mo
no, you cannot deny it. Is he there
the old man? And did you see him
alone?"
His dark eyes glittered through the
gloom, and his voice shook perceptibly.
eyes, saw him y she returned slow.
ly. "Mark Alleyne, listen to me. You
love Adele?"
His broad chest rose and fell with
eager excitement, ana his voice was
scarcely audible as he made answer
fiercely:
CAS- I do my own soul! But, she-I
an. afraid it is too late, Gabrielle!"
She moved impatiently.
"Let me manage all that!" she said
swiftly.
Come to me tomorrow, Mark, at
my own home; I will be alone, while
Adele is at the theater; have some
thing to say to you-something of i'm
portance-a matter of life and death |!
Will you come 2"
I will be there. And now, good
night"
He turned swiftly and left her alone.
She knew not which way he went; but
he had taken the path straight to Law
renee Park.
Left alone, she hurried onward. She
was strangely shaken; her face pale as
death, her eyes full of terror.
She hurried onward where the city
streets lay spread OFT like the tracing
.@-ssson a map; she turned corner, and
paused before great, brilliantly illu.
minated building, which bore an i'm.
mense sign-"O deon Theater.n
Just in timel" she muttered, casting
wild glance about.
She turned in at an open doorway !,
down long. narrow entry; up pain
OF bare, dirty stairs, and paused to
rap lightly upon door. 1t opened al
once, and she darted over the thresh-
old
1t was a dressing-room attached ia
the theater.
In the center Of the dingy apartment
stood dazzling vision in short white
tulle skirts, spangled with glittering fire.
HES; cluster OF fire-fies tangled in
the rneshes Of her long, dark hair, which
waved over her shoulders, q simmer
ing, dusky veil.
A beautiful face, in spite of the stage
makeup"
Large, dark eyes; straight, delicate
features; aface to attract and fascinate;
a face ftllI Of hidden power.
Adele st. Cyr, as she was called. was
ofsiy 2 da'sse,tse, but she was pretty as
= picture; ssucy- piqata7ste.
She whirled about upon the toe oil
one white satin shod foot with a low
speculation Of surprise.
Mammal Where have YOU been:
and what is the matter? Come in.
qnlek. Oh, heaven help usl What il
wf0ngs@
Sne fell back with cry of horror.
For her eyes had fallen upon her moth
er's ssngloyed hand, upon which was
gssat, hitieous stain, the stain of fresh
crimson blood.
Pale and trembling, the girl stood
gazing upon it, but Gabrielle made no
attempt - explanation; she sank into
seat, with bowed head and averted
cycs.
Adele stood watching her, her eyea
giittering like steel; in their depths d
look not good to see.
Tell me all r she painted, excitedly.
Ven have seen him, at last; this man
who is' lshe drew her breath hard. as
though in PAIN @my father; yet who
does not acknowledge his own child.
He lives in palace home, with every
luxury that heart can wish; respected.
honored; while You, his lawful wife.
are little better than a beggarl And i,
his child, 1 dance upon the stage every
night FOR the pittancc that keeps the
wolf from our door!
There is no good in world where
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