Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-05-15

low being now in tulllivery, which became
him we'll, though he also bore svidences
of having been busying himself in house
work.
Adele repeated the question which she
had put 70 the maid, but only received .
similar reply.
''Why do you then disturb me by COM
ing hsre2" said she, petulantly.
Perish the thought that would ruffis
your ladYships reposel" squeaked the lit
tie fellow, striking an attitude that be-
guiled her of a smile. for he had become
n privileged character in that strangely
Bohemian household.
But my mastertol me that your high
ness would inspect the palace improve
ments after their completion. Such is
now the case, fair princess. Maurice
hath wrought him well, the stranger churls
have bowed them meath the lash of dis
cipline, and yours devotedly has duly
oiled the wheels of labor with his super
vision. In less poetic phrase, the job is
did"
Go along, then, you ridiculous impl'
she laughed, preparing to follow him.
only, be sure to leave out your theatre
calls hereafter in your masters presence,
or you may have your ears again pulled
as they were this morning..
81 am not unmindful of the correction,
madame, said the little fellow, rubbing
his ears with comical gravity. as he led
the way. My master is cruelty inappre-
ciative of the fact that was a call-boy
for. two years in the proudest histrionic
temple of the Pacific coast
But brief description of the apart
ments, the cleaning and renovating of
which Madame Ronceville was proceed
ing to inspect, will suffice for the pur-
poses of the narrative.
They occupied the first floor of a large
double house, were seven or eight in
number and had been sumptuously fitted
up in the Oriental style by the immed-
lately preceding tenant, Turkish am
bassador of magnificent tastes and cor
responding prodigality. They had been
little used, and had been hired in this
condition by Boncourt (under the name
of De Mauleon) of the ambassadors 3
agent, about a twelve-month before. The
chief apartment was a superb dining
room, on one side of the hallway at the
rear of the suite, and this connected by
folding doors with o drawing room of
even greater luxury, which was, in addi-
tion to the furniture naturally pertaining
to it, provided with numerous card
tables and the apparatus for several games
of chance. A back staircase commune
Gated directly with the dining room, and
this was the only one in use. The rest
of the house was unoccupied, and the
street door had hardly been once opened
during the De Mauleon occupancy. The
back staircase led into spacious gar
den, from which access was had to Sc
questered side street or narrow court.
When business" was under way in the
rooms above, usually in the night time,
guard was placed at the gate leading
from the garden to the street, and still
another at the entrance to the lower hall
way communicating with the staircase re-
ferred to. No one was admitted without
certain pass words, with which anticipa-
ted visitors were duly provided before
hand. These precautions were taken less
as safeguard against police interfer-
ence than with view of investing the
entree with that species of ceremonious
mystery, of the forbidden fruit descrip-
ton, which is never without fascina-
tion of its own.
The appointments of the interior in
cluded costly carpets, gorgeous fresco-
ings, resplendent chandeliers, statues
and paintings of more or less merit, and
pretty much everything Of an ornamental
nature that q luxurious fancy, accom-.
panied by princely expenditure, could
have suggested.
Such were the rooms that had beer
hastily renovated, and which Madame
Ronceville was now inspecting with
secret weariness and uneasiness at heart,
and with feverish longing for the day
and the night to be over and done, that
she might be foreyermore released from
the exciting and adventurous existence
which had SO long fascinated her, but
which the rapid growth of a really genu-
inc affection, with worthy object, had
steadily rendered more and more dis.
tasteful, until at last she had come to
scarcely think of it without misgivingt
and loathing.
She had expressed her approval of ev-
erything that had been done, and was
passing from the drawing room, il
which some expert and silent-footed ser.
wants from neighboring caterers were
| already preparing for the coming ban.
| quet, when she heard her brothers foot.
! step on the stairs without.
| A glance at his composed face as he
entered showed her that his plans wert
thus far propitious.
Il will follow you into the cabinet
Adele" said he, and then, as she moved
away, he turned to Dip, saying: "Hal
Maurice showed you everything about tn.
entrance, and explained what will b,
your duties tonight"
| Yes, sir.
"Go to him now, then, and he will tax,
you out to your supper. The maid cal
look after our wants till your return
You will be placed on guard at the garder
gate at 10 precisely, when will appris,
] you of the passwords.
He then sought Adele in the cabinet.
Il know by your air that you hav,
been successful, !" said she, looking up.
In way that has exceeded my highes
expectations, said he, seating himself a
her side. But no messenger has ye
| called?"
/ NO."
1T may not be quite time yet, said he
consulting his watch. Il have managed
to charm, Adele. Ah-Ben is by thi
time with Noel and his companions.
| gave him full instructions beforehand
after making sure that his performance
4. were to be called into requisition by th
4 Highcombe merrymakers."
i Adele sighed.
"You think there is no doubt of hi
success?" said she.
None whatever. His discretion
equals his skill. He may come or sen,
here at any moment Twenty guineas i
an incentive which isn't afforded hiI
often. He will bring the coveted paper
feel sure that he will"