The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-05-27

You rave. I9 not the secret Of your
career-your association with ne-a con-
slant deception2"
She bit her lip.
NO; not practically-tbat belongs to
the miserable past, she murmured, after
O troubled pause. Il have never aided
your schemes in any way since my learn
ing to love Noel. And you have prom>
ised that my presence at this next feast to
your Londen spendthrifts shall signaiize
nv future freedom from all such partici-
pGtloa." ,,,
Why, isn't the fact of our both passing
under assumed names, in London, de-
ception? You strain Mt gnat. But l
won't bore you with biblicism, even on
Sunday"
Il maintain my ground. I shall not de-
ceive the only man I have ever loved y
said Adele, with some sullenness. i have
never assumed my alias since coming here
since knowing him. There is no spe.
cial Inconsistency.
He burst into bitter laugh, for he wai
little used to being thwarted, even by
her.
You amaze mel" he sneered. "Of
course, you are going to make an open
confession to Noel before the nuptials?
Your early marriage, your divorce, your
baby that Was stolen"
"Stopl" exclaimed Adele, with o sud
den ferceness that made him regret hzd
words. -Alphonse, how dare your AL
lude to any thing but my lost child-the
one groaning secret of my past-recall
not that to me, if-if you would not make
me hate you'll"
He muttered something unintelligible.
and began to pace the floor with uneasy
strides.
Il could not help the allusion, Adele
by nv faith, could net!" he continued,
in q calmer tone. The child was
strangely enough brought lack to my
memory to-day: l saw a face that re-
minded me Of the woman we once sus.
pected of having stolen it..
1Cieli When-how-where"
1T is no matter, since, of course, il
could not have belongedto her."
"Ah, that stands to reason, indeedl
You tracked her at the time, you hunted
her down, only to find her about to ex.
>piate even worse crime on the scaffold.
But no; not worse one Vengeance OF
heaven! Could thers have been crime
more heinous than the robbing me OF
my child-my beautiful babe-my star
eyed boy2 Ahl that wild, passionate
wretch had long threatened me with her
vengeance, but gave no heed--oh, mis-.
cry, that I gave no he'll"
She had grown greatly excited, and
was pressing her clasped hands to heI
breast.
Think no more Of it, Adele, said he,
brother, with return of his sympathetic
tone. Il was O brute to have alluded 10
it. Shall get you glass of wine?"
NO; patience. shall be myself again
in q moment"
But Boncourt, in spite of his love foI
her, was not going to relinquish his origi.
nal object. He waited until she had grown
calm, and then said:
Adele, it is absolutely necessary that
you should assist me in the way have
intimated. I must have the piece OF
writing that puts Gilbert Marlowe in my
power"
She shook her head.
But suppose I prove it to be indispen.
sable to both you and me?"
Il repeat, you exaggerate it's Importance
to as, Alphonse. I am already sure OF
Noel, come what may"
He gave strange laugh, which caused
her to look up unessily.
Where ignorance is bliss, tits folly
But, pshaw! What! Am I going maxim
mad?"
What do you mean, Alphonse?"
Simply that you would not be SO con-
fdent of your power had you seen what
has come under my observation to-day
~Teu me everything, quick"
You have rival, Adele; at all events
there is one who might, if she chose,
cause your preu1 chevalier to totally for.
get you, when not absolutely in your
presence"
-Parbleu! It cannot be-"
Would jest with your hearth"
Whom do you mean?"
The little mademoiselle over yondei
at the banker's-Miss Alworth. he sal
beside her at dinner, and was directly
opposite. Why, the boy had his heart in
his face, and he' Indifference cut him ta
the quick2"
"Ah!"
He was even jealous OF the old CHM
panzee of lawyer, who is painting to
marry her, they sly. If you had been
there, it might have been different, but,
outside Of your spell, he palpitated in hel
atmosphere like tree toad IN the sun.
shine lie IS only year or two her
senior. She has beauty and high quail.
ties. They have Leen brought up under
the same roof"
Adele drew long breath.
This is too ridiculous for anything,
Alphonse," said she, with forced laugh.
However. vii! no longer subject you to
my silly caprices. ! will see WI at en-
De done towards obtaining that scrap Of
paper from Noel-that is, If he really pos.
sesses it."
Boncourt thanked and kissed her.
You can manage it in some way when
they are ali here together on Tuesday"
said he, with his suavity fully restored.
In the meantime will myself look after
Noel. Who knows but that I might rem
der your cooperation unnecessary. But,
at all events, Jasper must be forestalled.
CHAPTER XVI.
FRrITLEss QUESTS
Boncou.t, however, was fated to dis
appointment. =!
Adele and 10 we're yet at their breakfast
o. tie following morning when the for.
mer received note from Noel by messen-
ger, =, :,