Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-10-08
DARK DAYS.
ny RUGH CONWAY.
CHAPTER VIII. --CONTINuED.


Whenever did so must also reveal the
fact of her husbands being dead, and my
doing SO must bring the whole story Of his
death to her knowledge. trembled IS
thought what this might mean. Surely Its
dramatic surroundings must suggest some
thing to her mind-must bring back the
night and its horrors; must, in fact. tell her
what she had done In her madness! Rather
than risk this. l must let her continue TO
bear the cruel weight Of what she thought
her shame. Ny aim must be to make her
believe that Sir Mervyn Ferrand is still
alive, and troubling nothing as to what has
become OF the woman whom lie once falsely
swore to love and cherish until death.
cursed the wretch's memory as though. Of
him.
The sending Of Philippa to live under this
charge Of one of his own discarded mistress
es was but another proof of the mans re-
voting cynicism. Mrs. Wilson's acceptance
Of the charge showed ME to what level
woman could sink. 1t told me, moreover,
that in spite Of her letter she was not to be
trusted. A woman who could lend herself
to her former lovers purposes in such u
way as this must have parted with every
atom OF pride. 1t seemed to me that the wo-
man and tho man were well matched In
baseness.
Still her letter lifted load from my mind.
felt that for awhile there could be no pur-
suit; yet resolved to risk nothing, but to
hurry on with all possible speed. Only
when we crossed the frontier of Spain
should sleep in peace.
All researches. with view to obtaining
evidences Of the first Lady Ferrand's death,
postponed indefinitely. Some day, il all
went well, would return to England and
procure the documents necessary to prove
the validity of Philippa's marriage. There
was no pressing hurry. As to any money
which should be hers, never with my con.
sent should she touch penny which had
belonged to the dead man.
Pr0tracted as my meditations seem on pa
per, they were In reality much longer; in
deed, they were not at an end when the
boat steamed In Boulogne harbor. l went
In search of my companions, who, was
glad to find, had borne the voyage WELL We
were soon in the train, and, without any
events occurring worth recording at eight
O'Clock stood OH the Care du Nord, Paris.
We drove through the brightly lit streets
to the Hotel du Louvre. The stains of trav-
el washed away, my mother gave sigh Of
satisfaction as she seated herself at the din
ner- table. Like Q sensible, woman, she was
no despiser Of the good things of this lie.
There were other late diners In the great cot.
fee-room, and many head was turned to look
at the beautiful girl who sat on my right
hand; for every day which brought her new
health and strength, brought also to my love
an installment Of her former rich beauty.
In very short time she would be to all APP
s,ns "a rcos tina 1Shilinno NJ old
How long shall we stay in Paris, Basil?'
asked my mother.
1T is now half-past nine; our train starts
at S:45 in the morning. Calculate the time"
''Oh, nonsense! 1t Is years since l have
been in Paris. want to look at the shops.
So Goes Pailipp-, e. slyc."
my dear mother, the man, m.ch more
the wcm,n, who fingers in Paris is lost. II
you are going elsewhere the only way is to
70 straight through, or else you get no fur.
ther. have proved this. and mean to run
no rlsk."
''E3ut remember we are only weak women.
This poor child Is far from strong"
She smiled at Phiiippa, whose eyes thank
ed her for the affectionate appellation.
Don't be merciless, Basil" she contiau-
ed, .give US at least one day."
Not one. l am just going to look after a
courier, 80 that you may travel In all posi-.
bic comfort"
My mother seemed almost annoyed, and
again said was merciless. What would she
have said had she known that. unless had
received that letter. instead Of going to our
present comfortable quarters. we should
have driven to the Orleans Railway, and
taken the first train to the south? How liz
tie she knew-how little, trusted, Philip
pa knew -frcm what we were flying!
Ifelt / must give my mother some reason
for my haste; so, before going in quest OF
my courier, l took her aside.
1T Il not well for Phllippa to stay In
Paris" said. Some one whom she ought
not to meet was here short time ago."
Iblamed myself for the deception; but
what could do? Alas! Il seemed to me that
my life, which once was fearlessly open to
the inspection Of all, was now full Of little
else save receptions. Should ever again
Be my true self?
Ny mother raised no further objection.
found courier-a bearded gentleman Of
commanding presence, who spoke every
European language with impartial Imper-
lection. gave him instructions to see to
everything the next morning; to collect our
luggage, save the small quantity we carried
with US, and to register II through to Burgos.
had no particular reason fer choosing Bur
goa, but II seemed convenient place at
which to take our first thorough rest.
The next days journey was . dull, dreary,
wearisome affair. Ny companions had not
shaken on the fatigue Of the previous day,
and now that felt Philippa's safety was,
comDarotively speaking. assured reaction