The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-07-29

hand.
The opera was just over, and the
lhronQs were pouring out. there beina
the usual crush OF onIookers on the
sidewalk and of coaches in the street.
There they are at last, said Rolling
stone, and in a moment Jasper and he
were joined by Noel Marlowe and his
friends.
The latter were delighted with the
brilliant performance which they had
lust witnessed, and, full of fresh life,
we're eager for the adventure that had
been promised them. Noel alone ap-
peared somewhat reserved; but, much as
he shank from seeking his lost property
in such place as the De Mauleon apart
ments had been depicted to him, he had
fully resolved to see the affair through,
and he abstained as we'll as he could from
permitting his own uneasiness 10 COM
municate itself to the high spirits OF the
rest. 1t should be mentioned, however,
that Jasper, on his part, was not less re-
served and not less resolved. he had,
indeed, determined fully upon the line OF
conduct that he would pursue in the
event of Noel's succeeding in recovering
the momentous document from Boncourt.
and it was this:
He would then throw himself entirely
upon the young mans generosity, tell
him frankly his whole miserable story,
and demand the restoration OF the paper,
by which alone his hts and just amends
to the wronged and long suffering father
of Gwendoline, could be secured. He
had resolved to take his chances as to the
Young mans affection for his father In
terposing itself in a manner to otstruct
,l.& irc Ino n
He had seen enough of Noels character
to be impressed with its inherent noble
ness and probity. And he had, more
over, received certain intimations-from
q source that will be in due time made
apparent-that the young mans real love
was for Glendoline rather then for Adele;
and he thought he could rely upon the
reyulsion of feeling that would occur,
upon the true character and antecedents
of Adele being suddenly revealed to her
betrothed lovers understanding, such as
he felt certain was about to be made,
more than anything else, in stimulating
the high-minded youth up to the sticking
point Of doing what was manifestly right
and just, to the notwithstanding detri-
ment OF that guilty sire, who would
knowingly, through selfish cupidity or
fear, have assisted at his marriage with
an unworthy woman.
AS for Rollingstone, he was simply
actuated BY cheap and vulgar sent ment
of revenge upon both Boncourt and Adele,
chiefly by reason of the summarizes
with which he had been ousted from
despicable and parasitic mode of liveli-
hood, as has doubtless, ere this, been
made apparent to the reader.
AS for the gay young men constituting
Noel's friends. their motives can be readi.
ly conjectured as arising chiefly from
fun-loving desire for fresh adventure,
combined with generous eagerness to
assist in right'ng an injury which they
felt their comrsde had sustained in the
theft of the mysterious document under
the instigation of an outside conspiracy
Indeed, the mystery attaching to the
paper itself, in accordance with Noels
explanations concerning his possession
of it, as we'll as to De Mauleon's object in
procuring its abstraction through the in
strumentality of the juggler, was another
element, and not the least one, in impel-
ling the young mems minds and imagina-
tions to tie prosecution of the enterprise
in view.
Such were the varying motives and feel.
the doors of which We write.
We'll met again." cried Sir Harry
Wilding, before the party were we'll out
of the crowd. Glad You. are both on
time"
$50 am l." said Poins. Superb as the
opera was, and perfect as Patti was in
the last act, could not put my whole at
tention upon it through thinking of this
affair in prospect.
aNor l." said Calkins. IF there is a
spice of danger to be thrown in, SO much
the better. I hope De Mauleon or some
of his funkies will show fight
That will suit me, too" observed CAL
low Lord Squanderail. But mind, if any
gambling offers, I'm to be counted out"
Come, gentlemen" said Rollingstore,
plotting them out of the throng, every
thing is prepared, and Bently and I have
two coaches waiting within hail.
Good" said Sir Harry, as they drew
aside into q comparatively secluded
street; for we nave relied upon you for
everything. By the way, do we require
any coaching beforehand"
Just little priming, replied Rolling
stone. There will be no difficulty in
our effecting an entrance at the Burton
street palace Fortunately, Bently and
have this evening come across young
swell"
He suddenly paused, leaning against n
railing, with his hand pressed to his
heart: and street-lamp. under which
they were standing, showed his counte-
nance swiftly alternating from blood-red
to CHASTITY white.
Are you I'LL" exclaimed Noel, hasten
ing, with Jasper, to his assistance. What
is it-a sudden faintness?"
Poor devil! it's doubtless the drink,
whispered Wild,ng to Squanderall, while
Calkins and Poins exchanged significant
glances. Small wonder, too, if be drinks
every day as be has to-day"
But Rollingstone quickly rallied, md
was seemingly almost himself again in a
nom MT.
Thanks, Marlowe; thanks, Bently; You
are very kind" said he. Strengthening
himself up; and then, looking around, he
aa.aaecd: With short laugh:
Dent lesG paiie-ea ol think me o !
baby, please! 1t was nothing-a mere
faintness, to which I am subject-no
more! Shall We 60 at once?"
Are you equal to it, thought" asked
Noel, gently, while there were other ex-
pref as of sympathy.
I've can all defer our visit to this
place, if you are still feeling in the leust
unwell. Captain.
Bah! I'm rather the better for it than
otherwise. Bently, pray signal those
hack-drivers to drive up. Oh, by the
way, let me finish what I was cut
short in.
I'VE met young fellow this e7ening,
whom 1 chance to know sorry to own
it, too, Cor he was expelled from the