The Forrest City times., 1891-08-14
A Terrible Love Story.
CHAPTER III.


 Tomorrow Clifford would return; he would begin to make inquiries; aud who would know where she had been taken? In the loneliness of this strange retreat she was utterly in the power of the woman who sat looking into the fire: and Judith was her agent, her confidant--for she had not hesitated to deceive Lena as to the time of their departure from Faireview. Yes, she was in their power
 At present tho fatigue of her jour- ney and her passionate resistance made her feel really i'll, and she was thanful when Judith came to show them to their rooms.
 Il cannot go down again tonight, she said wearily. as she sank down into luxurious chair placed in front of cheerful fire.
 ''I will bring you refreshment. re- piled the woman. and left her alone.
 Lena folt thankful to be able to in- aulge in hearty cry unseen. Her weeping wns violent, but soon over. and she felt better after it. She reused herself to examine her room. It was fair size, not very lofty. but having a large low window over which heavy curtains wore drawn. A thick soft carpet covered the floor; her bed was hung with handsome curtains Of rose- colored tapestry and covered with an eider-down counterpane of satin; there was handsome wardrobe and other bedroom furniture, writing-t table and bookcase. It was n luxurious bedroom; but to Lena 1t was prison out of which there was nosescape.
 She was faint and tired. but, with the natural appetite of youth. made a good meal. went to bed, and fell into sound and dreamless sleep in spite of all her troubles.
 It was on Saturday afternoon that Clifford Peregrinc found himself once more inside '.The Blackthorn." and greeted by Mrs. Topping. who was longing to tell him the news. yet did not darc to take the liberty, although she had guessed the truth.
 .'Here l am, Mrs. Topping" cried NAAstVtN. sNPl'tSt uiy iOoiIlS tfc readyp Can I have some dinner at seyen?"
 ..Yes, sir, certainly; and your rooms Is quite ready; and what a beautiful day it's been, to be surc!n
 The young man looked at her in some surprise. for the day had been dull and cold; but he thought the weather might have been brighter at Abho,siord. for 1t seemed so to him in the pr,spect of meeting Lena.
 fou'll have a fire, sirp" went on Mrs. Topping. stepping down in front of tho large old-fashioned stove. ..It's quitawinter all of sudden, us one may ". Dear. how it hev rained to- day. to be sure,"
 The good woman busted herself with the fire; while Clifford stood by the mantle-shelf, surprised at the con tradict0ry character of her remarks. Surely the buxom landlady of 1.-The Blackthorn" had not been making too free at her own beer-tap! By way of breaking the silence, he put the very question for which Mrs. Topping was anxiously waiting.
 'sIs there any news to give me. Mrs. Topping anything happened since was heroe"
 .Dont ask me. sir" exclaimed the woman. '.for it's only bad news us ever falls to my lot to tell. I think; but I'd best out with 1t et once The fam fly at Faireview are gone and the place shut up and left, every servant paid of. horses and dogs sent to livery, shutters up, gates closed and locked, and the very lodge keeper gone. It's upset the whole village; for We never heard a word till Monday. They do say they're gone to Germany"
 Clifford Peregrine appeared to be stunned with the news; he stood for some minutes trembling with rage and dispair; but nt last he burst out
 ''She has been carried of to be fore ed into marriage with that base prof. iigate. and shall lose her forever. for she will sooner die than submit that l know full wellr'
 Tho young fellows manner moved the heart of Mrs. Topping as much as his words distressed and puzzled her.
 s'Bless ye. sir" she cried, s.is 1t us bad n that? An. now I know who's dOne all the mischief-it's that old mix Mrs- Judith. for caught sight of her in the park tho evening as you last met Miss Lena at the gateway; and made 60 bold as to throw out . hint, but I never dreamed of anything like this!n
 '.Ars. Topping" cried Clifford, d. most bcside himself in his agitation, Fl entreat you. If you know anything more, to tell mo. Do not be afraid to let nc know--do not hesitate as being