The Forrest City times., 1891-06-19
THE HAUNTED CHAMBER,
BY 1.-THE DUCHESS"
Author of "Nonicd," "Kons Seuliv,"
 "Phyiis." ete.. etc.
CHAPTER VI.

greatest charms" he says. Ut belongs to the dark ages, and suggests all sorts of horrible possibilities. This room would be nothing without it's myster- tous lock-"
 At this moment Doras eyes turn slowly toward Arthur Dynecourt. She herself hardly knows why, at this par ticular time, she should look at him, yet she feels that some unaccountable fascination is compelling her gaze to encounter his. Their eyes meet. As they do so, Dora shudders and turns deadly pale. There is that in Arthur Dyneconrt's dark and sullen eyes that strikes her cold with terror and vague forebodings of evil. It is a wicked look that overspreads the mans face-a cruel, implacable look that seems to freeze her as she gazes at him spell bound. Slowly, even while she watches him, she sees him turn his glance from her to Sir Adrian in a meaning man. ner, as though to let her know that the vile thought that is working in his brain and is betraying itself on his face Is intended for him. not her. And yet, with this too, he gives her silently to understand that, if she shows any treachery toward him, he will not leave 1t unrewarded.
 Cowed, frightened, trembling at what she knows not, Dora staggers backward, and, laying hand upon the wall beside her, tries to regain self possession. The others are all talking together, she is therefore unobserved. She stands, still panting and pallid, Crying to collect her thoughts.
 Only one thing comes clearly to her, filling her with loathing of herself and an unnamed dread-it is that. by her 1 T ,,1 fntZ {r ward Florence, she has seemed to enter into a compact with this man to be companion in whatever crime he may decide upon. His very look seems to duplicate her, to drag her down with him to his level. She feels herself chained to him-his partner in vile conspiracy. And what furthet adds to the horror of the situation is the knowl- edge that she knows herself to be blind ly ignorant of whatever plans he may be forming.
 After few seconds she rouses her self, and wins back some degree of composure. It is of course a mere weakness to believe herself in the pow CT of Arthur Dynecourt, she tries to convince herself. He is no more than any other ordinary acquaintance. If indeed she has helped him in his little efforts to secure the love of Florence, there was no great harm in that, though of course it served her own pur- pose also.
 How pale you are. Mrs. Talbot?" re- marks Sir Adrian suddenly, wheeling round to look at her more closely. -Has this damp old place really affected your ncrvesp Come, let us go down again. and forget in the sunshine that bloody deeds were ever committed here or elsewhere
 "I am nervous, I confess responds Dora, in a low tone. Yes. yes-let us leave this terrible room forever"
 50 be it." says Sir Adrian gayly. For my part, feel no desire to re-en-
 -It is very high art, I suppose" ob- serves Ethel Villiers, glancing round the walls. Uncomfortable places d. ways are. It would be quite treasure to Lady Betty Trefeld. who raves over thrown away upon us. Captain Ring wood, you look as If you had been sud denly turned into stone. Let me pass, please"
 Tt was uncommonly friendly of Ringwood not to have let the door slam. and so imprisoned us for life,s says Sir Adrian. with laugh. II am sure ~a owe him debt of gratitude"
 "I hope you'll all pay it." laughs Ringwood. It will be nice new ex periencc for you to give creditor something for once. I never pay my own debts; but that doesn't count. I feel sure you arc all going to give me something for my services as door keeper"
 What shall give you?' asks Ethel coquettishly.
 I'll tell you by and by he replies, with such an expressive look that for once the saucy girl has no answer ready, but, blushing crimson, hurries past him down tho stone stairs, where she waits at the bottom for the others.
 As Florence reaches the door she pauses and stoops to examine tho lock.
 T wish," she says to Sir Adrian, . strange subdued excitement in her tone, you would remove this lock. Do.n
 But why?' he asks, impressed in spite of himself, by her manner.
 Il hardly know myself; it Is a fancy -~an unacconntable one, perhaps-but still powerful one. Do be guided by me and have it removed"
 "What--the fancy?' he asks laugh
 ~No--the lock. Humor me in this" she pleads earnestly, far more earnest ly than the occasion seems to warrant. @Call it silly presentiment, if you like, but honestly think that lock will work you evil some day. Therefore it is that ask you to do away with it."
 You ask mel' he queries.
 Ies, If only to please me-for my sake"
 She has evidently forgotten her late distrust in him, for she speaks now in the old sweet tone, and with tears in her eyes. Sir Adrian fushes warmly.
 For your sake" he whispers. What is there l would not do, if thus re-
 A bitter sheer contracts Arthur Dynecourt's lips as he listens to the first part of this conversation and guess es Ut the latter half. He notes cor rectly the kindling of their eyes, the quick breath that comes and goes like happy sighs from the breast of Flor ence. lN, hears the whisper, sees the warm blush, and glances expressively ct Dora. Meeting her eyes he lays his finger on his lips to caution her silence, and then, when passing by her, whis- pers:
 Meet me in half an hour in the low CT gallery"
 Rowing her acquaintance in this ar- rangement, fearing indeed to refuse. Dora follows the others from the haunted chamber.
 At the foot of the small stone stair case-before they go through the first iron-bound door that leads to the cor ridor without-they find Ethel Villiers awaiting them. She had been looking round her in the dimy lighted stone passage, and has discovered another