The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-09-03
Ellen, but rather your estimabIe wife,
l.

Ellen, but rather your estimabIe wife,
who was herself present"
'.My wife in tho salon? So, So" said
the count, rather disconnected, that is
another thing, of course. I beg your
pardon for faring up SO. but you under
stand, that must guard the ciliid, who
has been intrusted to my care"
/ bowed. spoke few woras to the
other gentlemen, and babe them good
night.
On ascending the stairs, / caught
glimpse Of the group through the open
door.
Count Dcgenfeld was bending over the
lady whispering to her; she broke into
shrill laugh.
My short romance with Mrs. Clifford
was at an end. The count could thank
me. 1.-The old guard had resumed his
rights, and would know how to hold his
own. Soft!
The next day was sunshiny. sent a
card by Louis quite early to Lapotin,
asking if he would accompany me to
Monaco.
He answered in the affirmative. and
after breakfast we took the train.
Lapotin was as usual very quiet. /
told him Of my yesterdays experience,
and that / thought it a pity that Mrs.
Clifford was SO certainly compromising
herself with that old ''roue" out of
pique.
You need not pity the lady" said he.
harshly. Il have had my experience
with her, and can assure you that she
knows exactly what she is about One
might rather pity the poor clergyman;
but, good God, why is the man SO blind?
/ shall not open his eyes"
CHAPTER v.
What a magnificent spot is Monaco,
the city upon a plateau, and Monte Car
10 opposite, with its fine gardens.
When the fiend of gaming was driven
out Of all civilized places, it found a
firm foothold on these rocks, and in a
truly fiendish spirit surrounded the
same with all the charms of seduction
in order to entice people there. 1t is a
paradise. but paradise from which in
nocence has long fed, and only the SER
pent remains.
was surprised at the simplicity Of
the gaming-rooms. They are much
palmer than those at Baden-Baden.
The company looked Insignificant and
commonplace seemed more to me
as if were in large reading, than in
a celebrated gaming, room.
"Wait until evening"" said Lapotin.
"This is nothing; these are tourists and
q whole regiment of newly-married
couples, who are risking their five-franc
pieces! See how bored the croupiers
look; they are half asleep; but wait
until evening. We will dine at the
hotel and leave by the last train; by
that time you will have become familiar
with vice in all its FORMS"
After. stalking several times, we were
leaving, when my friend started sud
denly, and I, following the direction Of
his gaze, saw our fair blonde at the
table.
advanced few steps and stood op
posite her.
With her usually pale cheeks flushed
| following with strained eyes the course
of the games and eagerly marking in 9
small book, she was blind and deaf t.
her surroundings.
Still, as if drawn by magnetism, shs
raised her eyes, and looked directly al
us. A deep red blush swept over hel
handsome face, and in her eyes was ;
I questioning expression.
As would not flatter myself that The
sight of me had this effect upon her,
| turned to Lapotin.
| His face wore an expression of quie,
seriousness; his eyes were fixed on the
table.
When looked again, perceived the
man with the spectacles next the
woman, and saw as well that the eyes
behind them stared sharply at Lapotin
What did it mean? was my FRIEND
lucky, and was it jealousy which di
rected those eyeso
IF agreeable to you we will now q
into the concert room," said Lapotin.
calm voice.
On the way therein I asked him
Ibid you see the pretty girl with COLDER
hair at the roulette table,"
Eyes, saw her." he answered short
".
! We entered the superb MUSHROOM
which was furnished with extravagan
elegance, and seated ourselves comfor