The Forrest City times., 1891-06-05
THE HAUNTED CHAMBER.
BY ''THB DUcHEss.n
Author of "Konica," "Mono Scully. n
 "PhyHis," etc., etc.
CHAPTER Iv.-CONTINUED.

taln an upright position any longer. Every word of his is as gal! and worm wood to her, each sentence reminder "a reproach. Only the other day this man now beside her had accused her of making sure of Sir Adrian's affec- tion before she had any right so to do. Her proud spirit shrinks beneath the cruel taunt he hurls at her.
 You look unusually done up he goes on, in a tone of assumed commis- seration. This evening has been too much for you. Acting a part at any time is extremely trying and labor ious."
 She shrinks still further from him. Acting part! Is not all her life be- coming one dreary drama, in which she acts part from morning until night? Is there to be no rest for her? Oh, to escape from this man at any price! She rises to her feet.
 Our dance is almost at an end," she says; and the heat is terrible. 1 can remain here no longer"
 "You are ill.," going to her side. He would have supported her, but by a gesture she repels him.
 "If am, it is you who have made me so,"' she retorts, with quick passion, for which she despises herself an instant later.
 Nay, not I,' he rejons, but what my words have unconsciously conveyed to you. Do not blame me. 1 thought you, as well as every one else here, knew of Adrian's sentiments with re- gard to Mrs. Talbot"
 This is too much for her. Drawing herself up to her full height, Florence casts glance of anger and defiance ill his direction, and, sweeping past him in her most imperious fashion, appears no more that night.
 It is an early party, all things con sidered, and Dora Talbot, going to her room about two o'clock, stops before Florence's door and knocks softly thereon.
 Come in" calls Florence gently.
 Il have just stopped for a moment to express the hope Chat you are not ill, dearest says smooth-tongued Dora, advancing towards her. How early you left us' l shouldn't have known how early only MT. Dynecourt told me. Are you sure you are not illY"
 Not in the least, only little fatigu- ed" replied Florence calmly.
 "Ah, no wonder, with your eyertions before the dancing commenced, and your unqualified successl You reigned over everybody, darling. Nobody could hope even to divide the honors of the evening with you. Your acting was Nmply superb
 Thank you,' says Florence, who is not in bed, but is sitting in chair drawn near window, through which the moonbeams arc flinging their pale rays. She IS clad ln clinglng white dressing-gown that makes her beauty saintlike, and has all her long hair fall Mg loosely round her shoulders.
 What a charming evening 1t has beenl" exclaims Dora ecstatically, clasping her hands, and leaning her arms on the back of chair. T hardly know when felt so thoroughly happy" Florence shudders visihly. You en- ioyed yourself, of courseg" continues Dora. Every one raved about you. You made at least a dozen eonquests; one or half a one with careful hes itation in her manner intended to im- press her listener-"is as much as poor little insignificant me can expect"
 Florence looks at her questioningly.
 T think one really honest lover is worth dozen others" she says, her voice trembling. Do you mean me to understand, Dora, that you have gained one tonighty"
 Florence's whole soul seemed to hang on her cousins answer. Dora shippers, and tries 10 blush, but in reality grows shade paler. She is playing for a high stake, and fears to risk throw lest 1t may be ventured too soon.
 Oh, you must not ask too muchl" she replies, shaking her blonde head. loyer--no! How can you be so ab- surd. And yet think-l hope"
 Il see" interrupts Florence sadly. "Well, will be as discreet as you wish; but at least, if what imagine be true, can congratulate you with all my heart, because 1 know-I know you will be happy"
 Going over to Mrs. Talbot, she lays her arms round her neck and kisses her softly. As she does so, tear falls from her eyes upon Dora's cheek. There is so much sweetness and aban- donment of self in .his action that Do- ra for the moment is toucEed by it. She puts up her hand; and, wiping away the tear from her cheek as though it burns her, says lightly
 But indeed, my dearest Flo, you must not imagine anything. All is vague. I hardly know what 1t is to which am allnding. 'Tritles light as air float through my brain, and glad den me in spite of my common sense, ing. Do not build castles for me that may have their existence only en Es- pagne."
 They seem very bright castles," ob- serves Florence wistfully.
 "A bad omen. An that's brigh. must fade,' sings the poet. And now to speak of yourself. You enjoyed yourselfY"
 ~Of course'-mechanicall
 @Ah, yes; was glad to see you had made 1t up with poor Arthur Dyne- .court!"
 "How?" demands Florence, turning upon her quickly.
 Il saw you dancing with him, dear est; l was with Sir Adrian at the time, and from something he said, l think he would be rather pleased if you could bring yourself to reward poor Arthur's long devotion"
 mo with your
 Just in passing, you understand. He told me too that you were some what unhappy in the earlier part of tho evening, and that he had to stay a con- siderable time with you to restore you to calmness. He is always so kind, dear Adrianl"
 'he spoke of thaty" demands Flor ence, in tone of anguish. If he had made her emotion subject of common talk with Mrs. Talbot, all indeed is at an end between them, even that sweet visionary offer of friendship he had made to her. No; she could not sub init to be talked about by him, and the woman he lowest Oh; the bitter pang 1t costs her to say these words to her self! That he now loves Dora seems to her mind beyond dispute. Is she not his confidantc, the one in whom he chooses to rep0se all his secret thoughts