The Forrest City times., 1891-05-15
THE HAUNTED CHAMBER.
DY ''rHI DUCHESS. !"
AStAor sf "Ko~sed," "Mona Sesllv."
 "PAylks," etc., etc.
CHAPTER f.-CoNrrNuEp.

@Ah, Arthur, it is youl" says Sir Ad- rian, in surprised tone that has cer- tainly no cordiality in it, but, just as certainly, the tone is not repellent. Yes" replies the stranger, with a languid smile, and without confusion. Yesterday suddenly recollected the general invitation you gave me a month ago to come to you at any time that suited mo best. This time suits me. and so I have come"
 He still smiles as he says this, and looks expectantly at Sir Adrian, who, as in duty bound, instantly tells him he is very glad to see him, and that he is a good fellow to have come without waiting for more formal repetition of his invitation. Then he takes him over to old Lady FitzAlmont. the mother of Lady Gertrude Vining, and introduces him to her as my cousin Mir. Dyne- court"
 The same ceremony is gone through with some of the others, but, when he brings him to Mrs. Talbot, that pretty widow interrupts his mode of introduc- tion.
 @Mr. Dynecourt and are old friends" she says, giving her hand to the newcomer. Then, turning to her cousin, she adds, Florence, is it not a fatality our meeting him so Ofteny"
 Have we met so often?" asks Flor ence quietly, but with touch of hdu- telr and dislike in her tone. Then she too gives a cold little hand to Mir. Dyne- court, who fingers over it until she dis dainfully draws it away, after which he turns from her abruptly and devotes himself to Dora Talbot.
 The widow is glad of his attentions. He is handsome and well-bred, and for the last half hour she has been feeling slightly bored; so eager has been the discussion about the Marlow matter, that she has been little sought after by the opposite sex. And now, once again, the subject is being examined in all it's bearings, and the discussion waxes fast and furious.
 What is it all about?" asks Arthur Dynecourt presently, glancing at the animated group i'll the middle of the room. And Sir Adrian, hearing his question explains it to him.
 "Ah, indeedl" he says. And then, after scarcely perceptible pause ~Who is to be Kate HardcastleY
 Miss Delmaine," answered Sir Ad- young lady's chair.
 "In what does the difficulty consist?" inquiries Arthur Dynecourt, with appar- ent indifference.
 -Well,' replies Sir Adrian, laughing; T believe mere fear holds us back. Miss Delmaine, as we all know, is a finished actress. and we dread spelling her performance by faults on our side None of Us have attempted the charac- ter before; this is why we hesitate"
 "A very sensible hesitation, think" ]" says his cousin coolly. "You should thank me then for coming to your re- lief this morning; l have played the part several times, and shall bo delight ed to undertake it again, and help you out of your difficulty"
 At this Miss Delmaine fiushcs angri- ly, and opens her lips as if she would say something, but, after seconds re- fiection, restraints herself She sinks back into her chair with proud lan- guor, and closes her mouth resolutely. he had secretly hoped that, in tho end, this part would fall to his lot; but now what is to be doncY How can he re- fuso to let his cousin take his place, especially as he has declared himself familiar with the part.
 Arthur, observing his cousins hcsita- tion, laughs aloud. His is not a pleas- ant laugh, but has rather . snecring ring in 1t, and at the present moment 1t jars upon the ears of the listeners.
 If have been indiscreet,- he says, with . slight glance at Florencc's proud face, pray pardon mo. only meant to render you little assistance. thought 1 understood from you that you were in . dilemma. Do not dwell upon my oiier another moment. am afraid I have made myself somewhat ofiicious-unintentionally, believe mo. .
 skfv Aaaw fA1isxxsx ~nt mk nI Sir Adrian hastily, shocked st his own apparent want of courtesy. T assure you, you mistake. It is all 90 much to the contrary, that gracefully accept your o0er, and beg you will b. Mar
 -But really-' beginss Arthur Dyns- court.
 Not wordi' interrupts Sir Adrian; and ina ed by this tine Arthur Dyne- court has brought his cousin Co believe he h about to confer upon him great favor. Look here. young fellows,s Sir Adrian goes on, walking toward the other mon, who are still arguing and i've settled it ali for you. Hsrs is my cousin, he will take the difficulty off your hands, and be frst-class Marlow at the same time"
 A suppressed consternation follows his announcement. Many and dark arc tho glances cast upon tho new conner, who receives them all with his usual impcrturbable smile. Rising, Ar thur approaches one of the astonished group who is known to him, and says something upon the subject with . slight shrug of his shoulders. As ho is Sir Adrian's cousin, every ono feels that 1t will be impossible to offer any objection to his taking the much-coyet-
 .Wsll, I have sacrificed myself for you; have renounced very deer de- sirs all to please you,s says Sir Adrian softly, banding down to Florence. Have succeededr'
 You have succeeded in duplicating mo moro than 1 can say" she returns coldly.. Then, seeing hss ama4ed ex- prcssion. she goes on hastily, -Forgive ne, but Had hoped for another Mar
 She blushes prettily as shs says this, and m expression arises in her dark eyes that moves his deeply. Stepping 1t. Dora IxiDos, wh6se head s turned sside, sees nothing of this, but Arthur Dynec0urt has observed the silent ca ress, and dark frown gathers on his brow.
 Every day and all day long there is nothing but rchearsing. In every corner two or moro may bc seen studying to- gether the parts they havo to play. Florence DolmAine alone refuses to re- hoarse her part except in full company, though Ar. Dynccourt has made many attempts to induce her to favor him with private reading of those scenes