The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-11-13
BY Lily TinsleY,
lcorYRIGHT 1892, BY T1LorsoN & sos.l
cHAPrER VIL.-Coxr1NuED.

trayed. She bad not yet realized, as he had
done, " hat might be the cost of his promise.
Mr.. Haviland stood aghast, utterly soan-
dalized.
Royal was leaning carelessly against the
table. with the well assumed air of one who
has performed an unpleasant duty and e1-
poets no thanks. washing his hands Of the
whole affair.
It was Sir Lawrence who broke the
silence.
LEO, tell me on your oath that may
trust you, and will believe you"
He had seen the glance between Leo and
Madge. and all at once realized the truth.
that this was Royals trap TO throw such
suspicion on Leo as Go make him appear I'M
worthy to be Nellies husband on the NOR
row.
How and why the plot had been worked
he did not know, but very nearly had it
succeeded.
But not quite.
clear himself.
Leo turned TO his DeneIactor Win MS
whole soul in his eyes.
There is no evil in what has been made
to appear so, swear it, he said in clear,
reso.ute voice.
Il believe you" said the baronet, and
ashamed indeed of his momentary fears, he
grasped Leo's hand cordially.
Once more Royal stepped in.
''Hell MIR. Hayila0d, if Sir Lawrence is
satisfied, Of course we have no reason to
doubt
''Of course Sir Lawrence knows best, re-
piled that gentleman fussiy, not, however,
without a glance askance at Madge, who,
despite the ravages Of sickness and sorrow,
looked in her excitement strangely beauti-
full
HE should certainly know best about his
future son-in-law," sueered Royal. deter
mined not to le. his prey escape.
Future son-in lava Mr.. Forresterl All,
] had forgotten to ask the name OF Miss
NeIie's future husband"
1T would have been as we'll IL you had
remained in that same ignorance until after
the ceremony tomorrow, after what has
occurred tonight said Royal. at is a
strange prologue to a wedding day"
Indeed Indeedw remarked Mr.. Havi-
land, looking still more hardly at Madge.
"a most unpleasant AFFAIR."
Most disgraceful it seems to me- said
Royal, little impatient at the old mans
evident unwillingness to express an opinion.
Certainly after - hat has happened | shall
hardly feel justified in being present at the
wedding to-morrow. however you may feel,
Mr.. Haviland. Sucn an affair IS bound to
leak out. and as you have daughters Of your
own
The attack was a skiful one.
MIR. Havilsnd made may pretentions to
being a man OF rigidly stern views and |
opinions, such as became the father of a |
large family, and a churchwarden and |
many times trustee, whcd ne at once saw |
this affair Won d affect.
Il quite agree with you, Mr.. Royal" he |
said some what pompously. Then recollect-
ing that it would be ill for him to pace his
opinion against that of Sir Lawrence. to |
whom he owed so much and wished to owe
more be added, THAT is, l think SEINE
extra guarantee IS required than what is
alreaiy furnished"
For PHYS sake" said Leo, in q low voice.
selzing Mir Haviland By the arm, and like
SIR Lawrence, guessing Royals diabolical
intention, "let this matter rest where it is"
Mr. Haviland hesitated, but once more
Royal urged him on.
pray do not be guided in any way be-
youd your inclination in the matter he
said, with marked emphasis. For my
own part, | should certainly be sorry to
sel 10 my opinion against Sir Llwrence's,
even in the face of such very damning evl~
dence.' There is indeed no need. The af
fair must not be known. All | shall d will
lie to make some excuse to absent myself
tomorrow morning"
This plan evidently suggested itself to
MIR. EaViland, who already regretted hav-
hni div liked TO draw back now, especially
as TO hln Royal, with his grand appearance
and ways. seemed a person of almost as
much Importance in society as Sir La d.
renee himself, who certainly was acting
very strangely under the circumstances.
The old gentleman, too, did not forget his
suspicious of Leo upon the occasion of their
ticst meeting.
The baronet read his decision in his face,
q q understood what 1t = ouli meal TO hun
The affair must leak out Royal, if baked
pow. would be sure TO take that revenge,
q q how could lie tSiT Lawrence) meet the
army of suspiclo I'd question which must
he &C once forthcoming, any better than he
could now! lie knew it would be worse
than useless to try and combat Mr. HaYi-
lands resolution.
Such a course would defeat its own pur-
pose.
And yet, how could he save Leo, who
plainly could not save himself?
TIE tumu' in the two hearts was terri
bic, and, as If the pain was not enough, a
new item as added to it.
There was slight noise outside.
''Nellle's voice. For heavens sake some
one lock the door," cried Leo. incapable
himself Of the movement.
Sir Lawrence sprang to obey him only too
willingly.
But 1t was too late
The door opened hastily. and a white
rooed figure stood in the door wayA
Ia the midst Of the tempest of passion and
evil plotting, the presence Of the girl in her
long snowy wrapper, with her golden hair
falling Ike cleaning veil over her
sweet, innocent, child-hke face, as like
that II an angel
Nv hat is this nosez' she asked in a clear
question: tone us il only the storm, y
which still ragged without, emblem of that
within this lately 50 peaceful dwelling, "or
what is the matter ] thought il must bs
thieves at first, but l heard your voice,
father, and SO l cane down. ] am n t
afraid OF the dark or the storm You KNOW
Needle to say every one III the room had
turned their eyes upon the speaker with
something like horror that she should have
come upon the scene Royal whose glance
was full Of fiendish savage as he marked
the girls innocence and p lrity so plainly
told IN every live of her face and figure.
AT one sentence Of Nellie's, a sudden light
hlckerod into Madge's eyes, most Of all duh
Wit agony, as If q half hope had come to
her aid.
She said to herself:
II the worst comes to the worst must
save him."
neither it would so come was soon to be
put To- the proof, FIR catching at one straw of
Il