Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1894-07-27

cAantress, as her thoughts were busy
with her approaching return to Paris.
She knew only too we'll how danger.
GUS it would be for herto allow Jacques
to taste the pleasure of life at the
capital after his miraculous restora-
tion TO health, unless the scheme of
marriage could be first carried out.
That evening a dread feeling of un-
certainty took possession Of her. She
followed Jacques to the door and en-
deavored to get from him a promise TO
return o-morrow morning and break
fast with her. But all in vain. He
would set no hour.
"Good-by, good-by, my swe et," was
his CHEEKY cry, as he walked toward
the door; don't be foolish, you shall
see me again tomorrow some time. 1t
will not be long before you shall see
me again"
Jacques! jacques" came from
Clemence's bloodless lips in q strang-
ling voice, as she staggered back
against the wall.
For Gods sake, Clemence, what's
the matter" cried De Vignes, CATCH
ing her in his arms. Why. how pale
you YOU are: How you tremble' Let me
mo, no." gasped Clemence: lit will
soon he over; q sort of vision came over
me-, my darling: it seemed as if 1 was
parting with you forever. I'm better
now. Now I'll let you go, dear Jacques,
but come early tomorrow; YOU will,
won't you?"
Yes, yes, certainly" replied De
Vignes; and now that you're ailing,
sweetheart, I'll come and take break
fast with you" and, laying his ham,
upon the knob of the door, he drew
himself up in mock dignity and eX-
claimed in measured tones: Never
mind your visions, Clemence, YOU shall
see me again"
AS the door closed behind him the
woman covered her face with her
hands, gave a half shrek, half groan,
and then called loudly for help. In an
instant her maid was at her side.
To bed, to bed" whispered Glenn
ence, and she dragged herself along
toward the staircase. In a few hours
sion. and began to chatter with her
maid. and made unusual efforts to draw
from her the gossip and scandal of the
day.
What do you think they say, mad
Laurierdidn't die because you wouldn't
love him. but that he killed himself
SO that he might give his soul to Mon
sieur de Vignes: Did you ever hear
anything so ridiculous? Good heav-
ems! what's the matter. madame? You
are i'll: what shall l do for you?"
Nothing, nothing" gasped Glenn
ence, only don't leave me alone, not
for a single moment. am so afraid OF
ghosts, and your ghost story has set
me all in a tremble. Go on with my
hair now, only don't tell me any mrre
ghost stories. 1 can't stand them.
they brighten me to DEATH"
Dear madame" cried her maid,
your hands are burning up with fever.
Let me send for your physician; you
are really ill. Your face is red and
white by turns; please give me leave
to call a doctor. Now your skin is cold
as ice."
mo, no." whispered Clemence. I'LL
be better after a good nights sleep,
only. don't leave mo alone, not for a
single moment. Do you hear: not for
q sirgle moment"
When pe Vignes reached the house
the next morning he was not surprised
to hear of Clemence's illness, but he
was to be told that she was threatened
with brain fever. The servants shook
their heads m~ysteriously and informed
him that their mistress had passed the
night in half delirium, calling out for
mercy at the hands of Pierre Laurier.
but that she persisted in refusing to
allow a physician to be called in.
Jacques bounded up stairs and en-
tered the room on tiptoe.
The instant Clemence Villas ewes
rested upon him she uttered a piercing
shrek and fell back on the pillow,
covering her face with her hands as if
to shut out some narrowing sight.
Don't, don't come in," she pleaded
in piteous tones. "Laurier's ghost is
behind you. | see it. 1t has followed
you here. 1t has come to torment me.
Go back, go back; in heavens name,
don't stay here; leave the house
quickly: go. 60"
Sorrow-stricken at the sight of the
dellrlous woman, and deeply moved by
the cries of terror uttered BY
her, DE .Vignes hastily quilted the
room with the intention of reaching
his carriage and driving off for a
physician without q moments delay.
An hour elapsed before he succeed
ed in finding the French physician tc
whom he desired to intrust the case;
but upon annouIc cling himself and the
doctor at h door he was quietly in.
formed that Madame could see nobody:
that she was not in need of a physician,
and had given absolute orders that
none should be admitted.
De Vignes turned away in silence,
da ed and bewildered by the extraor.
binary turn which events had taken.
The next day the residents along the
terrace and the light-hearted habitues
ct the Casino heard of the mysterious
disappearance of Clemence Villa from
Monte Carlo.
De vignes knew but little more than
the rest of the world. She had fed
from the ghost of Pierre Laurier, SO
the giddy pleasure seekers put it, and
that was the truth, so far as he knew
anything about the sudden end of this
queen OF Bohemia's reign.
Some events are so terribly earnest
and startling that they leave the minds
of those whom they affect in q calm
and neutral condition, a state of peace
rather than conflict. Such was the
effect of Clemence Villas disappear
ance upon Jacques de Vignes.
AS jacques was engaged relating to