The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-08-28
CHAPTER XI


ment for what must have appeared my
impertinent interference in what did
not concern me. The very fact that she
listened so quietly proved that she sus-
pected Felix was masquerading as her
lover. She could only be assured of this
by overhearing his interview with Rose
Gernon and therefore accepted my in
vitation to go to the Jermyn street
rooms. If their tenant was Francis, he
would resent the intrusion of Rose, but
if Felix the two confederates would
doubtless talk of their guilty secret.
Thanks to a sovereign judiciously be-
slowed on the carekeeper, l had discoy-
cred that Rose Gernon intended to visit
Felix at 8 o'clock. How the carekeeper
found out l do not know, but in some
mysterious way servants seem to gain
all information concerning the doings
of their superiors. 1t suficed for me
that Rose would be in the rooms Of
Felix on this evening, and that Olivia
would catch them in a trap. had no
pity for the guilty pair, but was gen.
timely sorry for Olivia She little knew
the torture she was about to undergo. l
did and almost regretted that l had in
terfered in the matter However, con-
soled myself with the reflection that it
was better for her TO suffer few hours
pain than lifelong misery.
That she agreed to go to Jermyn
street at that hour without chaperon
proved how desirous she was Of learning
the truth. Delicately nurtured, gently
bred, she must have felt Mortified at the
risk she was running Of losing her good
name, but seeing that her lifes happi-
ness depended upon knowing all she
flung etiquette to the winds and came.
When / found her at the foot of the
stairs at 8 O'Clock, l admired and re-
spected her from the bottom of my
heart.
,"Am 1 late?" she asked, touching my
hand with trembling fingers.
"Only five minutes" said I, looking
at my watch. 81 have been waiting at
the head Of the stairs for that time.
However, we can soon walk round to
Jermyn street"
"Do you think any one will know
me, Mr.. Denham?" said Olivia, taking
my arm. "See, l have ON a plain dress,
and this veil is a thick one.
"No one will recognize you," I an
swered soothingly. "Nor do think you
will meet any one Of your acquaint-
ances."
81 should have brought my mother
but that wished her to know nothing
of this treachery. If l find l have been
deceived, l shall break off my engage
ment with Francis But you will keep
silent about my visit will you not, Mr..
DenhamP
No one shall hear a word from me, I"
answered earnestly. "But keep up your
spirits, Miss Bellin. Even if you find
you have been deceived there will be
some consolation in knowing that it is
Felix and not Francis.
"You are wrong there" she replied
positively. ut is Francis. l have told
you so all along"
shrugged my shoulders without re-
ply. Evidently nothing could shake her
faith in the man. All could hope for
was that the two confederates would
betray themselves.
what are you going to do, Mr.. Den
ham?" asked Olivia anxiously.
1--WE will go up to the rooms of Bri-
arfield, " / answered, and there overhear
their conversation.
is that not dishonorable?" she said,
shrinking back.
"In most cases it would be, " replied
hastily, "but it does not do to be too
particular in this matter. If you break
in on them, they may deny everything
Thinking they are alone, you will hear
the truth. Remember, Miss Bellin,
when one deals with villain one
must beat him with his own weapons
Depend upon it, it is most necessary that
we SnouIQ learn all.
"They can speak of nothing I do not
know"
"Are you aware of the TRUTH" said
/, somewhat startled by this remark.
II am aware of the TRUTH" she re-
peated slowly, and before I could ques-
tion her she fitted up the stairs. There
was no time for me to ponder over her
words, as it was now past O'Clock,
and Rose Gernon might descend at any
time. ] therefore spoke few hasty
words to the caretaker, telling him
wished to see Mr.. Briarfeld, and fol-
lowed her at once. In two minutes we
were both standing before the door of
Briarfield's room.
'It is locked" said Olivia family.
Never mind," answered /, produc-
ing my latchkey. "This key of mine
opens the door, Twas, as you are aware,
q great friend Of Francis and learned
that my key fitted the lock of his rooms
some time ago. ! have not forgotten
the circumstances, SO it comes in use
full now. Seer'
I turned the key, and the door OPEN
ed noiselessly. Motioning to Miss Bel
lin to precede me, followed her quiet
ly and closed the door behind us. We
heard the murmur of voices in the sit
ting room. She as we'll as knew its
whereabouts thoroughly. The door was
slightly ajar, and in front of it stretch
ed tall screen, with fretwork at the
top.
Stepping through the open door in q
gingerly manner, we placed ourselves
directly behind the screen, so could both
see and hear without danger of being
observed. Thus far our enterprise had
succeeded in the most successful man
ner, and nothing remained for us to dc
but to listen to the important converse.
tion now taking place.
Felix. standing with his back against
the mantelpiece looked anxious and an
CRY, while Rose Gernon, her hands on
the table, faced him tiercely. Evidently
the conversation was not progressing in
satisfactory manner to either.