Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-08-18

y H' "I say hc sI:Tll not marry her and mGke her life miserable. I'll ktIl him first" from her gave no hint that she wearied of me. As you say. there is some trick cry about it. I'll have an explanation from Felix" continued he, striking the table with his fist, ''or, by heaven, I'll kill him!"
 Where did you meet her?' 1 asked, ignoring this last remark. which was but idle
 ''In town over year ago." he re- piled. calming down. "She is, as you know, very beautiful, and her mother wished her to make great match. am comfortably of, but have not title; therefore Mrs. Bellin would not sanc- tion the engagement. Then had to go to South America on business connected with my property. Before I left she promised to become my wife and swore that nothing should part us or render her false to me. See, here is the ring she gave me-" he added, stretching out his hand, this pearl ring. I was to be back in six months, and our engagement was to be made public. am back in six months, and the first thing hear is that she is to marry Felix.
 Did she write and tell you so?''
 'No. But Felix did and asked me to meet him here before seeing her."
 ''Now, wonder if this apparent treachery of Miss Bcllin has anything to do with your twinship?"
 What do you mean?" asked Briar- field, starting up.
 You are so like ill appearance, :" said 1, that no one could tell you apart You have lived constantly together save for the last six months and know every action of each others lives. It may be that Felix has passed himself off to Miss Bellin as you
 ''Impossible! She would detect the deception i"
 ''I doubt it, save by intuition. 1 as- sure you. Briarfeld, that the resem- blancc between you is most perplexing There is not the slightest difference. You dress the same; you have the same gestures; you almost think the same It is scarce possible to tell which is which when apart. 1 thought tonight that you were Felix
 ''It cannot be; it cannot be, he nut tered fcverishly. Her own heart would tell her the truth. ;"
 Did you tell Felix of your engage ment?" asked abruptly.
 "Yes. 1 told him all. '
 And when did you hear last from Miss Bellin?'
 "Some three months ago It was be- cause she did not reply to my letters that l came back so soon.
 '"To whom were your letters sent?"
 ''To her, of course. "
 Care of Felix?" said l, with in- stinctive suspicion
 "Why, yes, " he said, with sudden frown. ''I did not want Mrs. Bellin to know of our engagement, so did not dare to write openly. Felix undertook to deliver tho letters. "
 "He may have undertaken to do so, but" added forcibly, "he did not. "
 "Denhamr'
 '"The whole case is as clear as day, " said l. Felix was in lovo with Miss Bellin and wished to marry her. Know ing she was in love with you, he was well aware he had no chance, so rcsorted to trickery. When you left for Chile, he gave her your letters for three months, then, saying he was going abroad, osten- sibly left England. but really staid and presented himself as you.
 "As me?'
 "Yes He has traded on the marvel ous resemblance between you. He knows all your life, all your love affairs, and have no doubt that Miss Bellin believes that he is Francis Briarfield, her lover, returned from South America in three months instead of six.
 ''If thought so. =" muttcred Francis, biting his fingers, Eff thought so''- ''I am sure it is SO Now you see why it is imperative that he should inter view you before you meet Miss Bcllin. He wishes to reveal the deception and throw himself on your mercy"
 He'll get no mercy from mo if this is so," said Briarfield in q sombcr tone. "Oh, fool that was not to write direct to Olivia when l came back to Englandl But it is not too late When he comes here, I'll learn the truth and denounce him to Olivia Then our troubles will be over"
 "A man capable of such n trick is capable of worse," said sententiously. 'I advise you to be on your guard 
 against Felix
 Do you think he'll kill me?"
 "I don't go as far as that" I replied cautiously, but your meeting will be- productive of trouble Just now you ex- pressed q wish to kill him.. ."
 And shall if he has tricl1ed me as you say.
 Nonsense, Briarfiold, you talk wild | lx, c.,,ro1x- ba cnft1a1 it, l less melodramatic fashion. l am glad I am here, as perhaps you will permit me to be present at the interview.
 Willingly. I know how clever you are, Denham. You may assist me to un- mask Felix"
 Do you think he'll come tonight?'' said I, going to the window.
 "His letter said tonight or tomor. row."
 "Then it will be tomorrow. Felix wouldn't risk meeting you at night ii he had thus betrayed you Let us go tc bed and tomorrow settle the matter. "
 At first Francis was unwilling to re tire, but when the landlord came to loci up for the night and laughed at tho idea of any one coming there iron Westminster he fell .u with my desire Together we went up stairs and partet on the threshold of his room. It wa. five or six doors away from mine
 Lock your door," said as we part ed
 What, do you think I'll be murdered in my slccp?'
 "No, but don't like the inn, and dislike the face of Strent, the landlord Besides, continued, tapping Briar fields breast, that girl Rose. !"
 "What about her?'
 "She knows Miss Bellin- Goo | nifyht ''