Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1895-03-28


come a barrister, and had soon givel
promise of speedy rise to eminenct
in the way of life he had chosen.
Perhaps the chief motive which haf
urged The dore to pursue the law AZ
profession, and so somewhat to of
fend the viscount's notions of perfec
dignity, was the coldness and neglec
with which he had, so long as HI
could remember. been treated b., hi.
father.
Theodore's heart had been constant,
yearning for some proof of that fathers
love for his son, but not the slightest
token Of affection had ever been vOuch
safed.
viscount Dareleigh was ambitious OF
higher worldly honors, and had re-
solved to use his son as stepping
he aimed; therefore, it was that he
with the daughter Of a noble house.
whose head could boast Of very i'm
portant political influence.
And Theodore, at first reluctant. had
soon gladly yielded to his fathers
wishes. because he has soon become
enamored Of the young lady who mad
been selected as his future wife.
Theodore's marriage had for some
time been arranged and decid ID on, al
though day had not yet been named
for its accomplishment.
Mrs. Chesterton's invitation would
not have been accep ed by the Wis.
counts son. but for the hope that, in
the society he would meet there, his
friend might. for few hours at least,
forget his own sorrows, of VIII CHI Theo-
dore had been told the cause.
He could not endure to see Edwin
Forester so sad and wretched as he
had been of late, and had compelled
the young man to bear him company
in this visit to the widows house.
And Viscount Dareleigh, too, had
arrived to make one of this nights
party.
Only few hours before that at which
we have now arrived had the viscount
received his invitation, which, knowing
nothing of Mrs. Chesterton. he had
been. with an impatient gesture, about
10 throw aside, when his eye fell On Il
few words, which had been added in
pencil at the bottom of the note.
And those words were:
cit is necessary | should see YOU
concerning the arrangements for your
sons marriage with the daughter Of
the earl of Ashdown.'
The viscount was astounded.
What could Mrs. Chesterton have to
do with any matters between him ana
the earl of Ashdown? How had she
become informed Of the intended mar
riage, which had been and still was
closely guarded secret?
And why was it necessary that she
should be consulted concerning it?
1t was to know all this that the Wis.
count was that evening at Mrs. Ches-
terton's house; and few moment,
after his arrival there he encountered
his son. and both were greatly sur
prised at their meeting at that place.
Theodore explained that he hid re-
ceived an invitation, and for his
frienl's sake only hal accepted it.
Are you acquaint I'd with Mrs. Ches.
terton?' the viscount eagerly demand
ed.
Not at all, SIR Theodore replied;
land l was far from expecting that l
should have the honor to meet you
here
Aud the viscount sank into deep
thought, and was, he knew not where
for, uneasy and apprehensive Of COM
ing ill.
He walked amidst the guests, search
ing, yet almost fearing to find this
Mrs. Chesterton.
Suddenly light hand was Laid upon
his shoulder and musical voice said
aloud:
Look ut me. Viscount Dareleigh,
and let me have the happiness to know
that you have not forgotten an old
friend"
For nearly twenty years he had not
heard that voice, but its tones were
still and we'll remembered.
He turned toward the speaker and
beheld, as he had known he would,
Eugenia Reckless-the only woman he
had ever really loved, and his accom-
plice in that terrible crime which had,
at last, made of him Viscount Dare
leigh.
His surprise passed, he looked coldly
Eugenia.
Pardon me that I did not forewarn
you OF my presence in London" said
Eugenia, lightly and smilingly, and.
with just a little touch of Irony; but
y
prise, and l see that it is very great"
The viscOunt was forced for time
to contain himself. for people We're
about him. witnesses to all that WAS
passing, and so he muttered. constrail-
edly, that his surprise could be sur.
passed only by his joy ut the present
meeting
And Mrs. Chesterton smiled gra
ciously, and thanked him, and asked
to be introduced to his son. and greete
| Theodore warmly, and bestowed on
him long and very approving Look.
And, perfectly radiant, said:
II can perceive, viscount. that your
son is most completely worthy Of the
praises which everywhere. are show.
cred upon him"
And almost beside Mrs. Chestertou,
though unnoticed by her, was one who
was watching her every look, listening
eagerly to her every word.
=. And that person, Of whom we will
presently speak, was saying to him
self:
How easily flow her words--liow
calm her smile! Looking at her now.
who would believe that she had aided
In assasination!'
Withdrawing quietly and unuOtical