The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1895-01-10

but one resort left me- either to prove it,
or disproveit; and that by, myself, alone
Oil 90 not then think it boldness or shame
lessness that led me over the sea in this un-
womanly manner"
Fairfax listened in wonder. Did she
really mean that she had done this to shield
hinis Was it possible that, after all, Dick
was right
Turning toward her again, he abruptly
asked:
= ''Do you mean to say that you actually
came to America wishing to prove my limo
cenceln
Il do" answered she, fearlessly, and
looking unflinchngly into his eyes.
Fairfax, seeing that the girl was very
highly wrought-up and keenly felt the dis
grace and awkwardness OF her position, re-
solved to comfort her Besides, he was NOR
tai and could scarcely rcpress secret feel
ing Of exultation over the fact that he, the
man of humble fortune had, to such an un-
suspected extent aroused the interest of
the greatest "catch" in England
you are mistaken" said he, 81 do not
consider you bold or shameless. 1t is
who am disgraced, who have ruined my
reputation in the eyes of two .ovely women.
And yet am not the abanfJned wretch you
must think me. told W the truth at that
fatal ball at the March; mess. never had
seen the Princess, sefore that evening,
about shutdown. | Jaw her and if you will
have it-loved h,r The whole thing was
an affair Of but :. moment. You think she
has suffered and been unhappy. do not.
believe she has never been happier since
her BROTH rs death. l never troubled her
until to lay, when she discovered who
was, B. d, naturally, was indignant at learn
ing n.y course Of duplicity. She is the love
liest, purest and most angelic being on
e&rth"
"Aye that she is |" warmly added Lydia,
without the least tinge of jealousy"
"Of course, he went on to say, II have
promised tofree her, and think you must
have been sent here by merciful provi-
dence to take her back. l shall put her IN
your sole charge. The steamer by which she
came is still in New York, but will tele-
graph the captain to stop here for YOU.
You will not refuse to take charge of her,
will you'll" said he, looking up inquiringly.
II have failed after risking literally every
thing. even borrowed large sum in
order to carry out my plans. If have moth
ing else to work for, shall at least strive
to repay that. You do not know that am
poor and professionless9
~ know it ALL" replied Lydia, quietly.
II know all about you.''
"How," asked he in surprise.
She answered simply:
II have been at your home"
"Ah, then you are the lovely Miss earns
fordl"
Lydia blushed
Fairfax looked at the girl. She certainly
must be a remarkable woman to have
undertaken such an errand as she declared
she had come upon. Next to his own Prin.
cess she was, assuredly, the finest woman
he had over seen.
She fe.v his scrutinizing gaze, and became
visibly embarrassed. By no means was
her regard for this man yet gone.
Il ask of you one more favor" he con.
inued 81 shall not see the Princess again
at least, to speak with her. Will YOU tell
her-that if her suspicious are aroused as
to my confedcrates in the deed, request
her too keep them to herself. If Justice
must be satisfied, myself will appear alone
and suffer any penalty that may free the
others But feel quito sure that she will
divulge not even the name of the steamer
that brought her here and takes her back tc
France; and | think the Lady Lydia is still
friend enough to stand by me in keeping this
request herself.n
"You may depend upon mc,' said Lydia
holding out her unglovcd hand, and placing
it in Fairfax's in sign OF friendship.
Here Fairfax stopped the horse. They
were at the entrance to Eld-Field
1 Handing the reins to Lydia, he said:
"lf you want my assistance, send note
over to the cottage yonder, where my aunt
and am staying. Meanwhile will order
Blanche, the Princess maid, to prepare al
things for departure, and will let her know
wherthe steamer is expected"
With bow, Fairfax was gone, and Lydis
slowly drove in alone through the gates Of
Eld-Field.
She believed now in her first intuition
this was the one man of her life.