Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1895-03-28
those in which her guests Of that even
ing were assembled. 20

ing were assembled.
10 that room she was speedily FOL
lowed. as she had known would be III
case, by Viscount Dareleigh.
Mrs. Chesterton had been seateS,
scarce a moment In one of the lnow
handsome and luxurious Of her hired
easy chairs, when she saw the viscouns
enter the room and hurriedly close II
door behind him. q
Once more. after so many yea,s
alone together, these two looked curl.
ously at each other: perhaps each Of
them was noting INC havoc which I'm
AHA guilty conscience had wrought
with. the other since the days when
they were vers and accomplices In 4
terrible crime. 81
For some moments not 4 word was
spoken between them, yet was there
not perfect silence around them; for
the music of the waltz which the fash
ionablc band Mrs. Ches;arton had en-
gagged for the cnlivenment Of he:
guests We're playing, reached even to
hat room, although but family pene
trating to its interior.
Presently Mrs. Chesterton broke int
I Slight, quiet laugh; she was greatly
amused with the stupefaction yits
which the viscounts even still looked
upon that Eugenia, formerly so dear
to him, and whom, she hid no doubt,
he had most completely forgotten.
Mrs. Chesterton explained that she
had been many years absent from
England, to which she had but very
lately returned.
A few weeks before. on her way to-
wards London, she had thought to
write to the viscount to inform him
that she was still in exis ence; but
having reflected, had torn her letter,
thinking it best to give him IN agreea.
BILE surprise.
And again she laughed. as she read
on the viscouni's face the annoyance
and vcXation which he felt.
1t will be easily understood the torn
letter to which she alluded had been
that which had been found by Noel
Darlington.
Now, listen to me very attentivefy..
Norton proceeded Eugenia." My hus-
band, Mr.. Chesterton, who died some
eighteen months Ego, had encountered
great reverses and so has left me, en-
tirely without fortune"
The viscount would not believe that,
beholding the luxury with which Eu-
genia was surrounded.
But the lady explained to him by
what means she had obtained posses
sion of the house and furniture; that
before returning to England she had
collected together all her little scat
tered prop rty, and had converted 1t
into money; and that, month hence,
she would be without resources.
The viscount could not understand
her-in that case, wherefore such prod
igality?
And Mrs Chesterton responded:
Because the lady with whom Wis
count Dareleigh's son shall wed must
be very wealthy, and because it was
necessary that Il world. which judges
only by appearances. should believe
Miss Aurelia Chcsterton to be a very
heiress."
The viscount started and frowned
darkly on Eugenia. who. with a pecu-.
liar smile, said banteringly:
Il see, Norton, that you now begin
to understand. Fate has decided
against our own felicity, but we may
yet be happy in beholding our children
united"
'Audacious as have always known
your spirit the viscount very wrath
fully cried, II could never have thought
it would imagine project so madly
absurd"
Really exclaimed Eugenia, with
a knocking smile.
mo more Of this!'' pursued the Wis.
count. you appeal to my former
friendship. and it shall not fail you'll
will provide for you and your daugll-
ter. l shall remember the Eugenia
Reckless whom formerly, in my evil
days, l loved!"
But is that all you will remembers"
Mrs. Chesterton ironically demanded.
Are you quite certain that you will
have forgotten One Tree Square, and
the Fifth of February, 1902
The lady had, unconsciously perhaps,
somewhat raised her voice, and the
with an expression of alarm,
entreated that she would speak lower.
And he glanced fearfully around the
room, although he knew they were
alone.
ITO RE cONrINuEO