Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-01-05
CHAPTER II.

dered me ont of the house, l would only
have looked on it as the just punish
mcnt 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, had discov-
cred that Rose Gernon intended to visit
Felix ut 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 sufficed for me
that Rose would be in the rooms Of
Felix ON this evening. and that Olivia
would catch them in a trap. l had no
pity for the guilty pair, but was gen.
timely sorry for Olivia. She little knew
the torture she was about to undergo.
did and almost regretted that 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 60 to Jermyn
street at that hour without chaperon
proved how DESTROYS she was Of learning
the truth. Delicately nurtured, gently
bred. she mrst have felt Mortified at the
risk she was running of losing her good
name. but seeing that her life's happi-
ness depended upon knowing all she
flung etiquette 10 the winds and came.
When found her at the foot of the
stairs at O'Clock, l admired and re-
spectcd her from the bottom Of my
heart.
IAN ! late:" she asked, touching my
hand with trembling fingers.
''Only five minutes" said I, looking
ut my watch. II 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.. Dcnham:" said Olivia, taking
my arm Sec. 1 have on plain dress,
and this veil is thick one"
mo one will recognize you," an
swered soothingly. Nor do think You
will meet any one Of your acquaint-
anccs.
IL should have brought my mother
but that l wished her to know nothing
- h, G,.<l I
deceived, shall break off my engage
ment with Francis But You will keep
silent about my visit. will you not, Mr.
Denham:"
no one shall hear word from me, +"
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. 1T is Francis. l have told
you SO all along"
Ishrugged 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 Won going to do, Mr.. Den
ham," asked Olivia anxiously.
"We will go up to the rooms of Bri-
arfield," answered, and there overhear
their conversation.
Shrinking back.
I'm most cases it would be, I" replied
hastily, but it does not do to be too
particular i'll this matter. If you break
in on them. they may deny everything.
Vhinking they are alone, YOU will hear
tho truth. Remember, Miss Bellin,
when one deals with q villain one
must beat him with his own weapons
Depend upon it, it is most necessary that
we should learn all.
They can speak Of nothing l do NOT
know"
Are you aware of the TRUTH said
!, somewhat startled by this remark.
u am aware of the truth" she re.
peated slowly. and before l could ques-
ton her she fitted up the stairs. There
was no time for me to ponder over her
words. as il was now past s O'Clock.
and Rose Gernon might descend at any
time. / therefore spoke few hasty
: words TO the caretaker, telling him
wished to see Mr. Briarteld, and fol
lowed her 1T once. In rwo minutes We
were both standing before the door OF
Briartield's room.
lit Is locked" said Olivia family
Never mind. answered |. prcduc
ing my latchkoy. This key Of min,
opens the door. was. as Won are aware
great friend Of Francis and learned
: that my key fitted tine lock Of his room:
= eome time ago have not forgotten
the circumstances. 80 it comes in use
full now Seer'
turned the key. ard the door open
ed noisclessly. Mosioning to Miss Bel
lin to precede me. ] followed her quiet
" and closed the door behind us. W,
heard the murmur Of voices in the sit
ting room. She as we'll as l knew IL.
! whereabouts thoroughly. The door wa.
slightly ajar. and in front of it stretch
ed tall screen, with frerwork at III,
Z top
Stepping through the open door in ,