Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1896-03-11
Copyright, 1892 by G. P. Putnam's Sons.
CHAPTER XIV.
AN INTERRUPTED WEDDING.

AN INTERRUPTED WEDDlNt.
During the time spent by Mr.. Barnes
in the south his spies in New York dis
covered little or nothing against the
persons whom they had been charged to
watch. Indeed from the standpoint of q
detective the actions of all had been
most uninteresting. The usual round Of
social affairs, the customary number of
theater or opera parties, the regular aft
ernoon teas-in fact, the ordinary routine
life of the man or woman of fashion
was all that could be observed. Yet Of
course these weeks did not pass without
any occurrence of note. The chief one
perhaps was the naming of the day
upon which the wedding Of MIR. Mitchell
and Miss Remsen was to occur. This
was May 5, the very day upon which
Mr.. Barnes would reach New York with
Mr.. Neuilly.
Thus fate seemed hurrying on eli
max which was to occur on the wedding
day. In New Orleans detective was
seeking evidence upon which he hoped
to convict man Of the heinous crime of
murder, while in New York beautiful
woman was bestowing her faith upon
this same man, and, with the assistance
Of many fingers, preparing to bedeck
herself in bridal finery for his delecta-
tion. Meanwhile the man himself acted
most unooncernedly. He seemed to con-
slider himself beyond the risk Of danger,
and he accepted his happiness as does
one who had honorably earned it.
Of much interest to US, in the light
Of fast approaching events, was the Gu
rious conduct of Dora Remsen during
this period. 1t will be remembered that
Mr.. Randolph had lost an opportunity
of declaring himself, and that he warn
ed the young lady against Mr.. Thauret
as one not to be trusted. This kind of
advice, it is to be presumed, is offered
by the one giving it, with some idea,
however distant, that it may be accept
ed. Yet the histories Of many lives
would show that only small percent
age Of similar advice has ever been re-
ceived with acquiescence. Indeed, it
might also be said that many persons
have been hurried into each cther's
arms by the interference of wiseacres,
when perhaps, if left to themselves,
they would have drifted apart At least
so it seemed in this case.
Mr.. Thauret had become not only a
constant visitor at the house Of the
Remsens, but he seemed welcome
one. He certainly was most entertain
ing man, and his manners utterly unap-
proachable. He had travelled, and not
only had seen the world, but had OBJ
served it, which is another thing. The
result Of this was that he had fund Of
narrative always at his disposal, and his
conversation was so attractive that he
easily monopolized the attention Of a
coterie at any social gathering. Mr..
Randolph noted with growing uneasi-
ness that Dora was always one Of the
group who listened to these tales. What
disturbed him most was that after the
greatest amount of time spent and vast
ed in seeking son,e flagrant defect in
the mans character he was at last COM
PEELED to acknowledge to himself that
he had nothing against Mr.. Thauret
except prejudice. But that prejudice
was as great if not greater than ever.
He determined at length to speak to Mr..
Mitchell about it, and did so one after
noon when the rooms were crowded,
his rival being as usual the center of an
attentive group.
Mitchell" "he began, chow the deuce
did that fellow Thauret get into this
family?"
"Dora met him somewhere, I believe.
Why?"
"Why? Can you ask that?'
"Can I? Why, certainly I can. did
ask you Whyi"
II declare, Mitchell, you are either as
blind as q bat or else you have eyes on
ly for Miss Emily. Don't you see the
danger that the younger sister is in, as
sociating with that man?''
"Well. now, Randolph, to be candid,
I must admit I do not see the danger.
What is it?''
"Why, suppose-suppose she fell in
love with him? Suppose she married
. himp'
"Well, what then?"
"What then? You would provoke a
saint. You talk as coolly about that
child's throwing herself away on "a
nobody-as though we were discussing
a shot at billiards"
Randolph, my friend, let me give
you a bit of advice. When man wish
es to marry girl, there are two i'm
portant rules which he must observe,
and both of them I believe you have
neglected.
"What do you meant"
"Before I explain let me ask you a
question. Am right in supposing that
you wish to marry Dora yourself?"
"Well, that is rather pointed. How,
ever, I will admit the truth. Iwould
be happy to have her love-"
Every we'll. Twill tell you those two
rules. The first is, Never speak i'll OF
your rival The second is, Don't be
too late asking for the young lady,"
Randolph looked at Mr.. Mitchell 6
moment intently, then offered his hand
which was grasped warmly. He SAID
simply, II thank you," and walked
over to the group where Dora was. Aft
er awhile, taking advantage Of an op
perfume lull, he leaned over her and sale
in all undertone:
"May have few words of conver
sation with you?'
She looked up at him, evidently sur
prised at his tone, and asked:
"Is it important?"
every" he replied succinctly, ant
excusing herself to the company sh'
permitted him to lead her into the mex
Il