Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1896-05-21
CHAPTER XXI.

r seemed. indeed, that Frank was
,,a9 His face was rigid. and though
instance spoke to him ;mploringiy again
va ooa;n. he did not seem to hear her.
uaIav cold and motionless as stone. Wild
18th terror, she placed her hand upon his
s ssorr. il seemed 20 have stopped beating.
r Tn awful stiffness of the room suddenly
{ h..sme oppressiye-she gasped as if for
8 ar. she staggered to the door AS if to pro-
n,a assistance she opened the door, and
i fell like stone.
When she opened her eyes Alice Grey
s,,oE was bending over her. After one
8 ,rId look in her friends face, Constance
4 .,argared tc her feet and gazed wildly
4 around.
3 "Constance"' cried Alice, 'for heavens
4 .aka what is the matter? did not reach
-ba MARQUIS house until very late. and [
found that he had gone to the ball. Con-
stance, what is the matter!"
"The matter! cried Constance. "Oh,
Alice, lookr'
TREMENDOUSLY clinging to her, Constance
dragged her into the room, and to the side
d If the couch where Frank was lying.
4 With cry Alice started back.
"A man. she said--then, recognizing
him. she added with q shudder, "Lord
{ Harrlngton!
"Yes" said Constance, still holding her
tightly by the arm, sit is Frank. Look
at him, Alice, quickly. Has he tainted?
i Is be asleep? Look!'
COnquering her terror, Alice bent for
ward and touched his face and hands;
then she reverently drew back.
He is dead" she said.
"Nor' cried Constance, clutching wild
" at her friend; mot dead! It is false
cannot be! Heaven would not be SO
cruel.
Suddenly Alice started, went to the
window, and looked out. When she turn
ed again to Constance her face was as
white as that of the man lying upon the
c0uch
1T is carriage coming up the street, !"
she said If it should be the duke! Con-
stance, if, as you say, this is a trap, it
must be the duke, and he will kill your
moment later knock and voice
without cried:
Open quickly!'
Without more ado, Alice opened the
door and the newcomer entered the room.
1t was Mr.. Feveral.
Pardon my intrusion at this hour Of
the night" he said, ''but come on urg-
ent business. The duke
rs he with you?" asked Constance.
HE will follow almost immedia tely."
your message?"
us simple. l come to warn you"
Indeed" she answered with bitter
SMILE even you come too late. Let US
understand each other, Mr.. Feveral,"
she continued, while Alice stood trem-
bingly by II am the Duchess d'Azzeg-
10 and you are the dukes spy. The dukes
departure for France was pretense, your
coming here tonight is a ruse. Well, sir,
your work is done; we have fallen into the
trap which you and your master laid for
Us. You have secured one victim-iook!
She pointed to the couch on which
Frank was lying. Feveral started with
cry.
The Earl of Harrington-dead?"
Yes, dead!' repeated Constance, who
seemed to have turned to stone. Brought
here by your masters deviltry, while
still weak from his wounds he tainted
and-died. Now, go to the duke; bring
AIm here to look upon his WORT. am pre-
pared to meet him.
Madam, you wrong me-" said Feveral
earnestly. LAS l am a living man my
WISH is not to betray, but to save you.'
Constance" cried Alice, chnging to
aer, trust this gentleman, and do as he
advises. believe he is your friend
And if | trust him-what then? This
IS the chamber of death. My husband
VIII soon return and find"
Leave that to me-" said Feveral. He
Wok off his travelling cloak and covered
Tie body, which lay there looking so
CHASTITY in the lamplight. MADAM" he
continued, turning to, Constance, Il will
uelp You all can"
Come, DEAR" said Alice, putting ner
arms about her, 'let me take you to your
room"
NeI,' she returned, ''take me where
YOU please, l do not care. 1t is all
useam, Alicia fearful dream, and |
seem to be crawling forward to my grave.
. only know that all love is dead, and
lse my heart is broken"
Sooong Historically, she fell upon the
snls neck, and was gently led from the