Rocky Ford enterprise., 1896-06-25

from evil. This
thought strengthened me, and i was
able to face my interrogator. But, all
the same. 1t was great modification
to feel that In order to explain matters
to this man must, as it were. lay bare
my most sensitive feelings.
"You know my true name?" l asked
mo. But l have seen you some
where-Vienna, Paris-I forget where
Then you were not called Vane."
my name is Julian Lorraine"
Julian Lorraine" he repeated. mus
iugly. 81 have heard that name In the
world, and with little good attached to
It. But 1t could not have referred to
yourself. You are too young. But your
reason for deception? Speak" he
said. fiercely.
/ curbed my rising anger, and. as
as well as could. told him why had
wooed Viola under false name.
think he believed me. but saw scorn
on his face as he listened.
1.-THE act OF fool" he said. "Mr
Lorraine. such romantic affairs should
he left to poets and novelists. Viola
Keith would need no riches nor poverty
with the man she loved. / tell you, II
I were to go tomorrow and make
known to her your doubt OF her single
keartedness. could shatter the whole
fabric OF your happiness. Why should
] not do so?"
''It would be the act OF n fiend."
said.
He laughed. not pleasantly. "Yes.
II would. / will not do It. will even
teep your secret. and let you carry out
your ridiculous plan. But l will also
do this: will follow you on your we'd
ding morning. and see with my own
eyes that you have married Miss Keith
In your right name. MOI" he said,
seeing was ready to spring from my
seat In Indignation. mo! I will have
no protest. You have brought this up
on yourself. You have given me the
right to mistrust you"
VIII you be good enough to show me
the right by which You interfere at
all?" I said.
Until her twenty-first birthday /
am Miss Keith's guardian"
"a very young one." sneered.
Yes; but older than you think. Her
mother died six years ago. was then
thirty: she Thought me old enough to
be her child's guardian. and I will see
tho trust to the end
The meaning thrown into the last
sentence did not escape me. II i'm
piled that he still Viewed me with dis
trust. My anger was thoroughly
aroused.
Perhaps. Mr.. Grant," said, there is
a nearer and dearer right you wish to
exercise over your ward-one which she
herself alone can bestow."
He drew himself up to his full height.
THAT. SIR" he said, calmly. "is ungen-
erous. l had hoped that my love for
Miss Keith was n matter unknown to
all save myself. love her as 1t may be
beyond your power to love a woman.
1 would lay down my lie for her far
more easily than to-day lay down my
love. Yet do this. and to you, my
rival, can say, Take her. and make
her happy-make her happy"
The repetition OF the last three words
was not wish; 1t was command. a
threat.
Grant was still standing above me.
and as ! looked at him ! saw that his
face was pale, and on his forehead
were drops OF moisture. His appear-
,nce almost startled me-. but said
rose, and wished him good
light Somehow, In spite OF the dislike
With which the man had inspired me,
here was about him strength and
lignity which impressed me more than
cared to own. He accompanied me to
he door. When II closed / paused for
moment to light one OF my own cigars.
hen i crossed the road. As did SO
glanced back. The gas was burning
n the room which had Just left; the
hind was drawn up. I saw Grant enter,
hrow himself into the chair which I
lad left vacant. stretch his arms out on
ne table. and lay his head upon
hem. like one in agonies of grief. He
vas bewailing the loss of the happiness
hat i had won.
l pitied him, but hated him. It
seemed to me that II this man set his
neart upon woman's love, sooner or
later she must give 1t to him. What
would 1t be II now he used all his power
10 rob me of Viola? I knew that till
the ring was on her finger I should
have no peace of mind.
The next day. when I paid my visit
I trspa f,.tt
should find Eustace Grant at her side,
perhaps exercising all his craft. In
spite OF his assumption of frankness, /
believed him to be crafty. to my dis
advantage. 1t was fear which had no
foundation. Neither on that nor the
succeeding days did Grant in any way
interfere with my monopoly of Viola.
once or twice 1 met him, apparently
coming from the house. On these oc-
casions he bowed gravely, but did not