Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-06-25

was, as l say, in his power and he often
induced me to say and do things which
otherwise should have scorned. Also,
give me the credit of things which
have never thought of doing You
may have heard, madame, that it was
l who spied on your party and be-
! trayed it; l wish you to know that
was only tool in the hands of De
Marsac.'
Il have often thought it, said Nine.
Zavertal, gravely.
More than that, it was he who
breathed insinuations-suspi in
the minds of others; into, if l may say
it, your husbands mind"
You may not say it. That is suf-
ficient," was the sudden and naughty
Interpolation.
Despard bowed. You know my
meaning; that is sufficient. De Marsac
was in every way to blame. 1t was De
Marsac who contrived that the police
should appear on the scene at the mo-
ment when Col. Vanbrugh-he was
Capt. Vanbrugh then-entered, so that
it should look to you as if your hus-
band had brought them
WHAT" demanded Nine. Zavertal.
+ eagerly, SAY that again, for heavens
sake! What. Did not my husband bring
the police upon us?"
Il swear before God that | know he
aid not. Rene de Marsac planned your
brothers capture and brought your
husband at the same time on the pre-
I text that he would find you with
with"
/ The threatening expression on Lance
lots face deferred him from further
speech. He was afraid to go on
Il understand" said Venetia, with
a bitter smile, that he would find me
with lover; and he believed cor years
that this was true"
IF so, Rene de Mar3ac was alone to
blame"
Alone to blame? Did not Roger
know that the police were on my broth
er's track ?"
He had no idea of it -
DO you come from him? Has he
paid you to tell me this?"
NAY, mother" Lancelot interposed.
in his deep, gentle voice, you know my
father better than to ask that uues-
ton
The memory of the cavalier portrait
was strong within him as he spoke. A
man with that face might be wrong
headed, but never mean or base.
You are right" said Venetia, in a
changed voice. II ought not to have
asked
She rested her head on the cushion
of her couch and seemed to consider.
Il have misjudged him. Lancelot
thought he heard her mutter to her
self. But he could not be sure. Then
came a clearer utterance; "Is that all
you have to say to me?"
No, madame; the chief end of my
visit is yet unachieved. Your brother,
madame, it is of him I wish to speak.
You know, perhaps, that he was mar
ried?"
mo, I did not
Married to a young Englishwoman,
who died soon after her child was
born. He kept the child at home for
two years and then, on his death. I
thought, it seemed good to me that I
should adopt it,
Adopt my brothers child? Your"
Yes, madame, I had my plans Ny
own child of the same age and com
plexion was dead; # she had lived I
should not have needed a counterfeit,
AS it was, I took the little Nadia Ia
vertal and metamorphosed her into
Madeline Despard."
Can this be true?"
Il can prove every word of it. See,
for instance, the medal and chain
/ took from the child's neck. Do you
know it, nadame?"
Venetia was visibly shaken. yes"
she said, TREMENDOUSLY. 'T know that
medal; it was once mine. Lancelot. YOU
must look into this, for see, if it is
true, your Madeline is my brothers
daughter and you may marry her when
you choose"
this be true?" Then he looked at Des-
pard and came a step nearer Are you
not Madeline's fathe:?' he said
mo, Mr. Vanbrugh, I am not But
! I hope you will not be hard on me,
sir. I did my best for her. | hope
you will remember that and be gen.
erous-''
Generous" Lancelot recoiled in dis
gust. Generous to a mean hound, a
rogue, scoundrel like yourself? Have
you not just confessed to an Infamous
crime? Did you not play the spy on
Leon Zavertal and help De Marsac to
hound him to his death. If we were
not in my mothers presence l should
give you the punishment you deserve
But-for Madeline's sake chiefiy-I will
let you GO.
Yes, let him CO." said Venetia's faint
voice. Let him go. You will have
no difficulty now, Lar CeIot"
/ ''She looked so CHASTITY that Lancelot
turned his attention to her and Des-
pard took advantage of his preoccupa-
ton to escape.
! He had not expected that his COM
munication would be received in this
revengeful spirit. Perhaps he would
never have made it if he had guessed
that hard words instead of gifts would
! hn IL -