Catoctin clarion., 1897-04-22

"Waitr' said Darke. in an inperious
tone. She faced him again with flush
on her cheeks. II have been absurd, he
went ON, "but now I'm done with it.
II you had told me whom you were to
marry, should never have begun it."
II to marryr' repeated Olympia, lift
ing her head
my dear, am afraid Mr.. Darke is
not himself; we had better CO." inter
posed Mr.. Raven, shifting from one
foot to the other in q kind Of subdued
dance Of anxiety.
"Oh, it's no secret. You are to be
Mn. Harry Trent. Yes, | have It on tho
best authority" Here he dropped his
sarcastic tone and spoke with passion.
What have done that you should hu-
initiate mes Do You think it joke that
man like me should love your Well, q
woman may insult q man, but if
"Mr. Dsrke, it Is all q mistake" she
interrupted II have no intention Of
marrying my oousin-I never had. Who
ever told you SO said what was untrue.
I could not know you loved me until
you said 70 yourself; but il had known
1t l should not consider 1t = joke, but
an honor->one"-
"Olvmpia!" cried Darke. with . vibra-
ton Of the voice. The expression Of his
face was entirely changed: it seemed to
radiate light and fervor. The whole
man heightened and expanded. She
met his eyes, blushing deeply. He came
Z step nearer and held out his hands,
Don't let me be mistaken sgain!" he
said, below his breath.
Our unpremeditated acts are incA-
culable. Olympia did not know how it
happened; still less did abe hear her
mothers dismayed expostulation, She
only knew that she was in Keppel Darke's
arms and that he had kissed her. Had
any one told her ten minutes before that
such thing could occur she would have
been indignant As it was she found it
strangely agreeable.
But after . few moments she extri-
Gated herself and caught her breath.
who told you that story about me!' she
asked.
"Your Cousin barry himself." he re-
piled. II saw him last night and asked
him whether l might tell you that l
loved you. he said that 1t would be
better not, for he intended marrying you
himself. Twas 90 angry that could
have killed him, and ever since them
Pardon me-" said a strange voice,
proceeding from a broad shouldered.
bluff featured man in the doorway. lis
this Mr.. Darke's studio"
"Yes; but it's not open to visitors at
this hour" returned Keppel, throwing
out his arm. "Come some other time, if
You please. I'm enEaged~ As he ut
tered the last word he glanced at Olym-
pia, and they both smiled with secret
happiness.
VERY sorry; but are your Mr.. Darke
-Keppel Darke?" persisted the stranger,
advancing step or two into the room.
II am; what do you want?" said the
artist. also advancing, with a frown.
"Pve told you that I'm busy. Isn't that
enoughY'
I'm afraid that won't do in the pres
ent case, Mr.. Darke," answered the
other, standing now within arms length.
Fact is, l have some very particular
business with you," he added, lowering
his voice. perhaps you'd better ask the
ladies to step ont; it might not be pleas
ant for therh-you understandT
II don't understand at air. exclaimed
Keppel. "But suspect you have made
some everlasting blunder. I've nothing
to conceal from these ladies or from
anybody. What do you want? Speak
outl"
"Just as you please, Mr.. Darke," said
the other, drawing q paper from his
pocket. II have a warrant here for
your arrest"
Dear met" calculated Mrs. Raven.
Olympia, we really must
Keppel lifted his chin and laughed.
MY arrest!" he repeated. "You have
come to the wrong place. l owe nobody
anything. You owe me an apology!"
"This isn't an action for debt, Mr..
Darke," returned the stranger gravely.
"It's a serious thing, sir; couldn't we'll
be more 30. You're acquainted with
Mr.. Harry Trent, aren't your
yes"
"Seen him lately, haven't your
Il saw him last night at his new
house. What Of it,
The stranger fixed his eyes upon him.
aMr. Trent was found dead in his study
this morning." he said, speaking slowly.
There was knife through his heart-a
japanese dagger with a carved handle.
And it is my duty to arrest You on sus-
picion of numbering him."
Darke closed his lips, and his chest
heaved. His face, after a moments pal
lor. flushed red. The officer watched him
narrowly, and now second officer ap-
peared in the doorway. In the rear of
the studio Mrs. Raven had dropped into
a chair and was emitting hysteric cries.
Darke slowly turned until his eyes rest
ed upon Olympia, who had remained mo-
tonless and mute.
"Do you believe it7' he said to her.
moi" she answered in a whispered
voice, drawing in her breath.
Then no matter for the rest. l am
innocent Fake your mother home"
She came forward with her arms out
stretched, but he waved his hand.
Mot while l am suspected" he said
1T won't last long. This comes at a
strange time, but I'm glad we under
stand each other"
"Oh, it's an outrageF she cried pas
sionately, striking her hands together.
lyon guspected of murder. and murder
ing him! He never did it!" she went on,