Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1897-09-21
FELIX NARCHANT.

FELIX MARCHANT.
By oLAREBoE PuLLEI.
fCopyrighs, Isgs. BY The Authos:i
CHAPTER N.
To the girls question Thus peremp-
torily put Sangrndo did not at once
make answer. Astounded and iufuriated
by this unlocked for interruption in his
undertaking. hc for the moment was
plainly at . loss what 10 do or say.
When every obstacle to the execution of
his desperate design had seemed to b
overcome or smoothed away, this Mexi.
can actress, whose vindictiveness toward
him had been no recently shown in her
outbreak during the tent performance,
now unexplainably appeared in his path
and barred his approach to Carmen.
Baffied and angry, as he stood before
the gate his thoughts were revealed in
the expression Of his face as clearly -
II they were spoken. Could he but have
been within reach Of Lupita 30 as TO
strike her down, strangie her, drive o
knife blade into her heart before she
could make IN outcry, his course Of ac-
ton would have been simple and Its
adoption immediate But the high wall
and gate were between them, and 80 he
must speak her fair and bide his time.
True, he might scale the wall that sep
sratcd them, but he knew Lupita and
that she thoroughly knew him. She
sas us suspicious, as alert as ready as
he was, and, leap the wall as suddenly
rs he might. he could not surprise her
10 swiftly that she would not raise an
alarm that would defeat his plans So,
with murderous rage in his heart, which
his movements, restless as those Of q
jaguar shut from its prey, betrayed, he
tried other tactics and piled her with
cajoleries
do you hate me then 30 bitterly,
Lupita he said, in the same smooth,
plausible voice as before. that You bar
my way when / seek you? ! had lost
sight Of you, had missed you so long
Now, when at last I have found you
again, will you repulse me? Has 1t all
passed from your memory. the love that
we bore in the happy days Of Tic pasts
Open the gate to Inc, Lupita. life OF my
soul. for swear I love you and you
onlyw
He paused. There came no words Of
answer from Lupita-only her laugh,
bitter and taunting. Such mockery, tri.
umph and derision had never imagined
could be expressed in inariiculate tones
OF the human voice. could hear San
grado's teeth grind ferccly as the sound
Of her laughter came to his ears, but he
went ON to talk us smoothly as before.
II heard that you were travelling
eastward across the plain and ! followed
you- l sought you in the tent during
the performance. but your violence re-
PEELED me. Now I have found you here
where I may plead with you. My pas
sion Is unabated am mad with love
Of you. Lupita. carissima, kneel be-
fore you. throw myself mt your feet.
Will you not ding open the gate that
bars me from you?"
With all his semblance Of sentimental
ardor and Imprisonment he did not
raise his voice, but spoke in low tone
intended to reach only the car Of the
girl be addressed.
"Lupita. he implored, "bc rs for
giving IN you are beautiful. Alas, that
we separated! How did ever bring
myself to part from you? was mad
with love and jealousy Of You. Every
minute since our parting has been an
age Of unhappiness to me. l have come
for your forgiveness Let me only see
you, kiss your hard, then, II you will
send me from you forever.
Now she answered him, speaking IN
o voice as sweet and ingratiating as his.
"Gaspar milo, all this is so strange
from you who forsook me. And have
you really sought me? And do you real
ly love me?"
Love you, carissima! A Thousand
times more than ever before. for had
lost and have found you.
"You are sure you care for no one
else? You love me wholly?'
There is no other woman on earth
ft to stand in your shadow. Ny hear
II yours alone" F"
"Ah, my heart, it flutters with emo
ton! Why did you come to disturb mt
when / hoped had forgotten you! Oh
the risk run in trusting you again. i
forgive you. open the gate to you, vii
you be ever constant to me? You viii
not leave me again. Gaspar mio?"
~ swear constancy and that my hear
shall be ever yours.
She shook the heavy Lar Of the gait
and partly lifted it from the socket il
which it rested.
Felix and /. in our ambuscade, wer'
astounded at Lupita's sudden change q
behavior. Was this fierce creature
jealousy SO easily satisfied. her resent
ment placated with few fair words
Was she indeed SO readily deceived tha
she would open the gate to meet in rec
onciliation this faithless suitor waiting
In silent expectancy outside? Open It Il
meet her death. merciless and swift!
Sanqrado's restless impatience has
given place to q frightful calm HI
features, no longer working with sup
pressed anger. had assumed an EXPIRES
| sion more ominous and terrible. The!
were set In an EXPRESSION Of deadly nur