Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-02-28

dered.
what has come to her?" she said to
herself again, as she made all safe for the
night. There is a worried look on her
face. an anxious expression in her eyes.
And why did she go up to London? Can
she have learnt anything about the past?
No no. Mr.. Allen knows IT, Mr.. Joad
knows IT, and myself. None OF the three
will tell her. Still, that question about
her father. II is very, very strange.
In the meantime Dora was leaning out of
her bedroom window. looking into the soft
darkness of the night overhead the sky
was fleecy with clouds, between the riffs
of which twinkled the cold stars; and be-
low. between the tree tops and dry grass,
lowered the thick gloom OF night. She
could see nothing in the shadows; all was
indistinct as unknown. as strange as this
mystery which was torturing her life.
She had gone seeking. and she had learnt
much. That her mother lived, and her
father. That the latter had been the incar-
nation of the deadly fear which had haunt
ed Dargill. alias Edermont throughout his
long life. No wonder he had changed his
name had hidden himself in the Red
House, had prayed for delverance from
murder and sudden death when a man of
violent passions had hun.ed him hot-footed
through the world. Dora remembered
what a despicable coward the dead man
had been. and no longer marveled at his
fears: but what she wonder at was the
change that lad come over Edermont af-
ter Pallant's visit Then he had declared
that the shadow was lifted from his life;
that he could henceforth mix with his fell
low-men. and dwell in safety. Such joy
could only mean that his enemy was dead
Yet Edermont was dead also of the very
death he had feared.
And there was no doubt in Dora's mind
that her father had killed him. 1t seemed
a cruel thing, for, after all. in marrying
her mother Edermont-or Dargill, as he
was called-had sinned unconsciously.
Why should her father so ardently have
desired his death? Dora began to think
that her mother had not told her all. that
there was something still hidden; a some
thing which might account for the per-
sistent de.ire of Carew for the death of
Edermont.
Again. she had not asked her mother
what was The bar which existed 10 prevent
her marriage with Alien. Dora thought
her mother knew this, and might reveal
the obstacle. But then she would be forced
TO tell the portion of her story which she
had hidden Would she do so? Dora was
doubtful. for the weak little coquette was
as strong as steel in aught that concerned
herself Cnblinded by filial love, Dora es-
timated her mothers character at it true
value There was no further hope Of
learning the truth in that quarter. And
who. then. would tel. her-A.l H. Joad, Mrs
Tice? She would be forced to ask one Of
the three TO speak. Since she knew so
much. she might as we'll know more. And
a fuller knowledge might enable her TO save
Allen. to marry Allen. to revenge the
death OF Edermont. and to win the fifty
thousad pounds. But yet, all
Dreams. dreams; vain. vain dreams"
sighed Dora. and went to bed in as hopeless
a frame Of mind as can well be imagined
Fate always arranges matters much bat
ter than ourselves. Here was Dora at a
dead stop; she knew not what to do or in
which direction to turn. 1t seemed that no
one would advise her as to the future; and
that she must becontent to lose Allen and
accept the humiiatng position Of Joad's
wife But while she was steeling her heart
to face this dr5ary prospect Fate was at
work. and next morning Pallant appeared
He came to point out the read.
Dora was surprised when Mrs. Tice in
formed her that a gentleman wished to
see her. She was still more surprised when
Pallant was shown into the morning room
where she sat. The old superciliOus look
was on his face. the old cynicism was look
ing out Of his blue eyes, and as he stood
bowling. with the strong sunlight gliuering
on his red beard. he looked cs worldly and
evil a man as could be imagined. Dora re-
membered how he had eXtorted money
from her weak mother for over two years,
and rose to meet him with a stern face.
What has brought you here, sir?" she
asked colby
You have" said Pallant, calmly taking
a seat. Il saw Lady Burville yesterday
and she gave me the gist Of your CONVEX
sation."
Il do not see how it can interest you,
said she contemptuously; you cannot get
out of me what have not got. am poor,
Mr.. Palla-t.'
"More's the pity" he replied, quite in
different to her shaft. with your beauty
and my brains, we might do worse than
marry"
'Marry-marry YOU"
u forgot You are in owe with that fool
ish young doctor" he said in his sleepy
voice THAT is a pity. At our first meet
ing warned you to beware of Allen Scott. y
81 know you did. Why did you warn
me?"
"Ah, I see your mother did not tell you
everything. Miss Carew. else you would not
ask me such a question. l warned you lest
you should give him your heart. It would
be foolish to do so. because you can never
marry him"
Why"
That is my secret. I don't tell you all
I know. 1t Is not worth my while
Dora looked at him scornfully. 1T IS
worth your while to blackmail my moth
err"
1T pays. it paysr said Pallant shame
lessly. Il must live you know. Lady
Burville is greatly afraid of her present
husband, so she keeps me well supplied
with money to hold my tongue
Where did you learn my mothers his
tory?" said Dora, Disguised with this bru-
tai speech.
From the best of all authorities-her
first husband
My father"
Your father-GeorSe Theophilus Carew.
I met him in san Francisco some years ago.
He is a drunkard and a gambler. Miss Ca
rev. We had some dealings oven cards.
for you must know that I am gambler
also. though It IS to my credit that I don't
drink. One day. in fit of maudln lear
he told me his story. and how he was seek