The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1898-05-28
CHAPTER XVIII
q SHALL NOT FAIL You. y


That very afternoon, in spite Of Mrs
Dellamere's most anxious precautions,
Col Accrington succeeded in obtaining
an interview with Loveday, and one
without witnesses
So determined had he been to catch
the young lady alone that there is little
doubt that he had availed himself Of the
services Of spies, else how could he have
CUES ed that she was sauntering by her.
self in part of her mothers grounds
far enough from the house to suit his
purpose perfectly?
Loveday had just parted from Auberon
at the Pavilion gate, and, too happy to
go in at once, she had extended her stroll
until she found herself at the back wall,
where the sun shone warmly, and the
lime trees shut out the chill autumn
wind.
Here she paced to and fro for half
hour or s., enjoying the warmth, the
solitude, and her radiant thoughts; and
little dreaming of the dark, iuscrutable
face which soon approached among the
trees, and watched her covetously.
She held toy pet-dog in her muff, its
pretty little snowwhite head peering
out all ready to respond to its mistress
whispered con fdences; her first suspicion
of an intruder was caused by the tiny
creatures suddenly Quverlng-eared
alertness and eager excitement She
looked round to see Colonel Accrington
approaching her, hat in hand, an ex-
preston of iron resolution on his unwel
come face.
Now Loveday had learned enough
about this fierce lover OF hers since that
day of adventure, to turn all her gentle
heart to stone as far as he was concerned;
the day of his magnetic power over her
was gone.
Edgar Arden, dreading the machina-
tons Of such an inscriptions man, had
at length decided to arm the innocent
girl against his insidious influence, with
a knowledge of his true character; he
had there ore written simple state
ment that Colonel Accrington deserved
no regard from her or any honorable
rer on, as he was even at his present
time guilty of a wrong toward Lord
Incncape which he could repair, yet
would not.
Edgar forwarded this brief note to
Mrs Dellamere, inviting her to make use
of it on her daughters behalf as she saw
fit, but requesting the ladies to confine
the knowledge he had given them to
themselves.
Mrs Telamere had handed the note
to Lovedag that very morning, for the
first time uttering al her own distrust
and indignation against the too diplo-
matte attache.
Imagine then the emotions Of timid
gir,ish Loveday, when all at once her
terrible lover faced her in that lonely
place.
He was silent, brooding bitterly over
the dismay and displeasure he read in
her eyes, aud wa ting for her first words
to show him how to manage the con-
ference.
She soon collected herself, indignation
giving her courage, and said, coldly,
81 must bid you good morning, sir; |
am on my way home" and would
have left him with formal bow, but he
placed himself at her side, saying,
firmly:
Miss Dellamere, / am forced to in
trade upon you thus or never see you
alone; forgive me, then; my despairing
love is stronger than L"
She stopped at that, crimsoning, in
djgnant, and shocked at his audacity.
aHow dare you persist in speaking to
me upon that sub. ect?" cried she; "you
know we'll that THAT Mr.. Crecy-'
.Have been tied to each other by your
respective parents-yes, Miss Dellamere.
know that" retorted Accrington, els
painfully "But have your own hearts
sealed the compact? How long is II
since Asberon Gre US affection for his
life long playmate was that OF q brother?
A week ago he saw only Lady Merton
Rae through loves golden g.amoar: and