Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1901-05-15


the frantic woman. To snatch il up
and throw herself upon the athlete
was an instant's action; but she was
impotent TO harm him then. He seized
her wrists and turned the right one
slowly but remorselessly. Her pale
lips uttered no sound. but the long
white fingers relaxed at length under
the terrific ordeal and the knife fell
to the floor. Kicking it across the
room, he pushed the woman away. and
stepping outside the dor. closed it be-
hind him. He heard the furious ring
ing of the buffers bell. and soon he
held William running clumSily
through the hall. He had opened the
front door, but the servant having
passed. he changed his mind. and hav-
ing slammed the door made his way
down and back to the wing occupied
by Frances. She had retired, but arose
at once.
Bring your key and let me out at
the gate he said. land quickly" She
threw on her wrapper and wondering
y obeyed. II have found the other
woman in the case" he continued. hur.
riedly as they traversed the garden.
1t is all very sad. my child. and too
late now 10 be remedied." He could
not sec the girls face nor understand
that there was room for any miscon-
struction Of his statement: that her
mind was occupied with Richard Som
ers, rs his had been with Holbin.
Frances felt as though the blood was
freezing in her veins.
What woman?"
a. hO IL "a
'Why-why-what was her motive ~
"Jealousy!" he replied. briefly.
What l want to say TO YOU is this.
something has happened tonight that
VIII prevent my returning here. You
must come to see me occasionally. and
always when needing advice or helm.
In the meantime keep up your courage.
Nobody can disturb the big fact in our
case. We have the law on our side. /
shall explain il all some time. And
our wounded friend-you don't ask of
him-is better and impatient. He will
leave Richmond tonight Good-by."
"Oh, waitl" cried the girl in an
guish. The woman-where is she?"
At the Spotswood and ill.," He felt
the blood running from "A stab i'm his
shoulder down his arm. and. fearful of
the effect should the excited girl dis
cover that he was wounded. he hurried
away TO his assistant Frances waited
at the gate, her face in her hands. her
heart aching. With a sudden and de-
spairing resolution she went back to
her room
Quick. nanny. help me TO dress;
/ must go TO the hotel!"
Lord "a musSy, chile, what de mat
ter?"
Help me, mammy-quick! Don't
ask any questions"
Frances started away, wrinping her
hands and sobbing. but in the crowded
streets, where men were cheering and
cannon firing over the announcement
that Virginia had seeded. and thou
sands of torch-lights blazed the way.
she grew firmer. The general excite
ment was in her favor and no one at
tached Importance 10 her visit. She
reached and entered the sick woman's
room, and. motioning away the hired
nudse. dropped upon her knees by the
bedside. Louise, ca mer under the opi-
ates administered by the doctor, re-
garded her as she might have one de
sccnced from the clouds. Something
like spasm of fear passed over her. for
in the lovely face beside her she seemed
TO see the image OF her own youth re-
peated.
who arc you?" she asked. wildly.
Your friend. Don't excite your
self"
Your name? your name?"
Frances Brookin. And, oh. I am so
sorry for you, so very sorry" Louise
seemed TO have heard only the name,
which she repeated softly, wonder
ingIy.
Frances Brookin. And your father
who was he?''
John Brookin."
"Ah. my God" And the face upon
the pillow was turned away in shame
and confusion. After awhile she looked
back. strange light in her eyes.
What DO you want Of me?" she
asked, suspiciously.
II wanted to tell you.' said Frances.
covering her face and sobbing anew.
that ] didn't know-of you! That If
/ had no power on earth could have
won my consent. oh. I have been de-
ceived crueliy, cruelty"
Louise. who was ignorant that Fran
ces was the girl in the room at the
time Of the shooting. now saw her OPP
portunity. She raised herself eagerly.
You are my rival, then. You came
only in pity"
Eyes. And 70 ask your forgiveness.
You have nothing 20 fear from me-"
\ glad light filled the eyes Of Louise.
She could with difficulty restrain her
self and control her voice.
Il believe you," she said. "You viii;
not take him from me-from his
child"
'His child" Frances was shocked
and dismayed His child. Is there
a child OF his?"
Yes said Louise. but If you reveal