Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1901-10-02

what cunning this no.
ESsLsI IBONl BILE and virtuous per-
y@HE@ son. this adornment
liz and boast of the peer
s- age, laid his plans for
securing the fortune and the hand
of our Molly. He had persuaded
the simple old sailor to believe any
thing he chose to advance; he had
shown himself in the eyes of the girl
that which women admire more than
anything else in the world-possessed
| Of fearlessness and skill; he had also
shown himself ready to place his cour-
age and his skill at the service and for
the rescue of woman. So far every
thing was prepared and in readiness
for the next step. But there were GER
tain obstacles still in the way. These
he proceeded to remove.
The Lady Anastasia, after the morn
ing prayers, at which she was regu-
lar attendant, generally returned to her
lodging, where she sat with her maid
engaged in the important affairs Of the
toilet until dinner. Lord Fyllngdale
was carried to Lady Anastasia's lodg-
ing in the market place.
The lady dismissed her maid. You
have something to tell me, Ludovic,'
she said II cannot tell from your face
whether you are going to deal truthful
ly. have had experience of the other
way. Now, what is it?'
What have come to say is impor-
tant. Anastasia, in this matter l have
| given you my entire confidence. There
have been, own, occasions when /
have been compelled But all that is
over. now confide absolutely in you
and in you alone. My interests are
yours"
you have already given me that as
surance." She implied, perhaps, by
these words that the assurance and
the fact We're not Identical.
4 "What can give you except my as
surance?"
Nothing, truly. But, pray, go on. I
hear that you have been playing the
part of the knight Grant and fighting
for distressed damsels. I laughed
when heard Of 1t. You to fight on the
side of the angels! Where are your
wings, my Ludoyic?'
"The thing happened exactly as I
could have wished. The country bump
kin who carried her off had no knowl-
edge of fence. He could only lunge,
and he was half drunk. There was a
great appearance of desperate fighting
because he was mau with urluk anq
disappointment. played with thesfe1
low long enough to make q show Of
courage and danger, then pinked
him.
lis he deadY
~ believe that he is In some kindso,
fever. Well, Apastasia, the resulsso d
the affair is that have now arrived
at perfect confidence on the partiof1mJ
old friend the guardian
"And with the girl?"
"The girl matters nothing. The.flrs
part of the business Is done. Youscar
now go back to London
ITO go back to London?" she replied
suspiclously.
"You have done all wanted don,
here. You have given me very goot
character. You have charmed the PEG
pie of the spa. You have flattered tn,
girl and inspired her with discomfort
Why should You stay any longer2"
ITO be sure. I am at great expense
and the bank is in poor way. Blu
what are YOU going to do?"
"Anastasia,' he sat down and tool
her hand, 81 have inquired CAREFUL,
into the whole business. There is n,
doubt, none whatever, that the girl i
far richer than even her guardian un
derstands. She has a huge income,
great accumulation of money and, wha
is more, collection Of jewels, which 1
in itself a large fortune. Go back t
London tomorrow or next day. The
sit down and write letter inviting tn
girl to stay at your house. Bid he
bring with her all her Jewels and fin
cry. /, for my part, will urge the cap
tain to let her accept the invitation"
"All this is very circumstantial
What them"
81 will promise the captain to fin
! her husband, u, man of position,
man of rank, and, above all, one a
virtuous as myself" He said thi
: without the least blush or even
smile.
Where is that husband to b
found?'
"As vet do not know. He must b
, a creation of our own. He must no
know. he must simply obey. We shal
find such person somewhere have
believe, good many of my forme
! friends in the fleet or the king
, bench. Now, Anastasia, to find one Q
, these unfortunates, to offer him u
allowance, say guinea a week, /
return for a power of attorney to nc
!, minister the property. True, Their
are the creditors, but we might tax
:, over the detainers. He must not b
, suffered to get out" He went on sul
costing deceits and villainies.
You said 'we.' What have to d
with the scheme? 1t is, you must col
;, fess, Ludoyic, one Of those arrange
ments or understandings which til
world calls conspiracy
Lord Fylingdale released her hant
= Her words panied his sensitive sou
IF at this time, after all we have don
, together, we are to talk of conspir.
cies, we had better act separately" b
said coldly.
mo. ! am your servant, as 20
: know-sometimes your most unhapp
' servant, but always at your comman
!. only now and then 1t pleases me
4 call things by their proper names.
: such times, Ludoyic,I look in my glas
: and I see not the Lady Anastasia IL
company Of fashion, but q poor wretc
;. sitting In cart with her arms tie