The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1902-09-24

Ody III uaIC veal ~. SOA4lISiAASS UHU
two passengers, and they young girls.
AS they sat on the hard leathern
seats, weary from the effects Of the
long ride, which would cause more
mature persons to look jaded. one can
see that, so engroSSed are they with
the thoughts Of their arrival in Paris.
they have forgotten the discomforts OF
their reception.
''Are you quite certain that the kind
Monsieur Martin will meet US, SiSter?'
asked the younger, for at least the
ment Of the ride.
''He must be waiting our arrival,
Louise; for did I not write to say that
we were coming?" replied Henriette,
as she smoothed her sisters fair hair
with a caresSing motion which was
unusually tender even for sister, and
as one looks in to the young girls face,
they see the reason Of the watchful
care which she exercises over her Sis
ter.
Louise is blind.
'sBut if he should not be there?"
persisted the blind girl.
''Then we will go to his house: l
have the address. We will not think
Of his not being there, but rather enjoy
the ride. I will describe to you every
thing we meet"
For answer, Louise nestled close be-
side her sister: and laid her head, with
its wealth Of golden hair, on her Shout
der.
While Henriette was thus engaged,
1o% 0Svo1oS,o Ir-hv tho rir1S yvarn
thus journeying alone to the great
city.
Nearly six months previous to the
opening Of our story, the two girls were
bereft Of their only protector by the
cold hand of death; and had been Of
fered home in Paris by N. Martin,
who was a cousin Of the deceased
mother.
For several months the girls remain
ed with their kind friends in Nor
mandy, lingering near their childhood 5
home, as if intuition had warned them
Of the long train Of evils which would
attend them at the capital.
They had started for Paris, thinking
that no other warning to their rela-
tive, save letter that was dispatched
the day previous to their departure.
was necessary.
So much for the reasonof their jour
ney, and before they arrive in Paris,
We will visit the hotel occupied by the
Marquis de Presles, whose vile Schem-
ing caused so much misery to our
heroineS.
The marquis was the representative
Of one Of the Oldest families in Paris:
but, unlike bis ancestors, he was noto-
rious as a ibertine and roue.
Every pleasure that welath or sin
could purchase was his, and in that
city Of crime and pleasure, none so
ready as he to adopt any scheme, how
ever vile, to attain some new pleasure
which should gratlfy his deprayed
taSt.
Seated before breakfast-table, load
ed with every delicacy which could
tempt an appetite already blunted by
dissipation, the marquis was partaElng
sparingly of his morning meal, when
his valet entered and waited permiS-
sion to speak.
What is it, Antoine?"
''Monsieur Lafeur has some impor-
tant--"
admit him." ordered the marquis,
who saw in this early visit some new
scheme: for Lafeur was one who. for
the sake Of liberal reward, which the
marquis was ever ready to give his
tools, pandered to the nobleman'S
vices. Lafeur entered with a cringing
bow, and remained standing in re-
spectful attitude until his patron
should allow him to unfold his budget
Of villainy.
"Three o'clock in the afternoon is
not an early hour for Lafeur, mon
sieur," replied that worthy, as he
availed himself of the marQuis's per-
mission to be seated.
s'People who have such vile taste as
to retire at night, must expect to be
out Of their beds at any unreasonable
hour; but tell me what brings you
here?"
monsieur has heard Of the beauty
Of the girls of Normandy"
Eyes, what Of that?" asks De Pres
les listlessly.
''There are two young girls from
Normandy who are to arrive in Paris
this evening. They are without rela
tives, except you call the cousin OF
their mother, who, by the way, is my
brother-in-law, a relative" answered
Laheur, as he watched the face of his
employer carefully; and as he saw it
light up at his information. he added:
my brOther-in-law is in Lyons, and
have openedithe letter sent by the
TWO orphans, advising him Of their in
tended arrival tonight. Therefore, |
shall be obliged to meet them"
''And you propose what?"
Anything Monsieur the Marquis is
pleased to wish
''How old are these girls?"
.'The Oldest is seventeen, and the
blind one--''
"Is one Of them blind?"
"She is
"Ah, then, l do not see how she
could interest me-
But the other might. monsieur"
''You are right.' exclaimed the mar
quis, after a short pause: but what
should we do with the blind one?"
Never fear for her. She can go wher-
ever she chooses said Lafieur, in a
careless tone. Blindness is a good
stock of trade in this city. Before |
knew the liberality Of the Marquis de
Presles, I was often tempted to wish
that I was blind myself: for it is said
that the good God has such under his
especial Keeping
II am afraid, LafleUr. that if you
were deaf and dumb as well as blind,
the Lord would show you very little
favor" said the marquis, with a laugh.
perhaps not. But have you any
commands for rne2" reiOined LafleUr,
quickly.
Yes. If you bring me the girl
without the blind one. remember-l
will pay you one hundred louis. Eyou
fail, l will not
I'VE do not think Of failure, my dear
Marquis" quickly interrupted Lateur.
Where shall l take the girl?'
ST am to have a party Of friends at