The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-08-19

CHp15
"Ihts Is an unexpected pleasure, Stuart"
turned around opened II and walked out.
| The warm sunshine seemed like something
almost human as he closed the door be-
hind him and walked away. He knew the
truth now. At last there was no doubt In
his mind that Louise had been denied a
shelter In her greatest need by this So
ciety woman. who would risk hell Itself
rather than the possible loss OF society
standing and her own selfish ease and
pleasure And that he was right In boz
lieving the servants story was shown by
after events as we'll as by items OF news
which came TO him from various sources
through New York acquaintanoes.
Putting all he could gather into q con-
nected series, he managed, before return
ing TO Champion. 20 learn In general what
must have been Louise's experience arter
Vasplaine had ruined her financially and
then brutally abandoned her.
She had found herself practically with
out friends In New York. The only rela-
tive there was Aunt Royal She naturally
turned to her In the hour OF her trouble.
She was probably at that time well nigh
craxed with the succession OF blows that
had fallen upon her. II seeped 70 Stuart
incredible at first that vas Jaime In so
short time could get possession OF Lou
ise's money and sQuander II. But the more
he learned OF his career the less he Won
dered. Louise had trusted him. fascina ted
by a certain attractiveness such men Of
ten possess. And when he finally left her
she found herself alone In great city,
ruined.
Her aunt's refusal to receive her added
the final stroke 10 the weight OF her
shame and misery. Stuart never knew
what Louise had done after leaving her
aunt's house before she appeared so un-
expectedly I'm Champion. There were at
least two days when he supposed she
must have wondered about or taken the
wrong train to get home. all that time
fast losing her reason and yet with
enough left to shape her way back to the
old home. The shock OF her experiences
told the story OF her condition as Stuart
found her when no lifted her up from the
doorstep that rainy night.
All this gave Stuart bitter thoughts as
he hurried back 10 Champion. He almost
dreaded TO get OF the train for fear the
doctor would meet him. as he did before
when his father had died. but no one was
there with any news. and when he reach
ed the house he was surprised to find
Louise sitting up and looking no worse
than when he went away. He tried to
take courage for her. The doctor said
she might linger on through the summer,
but gave no hope OF mental recovery.
With this constant shadow OF death In
their home, therefore, Stuart and Rhena,
love for each other refined and strength
enod by this afflicuon. went forward with
their great plans for the brotherhood Of
Champion.
The Hall Of Humanity was going up
rapidly now. Stuart had determined to
have II ready for dedication before winter
set In II possible. He had employed
very large force OF the best workmen he
could find. All this. of course. meant that
he and Andrew. Eric and Rhena and the
doctor, together with other good people
In the town, had given q vast amount of
thought 10 the plans and purposes OF the
building. At the same time Stuart was
beginning the foundations OF his own
home down In the town. The Hall OF HUI
manity stood on one side OF the square
nearly opposite 81. Johns church. Stuart
had owned several small buildings there
and had torn them down TO make room
for the new building. His own house was
10 be near by.
A few days after Stuarts return Eric
and Andrew had come up at Stuart's re-
quest and with him and Rhena were sit
ting in the library at the Duncan man.
sion discussing the plans that were now
besinning TO take visible shape. Eric
had gone back into the mines with the
other men and seemed TO be passing
through an experience OF bitterness. He
had not yet recovered from his humilia-
tion at the loss Of his influence over the
N. 1T
conference on this occasion, owing TO a
half holiday which the miners were cele-
brating In one of the numerous lodges.
IT don't understand this arrangement
here" said Andrew. who was examining
the plans Of the hall, which lay spread
out on tho table.
Stuart explained the particular point,
and then they all began TO talk about
tho building
What Is your exact idea about the use
OF the big hall2" asked Eric as he pointed
at tho diagram marking the place OF an
immense auditorium.
Il don't know that have very many
exact ideae about any Of the uses OF the
building except that / want II 10 repre-
sent in general the great word helpful
ness. have thought of great singers
and players and lecturers who could be
Induced TO come up here at moderate
prices, understanding our object. and
then pack the hall full OF men and wo-
men and children at a small sum within
their reach 20 pay. / believe we could at
tract up here some Of tho best talent In
music and speech In all the world and
give the miners OF Champion taste OF
some OF the worlds bs>t beauty. Then
] would have a week or tvs OF fine pio-
ture exhibitions or fine art exhibits and 80
on. with. say. four times n year great
flower exhibit. | am a convert to your
idea. Eric. Of music and flowers for ev-
erybody. We could let Andrew here have
charge OF the flower show n he would
promise not TO ruin us with hothouse ex-
travagances."
Andrew was so excited over the
thought that he got up and began 10
pace the room.
N.Y. he exclaimed. "Just think OF
a hall the size OF that lined ell the way
around with qbrysonthcmunis or callas or
orchidsl Yo|l allow me a few orchids.
won't you. Stuartr'