Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1902-03-06

ing IL over? ! would like to have a
closer survey OF this man. Why. bless
my soul, the windows are empty, nor
can ! see any sign of him in the apart
ment. Your marquis has made a
move at last LangfoTd."
When the marquis left the hotel he
was gradually pushing along, when
among the slow moving vehicles he
noticed a hanson containing two
ladies. one of them young, the other
middle-aged
The marquis stood there, unmindful
of the good-natured shoves of the
crowd, seeing nothing but the charm
ing countenance of the younger lady.
AT last" were the only words that
came from between his white teeth, as
the vehicle passed on.
Then, with a cynical smile upon his
face he once more joined the onward
surge Of the crowd.
Half an hour later he shook himself
free from the rolling pillows and en-
tered a narrow court, by means of
which he was enabled to reach a street
leading to the poorer regions.
Suddenly he paused before a house.
a shabby looking affair, where a dirty
little paper in the windows announced
that apartments were to be let.
Some Quixotic notion seemed TO
possess him, for he gave a quick look
up and down the street, laughed a
little harshly as though in judgment
upon his contemplated action. and
then boldly sounded his knuckles upon
the door.
A frowsy woman opened IT,
You have rooms for hire, madam"
asked the marquis, in the best of Eng
lish.
She was rather appalled, at the APP
pearance OF such bowling swell" as
she was inclined to consider fashion
ably dressed gentleman. and very
humbly answered that IL was true,
though surely none to suit his lord
ship.
Il am not so certain OF that" he
replied quickly, "for | am looking TO
find sky parlor for friend of mine,
convenience"
The woman's face grew brighter.
IL it was an attic the gentleman
was looking for, she did have one va
cant; IL had even been occupied for a
season by an artist, who was pleased
to say the light was exceptionally
good.
She led the way to the attic and the
marquis followed.
From object to object he glanced,
and upon the yawning aperture,
yclept a fireplace, his gaze seemed to
linger longest.
With a calm voice he inquired the
price OF the attic. and upon being told
Immediately paid three months rent
in advance.
Then he seemed DESTROYS Of being
rid OF her presence. and expressed
desire to be left alone for half an
hour.
So the woman went below to relate
fairy stories of the Prince Bountiful
whom she had unwlttingly entertained,
and boast OF the new artist ledger
who was to occupy one of the attic
rooms.
there in that upper chamber motion
less. evidently overcome by memories
that crowded upon his mind.
AS he stood. musing on the strange
and remarkable vicissitudes OF for
tune. he heard footstep dragging
YEARLY up the stairs and thinking IL
was the landlady, he did not move.
Then a door was closed. and he heard
a key turn in the lock.
Some person had entered the adjoin-
ing room, probably a counterpart OF
the one he occupied. Yes. there could
be no doubt about ii since he now
caught voices
Unconsciously the marquis listened.
Evidently something had given him a
great shock, for his attitude BETRAYED
this. as he stood there. with one hand
half raised, his head bent sideways.
and evidently intent upon hearing
what was said beyond the thin parti-
ton, while TO himself he was mutter-
ing
Marvellous. indeed-the hand Of
fate. After two weeks OF searching
through half OF London, and now 10
discover her by chance-to occupy the
adjoining room. All! this is kind. in
deed: but one of the many favors with
which have been blessed by an indul-
gent fortune"
As he listened. he discovered to his
dismay that there was a sound of low
weeping in the next room.
He heard a window lowered. which
struck him as singular, as the air was
very close on this balmy Jubilee day.
us there no escape. dearest?" said a
voice that seemed half muffied by the
bed clothes, and yet one knew instinct
lively that IL belonged to an aged wo-
man.
None. whatever, Aunty. We have
endured everything that mortal can on
earth. There is nothing left for us
but this one resort" came in a low.
quavering voice that somehow caused
intense emotion to pass over the mar
quis' face, possibly because the speaker
was a woman and in trouble.
Then God forgive us!" said the
cracked voice, very reverently.