The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1903-10-07

waited Il moments; her eyes fell upon
the frame from which the remnants
of the tattcred painting had been re-
moved, which was leaning on a dais in
front of an alcoye against the wall,
just beneath the spot where the pic
ture had hung. A new thought oc-
CURED to her. Why not? She eagerly
pushed the old chair behind the frame,
arranged it as 1t had been in the pic
turc, and sat down in exactly the same
position her mother had assumed when
the portrait had been painted. She
had often practiced it before the mir
ror, and had acquired the pose per-
fcctly.
The rich, dark old tapestry of nrras
formed an appropriate background,
and life and love and expectation
threw n light in her eyes and painted
upon her cheeks hues that no skill,
however cunning, could have duplicat.
ed, no palette save that Of Nature I'm
her rarest mood supplied. The girl
had forgotten for the moment her en-
gngcmcnt to another; she had forgotten
the impending fate which hung over
tho man she truly loved. She was only
n woman, loving, beloved, waiting.
The thought of his surprise, the con-
seriousness of her wv beauty, decpened
the color on her checks md the palpi-
tation Of her bosom told Of the beating
of her heart.
She looked hastily about her, and as
tho door opened settled herself In the
position of sweet rcpose Of the picture.
Never had earth borne n faircr woman.
The first sound that struck her ear was
the somewhat harsh voice Of her
guardian. A "a of disappointment
swept across her. She half rose as if
to discover herself, and then as she
heard her lovers voice she sank back
and waited, motionlcss and eXpcctant.
Lieutenant Barry O'Neill, marquis
de Richemont, L bid you good evening"
said the ndmlral gcnially.
"Sir, good evening to you," replied
O'Neill, something warning him OF an
impending struggle.
"Allow me-" said the admiral, pass
ing his snufrboX, from which both gen.
tlemen helped themselves deliberately.
81 have here" continued the old man,
drawing n piece Of paper from the
desk as they walked toward the center
Of the room, neither OF them noticing
the picture at the moment, as 1T was
behind them, "some account Of the life
and adventures Of II Gerald O'Neill,
some time gentleman OF the County
Glare, in Ireland, who rebelled against
his gracious majesty King George H.,
Of blessed memory, In the year 1740.
His lands were escheated to the CROWN,
his life forfeited. Unfortunately for
us, and fortunately for him, he escaped
to the continent, entered the service Of
Louis Nv. and became"-
"You may spare me any further de-
tails, my lord. L know them too well.
He became n marshal Of France, and
my father"
"Two great honors, surely" said the
admiral, smiling pleasantly.
"I thank your lordship for the compli-
ment. Pray proceed"
IL have here, also, a brief account Of
the history of another gentleman in
whom 1 doubt not you are deeply in
terestcd."
"And that is''-
zone Barry O'Neill, marquis dc
Richcmont."
"Your very humble servant, SIR"
"Your discrimination does you honor,
marquis" said the admiral playfully.
Gath, sir, you read me an easy rid
de-"
~ find that you have been concerned
In every reasonable plot against his
majesty which has been Matched OF the
continent since you were out Of lead
ing strings"
"Rather hard, but true, sir. An Irish
man, you know, is naturally a rebel and
a conspirator."
"Quite 80, and those who are not
drowned may expect to be hanged"
said the admiral sternly.
A I am a sailor I might reasonably
have hoped for the former end, but I
have forfeited my rights by coming on
shore, 1 suppose" Etc paused, and as
the admiral nodded gravely he contln-
ued with we'll simulated indifference:
otis not n pleasant mode OF death,
my lord, nor one that / would have
chosen, nor one that is becoming q gen.
tleman, but I trust l shall meet 1t with
oquanimity at least" O'Neill was a
little paler than before, but still daunt-
lessly smiling.
II am glad to see that you are a man
VI SUCH rcSoiutlOH, BIZ, Salu tue au-
miral. "If your discretion equal your
courage, the matter may be arranged"
ut Is useless to try it," was the re-
ply. L have known your ward, to
have seen her and to know hat she Is
destined for the arms of another makes
life a hell and death n PLEASURE"
us 1t soT' said the admiral, pausing.
"Think of the days OF your
youth, sir, and one that you loved, and
you will understand me-"
The admiral reflected. The stake he
was playing for was SO high, his desire
was so great, that, like the woman who
hcsitated, he fell. There would be
some way out Of 1T, surely. AS he drew
near to the moment and to the goal
his overwhelming desire took posses
sion Of him and blinded him. Desire
blinds rs well as love.
Even that" finally he said slowly,
looking meaningly at O'Neill the while,
may be arranged"
Good GodP' said O'NeilI, white to
the lips. "What is 1t you would have
me do? Speak! Titles, rank, station,
friends, fame, opportunities, life itself,
would l cheerfully give for her who
has taken possession of me. Speak, my
lord!' cried the young man entreat-