Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1903-11-19
CHAPTER XIV.
Savedl-But at What Costl


innocence was evident, placed in po
sition of deadly peril, and by man
whom he called a friend.
Though not in the same set, Lord
BERTHE knew Stuart Villiars reputa-
ton; stories of his mad exploits, his
daring disregard of the convention
alities and moralities of life has been
rife in many a club smoking room. and
BERTHE was convinced that this beauti-
full creature had been deceived, and
that her young life would be wrecked
hy the man whom society regarded as
one Of its most dangerous members.
He turned from the window, with
his handsome face as pale as hers, his
frank eyes anxious and distressed.
81 am afraid II have alarmed you, ,
he said, gently. "Will you sit down?
I have something to say that ! must
say and that you must hear, and |
find 1t very difficult to say it."
There was something so gentle and
noble, so full Of consideration for her,
in his grave. frank voice and honest,
boyish eyes that Joan felt rather reas-
sured than otherwise, and sank into a
chair with a faint smile but there was
still a vague look of trouble In her
eyes.
Have you known Lord Villiars
long?' asked BERTHE,
Joan flushed, as the question brought
home to her the fact of their recnet
acquaintance.
Not, not very long; a few weeks"
she faltered.
"And-and knowing him only few
weeks. and in entire ignorance of his
past, you have put-pardon me-you
have put this great trust in him! 1t
is awful" and his lips trembled.
Joan half rose. with displeasure in
her dark eyes and on her brows.
Il do not know what you meant"
Heaven! | cannot speak more
plainly without wounding you!" he ex-
claimed, with a groan. Can you not
understand that by doing what you
have done, by taking flight from your
home alone with Lord Villiars you
have committed an act that the world.
that women consider a shameful one?
You see what | mean, do you not?
Listen! Surprising that--that Stuart
Nilliars did not marry you. could you
90 home tomorrow-the day after?"
Her face and neck grew crimson.
then deadly pale.
No! You could not Innocent and
pure as you are, you know you could
In
people. your friends. the world would
say. They would say that you were
not Mt to-to associate with their
daughters and sisters and wives, and
they would turn their backs upon
you"
Joan's breath came first and pain
fully; then she smiled
But Lord Villiars is to marry me
at once. this afternoon, or tomorrow ,
she said. proudly.
How do you know that he will?" de-
manded poor BERTHE, with. desperate
courage,
He said So" she replied, more
proudly than before.
And he never breaks his word?
said BERTHE, in a low. significant voice
No. he could not lie!" she replied
promptly, with simple faith and devo.
ton.
Lord Nilliars not break his word In
such case as this" he said, bitterly
How little you know him! 1t is al.
most impossible that he should keen
IL! He is notorious for-for lust such
escapades as this, His name is known
throughout London as man who
never keeps such promise as he has
made you! He will not marry you; he
never intended doing so."
For shame" she cried. her ewes
flashing, How dare you come and
tell me this? How dare yo, tell me
that Lord Villiars, your friend, Is SC
base and yileg | don't believe a wora
of IL! | believe that you IRE out NJ
your mind! Col" and she pointed :,
the door. Indeed, you had better &c
before Lord Villiars returns. | vii
not listen 10 another world" and sh,
pointed to the door again with he
trembling hand.
Lord BERTHE stood looking at her il
despair. He had done his best and .
was no use.
'Good1hy." he said, brokenly: =
have done all could. Tiff ever yo,
should want friend. you will know
where to find one" He took out hi.
card and laid II on the table. "SenC
TO me any time of the day or night. to
day. tomorrow. years to come. and
will come to your side at once. can
not say or do any more. might re
main and see Stuart Vilhars, but as
you do not believe me now. you would
not believe me while he was STANDING
by your side TO contradict me, No,
have failed! Good-by. and heaven help
you"
"Good-by."
Lord BERTHE moved 10 the door; as
he did so he passed the window, aui
looked out. ENTHUSIASTICALLY; he saw
Lord Ponclerc coming across the
road. At sight OF him sudden idea