The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-06-24

CQarleS.
"Asleep probably. I will summon
him in a moment" said Hammond.
"You have told him Of your prison
ers?" asked Nancy, eagerly.
mo. I am afraid to do it yet. am
about to send him to France"
ITO France! immediately" asked
Nancy.
eyes. It appears be already loves,
and the woman he loves is in New
York"
"Who is sbe?
"a Madame Burr. You do not know
her," said Hammond, glancing signii-
'cantly at Marks, that the true name
should be concealed.
But John Marks had reason of his
own for revealing the fact.
Madame Burr is Harriet Foss! said
Marks.
ooh, my heartw exclaimed Nancy,
sinking into a chair and almost swoon-
ing.
"I am going to lead him hither."
said Hammond. Perhaps he will rec
ognize you as his aunt"
"He will not. He has not seen me for
many years." said Nancy.
"Would you like to see himf"
"Oh, yes; but do not introduce me
to him." said Nancy. II will busy
myself brushing these glasses while
| he is in the room"
every WE'LL" said Luke, and left the
library.
"As for me, I feel sleepy" said
Marks. IT will lie down upon this
settee and catch nap. But l can
never sleep with my face uncovered"
He drew silk handkerchief from
his pocket, secretly punched a hole
through it, and spread it over his face
as he stretched his long frame along
the settee. A shadow fell over his
face, already hidden by the handker-
chief, but If Nancy Harker had glanced
that way she might have seen keen,
brilliant eye cleaning through the hole
he had made.
But Nancy Harker's eyes were riv-
eted upon the door through which
Charles was to appear, nor did she
dream that John Marks was reading
her face.
The door at length opened, and Ham
mond appeared, followed by Charles,
who seemed much surprised and an
noyed.
Nancy was very pale, and supported
herself for a moment by leaning
against the wall.
"Can you not send some one else,
father" said Charles. as they entered.
Impossible, my dear son." said Ham,
mond. II cannot now explain the
cause Of this. I have just received
important letters, and either you or
must 60. cannot-my affairs demand
my presence here. You are the only
ope can trust. Here are letters.
Here is money. One Of there letters
is letter Of credit. Use it economic
ally, my dear son. You will not have
been long in Paris when you shall re-
ceive letter from me unfolding every
thing. Among other things seek for
information concerning q Madame
Madame-What is her name? where is
that letter."
he tossed over q heap of letters, Sc
lected one, and pretended to glance at
it's contents.
"Ah," said he, "a Madame Burr"
Burr" exclaimed Charles, turning
pale and then red.
THAT is the name," continued Ham
mond. "a pretended widow Of
wealth"
"a pretended widoww cried Charles,
all aghast.
"She is an imposter," said Luke,
carelessly. "She has ruined many
young mer in her time. A very hand
some woman. A bitter enemy Of mine,
also. She has been in New York"
Has been" cried the unhappy
Charles.
"Yes. She remained day only,
and fearing exposure, has taken pas
sage for France. She left this morn
ing. Try to learn all about her from
the French police"
''The French police"
"Ah, she is we'll known to the French
police" said Hammond. "a friend of
mine writes me in great distress of
heart. 1t seems the arts of this Mad
anne Burr allured the son OF my friend,
and the young man eloped with her to
England few months ago. The young
man has never been heard of since"
Great God" groaned Charles.
"You seem excited, my son. Do you
know her."
John Marks snored loudly.
IL think-in fact-I do know
Madame Burr" stammered Charles.
But it is impossible that she can be
the person OF whom your friend speaks
in his letter"
1t may not. my son. But be eau
tious," said Hammond. Hate all the
Madame Burrs you may meet. But
will write you more fully. By this
time your trunks are at the Metropol-
tan. When you reach the railroad
depot you will find them. Mrs. Harker,
call Daniel and Stephen"
Mrs. Harker cast one long, fervent
glance at the handsome and now sor-
rowful face Of Charles, and departed.
A profound ailence ensued while
Hammond packed his letters, and
Charles seemed speechless with bitter