The Coalville times. [volume] (Coalville, Utah) 1894-1923, 1903-02-27

Compose yourself, beg; and be-
gin. please"
Charlie believed he was about Ia
hear some news OF more than ordin-
airy importance. In Imagination he
could picture the remarkable young
widow who created such a furore all
over Europe. She might resemble Ar
line In many ways. but surely such
a charmer OF men could not possibly
assume the air OF innocence which this
Young woman carried with her.
AT the same time he felt impelled to
relate the adventure he had experienced
with the professor. and even mention
that he had been solemnly warned by
the baron.
When she heard that Peterhoff be-
lievod her 10 be the celebrated adven-
turess, she hung her head
Charlie was overcome with confu-
sion.
Il have distressed you: and yet /
beg you to believe meant II all kind
ly. II was silly thing for Peterhon
to do. but even the shrewdest OF men
OF his stamp make absurd blunders
sometimes. His last famous one cost
Russia her Car. Remember. / never
for once took any stock In his ridlcu-
lous idea. It was all n mistake"
Then the maid looked up
Her eyes were sparkling with real
tears. but Charles haste to assure her
OF his positive belief in her innocence
OF the charge had brought smile to
her face.
1T is dreadful. even to be taken for
such a notorious woman. don't you
thlnk7 But perhaps should look at
II reasonably and believe the baron
has made an cxcusablo blunder. Real
ly, some OF the garcons here In the ho-
tel have addressed me as countess. ana
| have been puzzled TO account for
II until now. so we must look alike
| demure llttle English lassle. and
she a clever, designing Russian dip
lomat."
Charlie nodded. eagerly.
What she said seemed 30 very rea-
sonable. and she took 1t much better
than he expected
But he could easily discover that
Airline was not wholly at her ease.
Frequently she east quick glances in
the direction OF the door.
This fact had come TO his attention
some time back; but Charlie did not
find tho least reason TO suspect that
the baron had aught TO do with II.
She seemed to hesitate, perhaps
hardly knowing Just how to begin her
story.
ALLOW me to remark. In the begin
ming" said Charlie. that. while | am
ready and anxious to serve you. and
stand ready 10 do all that may become
q man-if there is any reason why you
should wish TO keep these things Sc
cret, / will try to help you. even while
cropping in complete Ignorance"
"oh. no." she answered quickly: ut
Is not that You are entitled to the
fullest confidence ! was only endeav-
orlng TO collect my thoughts 80 that
! might know just how to begin. And.
besides, ! have natural feeling OF
shame, because the person who has.
| sadly fear, been plotting in secret
against me. Is one who should be my
best friend upon earth-my father!"
Young though she was. this beautl-
full girl had known what It was TO sup
with poverty. to be left alone and
frlendless In the world and 70 meet
with the most unexpected and glorious
fortune.
Her story, even when briefly told.
was a series OF dramatic surprises. such
as are well fitted for the stage. yet
occur so seldom in real life.
She barely mentioned her earlier
years, save TO tell how her father. a
sea captain. had been lost as II was
believed, at sea; and with her mother
she had fought the grim wolf In Lon
don, sewing. as such people OF refine
ment reduced to poverty must do in
order to earn bread.
Then came her mothers death, fol-
lowed by her bitter fight against the
world, and especially the persecution
Of a dashlng gentleman, who seemed
determined that ehe should marry him.
no matter Ut ulhllhe huu disgust TOOK
the part Of love In her breast
Then the wonderful freak OF fortune
that brought Airline IN contact with
an eccentric old aunt who was exceed
Ingly wealthy.
II was the old story-Arline's mother
had married beneath her. and from
that hour had been as dead 20 her
relatives; but when kind Proyi-
ience threw the forlorn young girl un-
der the high-stepplng carriage horses
Df the dowager Lady Wallis. and she
later on discovered that this lovely
creature was her own flesh and blood,
A sudden love for the girl sprang up |
In her wlthered old heart, which re-
suited In her adopting this niece as
her sole heiress.
Two years later Airline was bereft |
n her eccentric, but kind relative. and |
bound herself once more alone in the
world this time possessed OF a most
fortune.
Then II was, with the abruptness OF
/ cannon shot, Captain Brand ap-
leared upon the scene.
TJo hod a thrttlgp, gtorss 90 fau NJ /