The Indianapolis journal., 1903-11-15

was staring as IL he could hardly believe
his eyes.
Suddenly recalling himself. he answered
In tone which betrayed certain emotion:
mo, IL isn't Landale; it's my father"
'But-but thought Mr.. Laniale was an
enemy" stammered Louise. toto Mr..
Henley"
"Politically-yes," replied Nigel. 'If any
misfortune was to happen TO US. believe
Landale would be overjoyed! And yet,
though in every way he ought to be op-
posed, my father, who is very peculiar in
some of his views, INDUCES in social inter-
course with these people. He asks them to
dine at our house, and now, to crown 1t ALL
appears in public alone with Mrs. Ian
dale! Mere acquaintance with them was
bad enough; when 1t come to intimate
friendship"
The young man broke off abruptly; he felt
he had said too much, and was vexed at
having betrayed his annoyance to Louise.
She tactfully refrained from further COM
ment, but noted John Henley and his COM
panion. remarking the fascinating glances
Mrs. Landale bestowed upon the states
man. 1t was easy to see she held him by
the power of her charm. Those marvellous
eyes might well play havoc with a man
reason, that proud. mutinous mouth might
call strong wills from the tedious paths OF
duty and hard work TO those pleasanter
by-ways where the flowers of pleasure
bloomed.
What did this woman want with John
Henley, her husbands opponent?' the girl
asked herself, divining that under Mrs
Tar q cpofl a pln mig
be forming to compass his downfall and de-
stroy his power. She was ambitious for her
husbands reputation; she would have no
mercy on those who stood in his light no
pity on his foes. Yet she smiled up into
the face of John Henley with such be-
witching candor that but for her cruel
mouth one could almost have thought her
kind.
Louise forgot her previous anxieties, like
wise her Joy in Nigel's society. for the bud
ding romance faded under the vague hint
of possible tragedy.
She saw his face had clouded, and guessed
his thoughts: nor was she slow to perceive
how coldly he returned Mrs. Landaie's bow
Father and son were evidently surprised
to meet; they exchanged a casual remark In
passing, but neither appeared to appreciate
the encounter.
Louise, forgetting Nigel was a stranger,
spoke her thoughts to him suddenly, with
out reserve. 1t seemed as If the words
were put into her mouth by some outside
influence, a guiding spirit weaving destinies,
silent Notwithstanding her unseen.
"I am sure,'' she said slowly. still fol-
lowing Mrs. Landale with swift glances
that woman is not to be trusted. / hope
she won't do your father an injury
with all her beauty. she has a dread
full facev' he answered, looking into the
girls pure, sweet eyes, veritable windows
to her soul az could imagine 1t the face of
a murderess," he continued, as he COM
pared Mrs. Landale's features with those of
Louise Diderot
He dared not betray how his suspicious
had been aroused, or with what fear he
watched the growing influence Of this willy
woman taking it's deadly hold upon his
father.
Full we'll the young man knew the strange
facts of life. that despite the power Of high
intelligence, woman, II she will, may lure
the strongest into her net. His spirit rose
in hot rebellion! There lay fund of reso-
luton in his nature, of keen wit, and steady
purpose ready to match it's weapons against
Mrs. Landales-to pay back blow fer blow.
other comers demanded Louise's atten-
ton, she was obliged to desert Nigel, and
do her share of entertaining. She appeared
little distrait at times, and excused her
apparent dullness by pleading fatigue
caused by the excessive heat.
Its impossible not to be Influenced by
the weather." she said, though one breads
to make such commonplace admission" /"
In her heart she knew her thoughts were
wandering to the two men, young and old,
who struck her as so singularly alike. John