Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1903-02-21
Christmas Rose: A Mystery.
CHAPTER X.-(Continued.l

'From the hour that she told me, not
only that she bore another mans name,
but that friendship was all she could ever
have given me, never saw her till now.
/ heard no tidings of her, for I went
wandering from place TO place, half over
Europe As for those letters. I no more
wrote them than she received them
would die to gain happiness for her, and
for him she loves"
The passionate Southern blood was
fired. lighting the eyes and thrilling the
voice. 1t was impossible to doubt his
sincerity
m. Lecour," asked the doctor, "havc
you an enemy1"
Yes. One who has blighted my life"
a woman?"
How could you know? Yes, a
woman!"
There was a slight interruption The
servant came to announce another ar
rival. and young woman was shown
into the room
You are late" the doctor said.
Il am sorry, sir, but
well, it does not matter. as it hap
pens. Look well at this gentleman Did
you ever see him before?
The girl-Sheila recognized Eer as q
chambermaid at the Cosmopolitan-re-
gardcd Armand Lecour, and answered in
stantly-
"Neycr.@
Vet he answers exactly to the descrip-
ton you gave Of the Young man who
went away on Christmas eve from he
hotel"
Yes, sir" said the girl. thoughtfury.
Il suppose SO; yet he is not really Ike
him"
You would know that man again, You
think ?"
I've q good memory. sir"
'Will you wait for a little while?" re-
quested the doctor sit here in the
shadow Of this curtain. You will not be
noticed, yet can see ALL"
She took her place obediently, Just az
carriage was heard to stop outside the
house. a few moments after, the door
of the room was flung open. and Frank
Dunbar entered with Madame de Maui
pas!
She paused just within the threshold,
and rccoiled III a sudden panic.
1T is too late to retreat, madame"
said Frank, mocllingly, barring the door
way.
She stood like a trapped tigress, her
teeth cleaning between her scarlet lips,
her eyes atlame.
Rosamond leaned forward, gazing at
her with fear and wonder Armand
Lecour stood between the two, almost
as if he felt his beloved had need of pro-
lection
"You!" Kissed Madame de Maupas.
M. Lecour," asked the doctor. is
this your enemy?"
Yes" he answered.
"Rosamond, is this the woman who
lured you from your home with n lying
story, and then sought your Efc!"
Yes" the girl replied.
Another figure came forth from the
shadow, and then, indeed, the wretched
woman saw that Nemesis was at hand.
Il know you again, in spite of your
disguise-as well as you know met"
cried IN accusing voice.
1T is a lie--a lie! never saw you be-
fore!" cried madame, furiously
Yes" said the other steadily 'Yyu
came to the hotel dressed as a man. the
night the Marquis de l'Esparre was muir
dered, and the next day you disap-
peared.'
q did not. But even if I did-what
then 2"
THAT is what the law viii require you
to explain, madame" said Frank Dun
bar.
1T is you, then, who have betrayed
me?" ragged madame, turning upon HIM
"You-the friend of my friend!"
81 have a sincere regard for Lord Var
grove" responded Frank; 'and | think I
have done him q service"
you are soon cousoled. madame, for
your husband whom your lover killed."
cried the Infatuated woman to Rosamond.
Il see you have your old love at YOUR
side again. Oh, and | know you, little
viper this to Sheila. You are a spy!
1t is all a plot against me-all my enc
mics conspired together But will have
JUSTICE"
You shalt" said DR.. Egerton.