The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-04-21
The
Second Wife
VOLUME III.
CHAPTER X.

when Raoul and the priest began speak
ing with warm words 20 each other. Lane
put her arm around little Leos shoulder,
the end of the room.
Outside. the heavy clouds had burst In
one deluge OF rain, and broad, white
streams OF water poured In furious and
noisy haste down the windov-psnes. The
trees In the distance looked like ghosts
exercised on the spot, endeavoring TO ny
away, so bent were their heads by the
the atmosphere through which they
swayed to and fro. and everywhere ON the
pathways and gravel walks large pools OF
water had gathered. unable to sink into
the ground from the force with which the
rain fell
For some time now the lightning had
ceased 10 enliven with it's vivid flashes
this damp dreary landscape: but over
there. at the table on which the young
wife had turned her back, another storm
seemed 10 be increasing. Could II be that
this capricious man had really suddenly
awoke TO the responsibility OF a guard
ianship he had hitherto silently ignored,
because he preferred enjoying his life
a
tempted him TO marry a Protestant, for
tuneless wife, or was Il A decided convic-
ton arising from some inward change?
Lame would not turn round. not even
when she heard a chair violently pushed
back. and the firm. commanding step or
the court chaplain directed toward the
glass door, and not even when her hus-
band shut down the rococo cabinet with
a loud bang. At the same moment the
rustling OF a long skirt drew near, asweet
jonouil perfumes fsvorite perfume of
the duchess--was waited in the air around
her, and suddenly an arm clasped the
rounded waist OF the young baroness
You have charming figure and man.
ner. my beautiful baroness Kissed the
duchess i'm her ear; but don't take any
trouble take that on me with these white
soft, but strong arms OF mine. Ysu shall
succumbl Your hopes must founder on
this inexorable Journey"
The lips which spoke we're white as
death, and drawn tight together, with a
fearful expression I'm the eyes that made
the face look like a Nedusa's, and fright
ened the young wife till she turned cold
as stone
Let mamma alone; You are hurting
her" exclaimed Leo. pushing himself
close TO Lame; but the duchess had al
ready drawn back
'Ah, take care, my little mani How
could I find IL in my heart 20 do such
thing7' she said. laughing aloud as she
walked across the pier-glass on the other
side Of the large room, and putting back
her hat fastened her hair more securely,
that It's rich luxuriance might not be ex-
posed TO the heavy wind and rain. Her
lady went over and offered her help, but II
was not accepted.
Lame slowly left the window-niche and
walked into the middle OF the room. her
pulse beating fast and her step uncertain
from the effects OF the fright and strange
kissing words the duchess had given her.
Don't you let that woman touch YOU
forbid IT." said her husband, In a stincd
voice. as he came near her.
No one else heard what he whispered
but his wife. and she involuntarily stood
and looked at him.
Good heavens! what weather. ex-
claimed the duchess. who had her back
turned 10 the room; but her face froDned
darkly as she looked through the glass
MY Arminius will have 10 remain here
all night-and--will you have the kindness
10 lend me a carriage, Baron Mainau?
must go back; It's already getting very
late"
Certainly: will drive your highness
myself" replied Raoul. II dare not trust
my dspple-gray horses in any other
hands. they are so intractable." he added,
as he begged her highness 10 excuse him
for a moment while he went to welcome
his sons new tutor.
Just as IL nothing had happened. the
royal lady seated herself by the side OF
the IIofmarschall. and chatted pleasantly
TO him about various things, occasionally
addressing the chaplain. who was still IN
his place, till Raoul appeared. wrapped
IN a waterproof cloak, and announced
that the carriage was waiting below at
the steps, and he was ready 10 drive her
hishness 20 the palace as soon a. she felt
inclined 10 start
will YOU come too" This 10 the priest,
with a gracious smile.
But he excused himself on the ground
that he had promised the Hofmsrschall 10
play chess with him I'm the evening, and
he quietly drew back as Raoul opened the