The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-05-21
The
Second Wife
VOLUME II.
CHAPTER V.

The ducal musicians played in their
/ most mastery manner. and the great
prima donna sung her sweetest. Her
highness tho duchess herself gave the
| signal for the applause which followed
each piece OF music: and during the
/ interval which ensued between the first
and second parts, she overwhelmed the
foreign singer with expressions OF her de-
light and gracious favor and OF the rich
ness and beauty OF her voice
Everything concerning the concert
went off so brilliantly, and all those
around her seemed so unconstraaned and
easy. while observing the most rigorous
court etiquette, that Lame could not
account to herself for the strange un-
easiness which had taken possession of
her. and which made her feel feverfsh
and anxiousiy apprehensive each time
she caught sight OF the pale. Mcdusa-
Like profile OF their royal hostess
She gazed absently round the large
apartment. and presently observed the
figures OF the Hofmarschall and the court
chaplain standing together among q
group OF officers, whose brilliant and
diversified uniforms made the black
robed priest and the plain evening dress
or the Hofmarschail appear markedly
conspicuous by their startling contrast Of
color.
She watched for a second tho older
mans face, and could read IN his angry.
excited features what Il was that he was
eagerly whispering about her to the
priest; for the latter. with an undaunted
demonical expression in his eyes, fixed
his gaze upon her. as much as to say;
VIII be patient, silent, and defenseless
put you won't be able TO shake me or 4"
Lame turned her eyes away. ana though
her face flushed with anger at the priest 9
shameless, daring, she no longer feared
MIN. The tall, broad-shouldered man
who was carelessly leaning back In his
seat at her side would protect her and
shield her from any future personal inter-
course with one who had partaken OF his
hospitality. and then. like the viper in
the raDie. had turned round and stllng
his benefactor.
How she longed TO fly away from the
music-not note OF which she felt capa-
DIE or appreciating In her present excited
state-and from all these beautifully
dressed people! But her hour OF freedom
had not yet arrived.
The concert over, tongues were loosen
60; and all those who had any acquaint-
ance with Baron Mainua pressed around
In eager curiosity TO assure Themselves
from MS own mouth IL the news that he
had communicated TO the duchess before
the music began was really true
Irue?' said Raoul, I'm his usual non
cnalant manner. why not?"
few moments later Raoul was inform
ed tnat on him fell the distinction and
honor OF opening the ball with the duch-
ess
Lead me into the side drawing-room " |
said the duchess TO her cavalier. in tone
which admitted OF no refusal. as rst |
stood still. after taking a couple of turns |
IN the waltz which always follows the |
polonafse. There Is too much gas-light, |
and so many people; the heat ia unbear-
able
you play your new role incomparably. |
Baron Mainau." remarked the royal lady, |
In low voice. as they crossed the thres- |
hold OF the dancing ealoon and entered !
the side drawing room. where the unex-
pected appearance OF the duchess some
what disconnected two or three gentle
men standing talking. With friendly
Sign 10 them not TO disturb themselves,
she led the way to the winter-garden.
neither she nor Raou noticing that in a
corner OF the room which they were ira
versing sat the Hofmarschall and his
friend the chaplain. with champagne and
Ices on table before them, which neither
inclined to partake OF. for the
Ice was fast melting, and the costly wine,
though the glasses were full, was quite
still.
May I beg TO know the name OF the
piece the court is acting in which / play
my part without knowing it?" asked
Raoul, In the careless, frivolous tone that
was usual with him in society.
"Mephistophesi" and she gracefully
held up her fan. 'Tt is not we who are
acting; we are too tired. and exhausted,
md spiritless for any such thing. Besides,
We haven't Baron Mainau's gift OF al
ways appearing fresh and piquant on the
scene. Must / really tell you what every
'ne in there is whispering tonight? You
ire playing the second act OF the Drama
If Revenge'!'
Raoul started, and turning quickly, so
Is 70 face his companion, her hand drop
'ed from his arm and hung to her side.
They were alone In the garden.
standing under the palm-trees, and the
hick creeping plants which hung from
he glass roof over their heads made the
'eautiful, deathly pale woman in the
'oiden dress, with her black hair and
yes, look almost unearthly with the light
alling on her from the colored lamps.
Completed, cooled revenge can have no
econd act, your highness; It dies. like
he bee. as soon as tho sting Is buried in
he flesh," replied Raoul, quietly, though
is lips had grown paler.
The duchess looked at him for a mo-
nent with her searching dark eyes,
"Ah, pardon me!'' she said. Struggling
er lovely shoulders. "The/friends in there
D.,
ther motive for your inexplicable con-
uct. The one you tried to impose upon ,
8 all an hour ago won't be believed,
Iaron Mainau You might as we'll try to
ersuade me that that superb pomegran-
te tree, with its rich, luxurfant blossoms,
eels a desire TO take root I'm the ice- .
,ater Of the Gletcher mountain, as that J
ou really meant what you said awhile
go. Surely the fair Countess Juliana.
18th her thoughtful brow and hard-earp-
4 bit Of knowledge. has not succeeded IN
you? 1 know II would be i'm
ossible TO love such a woman" 4
YYou speak OF a sentiment I too once a
llowed myself TO feel" replied Raoul in
hard, cold tone, for Il made him angry s
hear his wife's name uttered by the 7
ps OF this royal beauty; but, however 7
eepiy the idea had taken root In my
Ind, II was not too deep TO be uprooted.
nd-to DIE"
At these words, uttered in a bitter, r
nfeeling tone. the duchess started and
irunk back as II she had been struck :
ith sharp weapon.
And III II Is az you say, madame, that q
In impossible TO love such q woman"
added. after a momentary pause. In the =
Ime bitter tone. but with a gleam OF !,