Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1904-05-05
CHAPTER XIII.

The next morning the divers left
for the continent for the benefit OF
their health, and Deercombe is not
likely to be honored by their presence
again.
The day drew on, and still the feel
ing of suspense which hung over
Joan and Emily was not removed.
Miss Mazurka had unmasked and
vanauished the divers; but there was
still wanting another act to finish the
comedy which she and BERTHE had so
carefully prepared.
Leave it all to me, dear, just for a
few hours longer" she pleaded to
Joan, as they sat in the drawing-room
I've carried out my intentions very
well so far, haven't II"
Yes" said Joan. "Ah, wish they
had received me and forgiven mel"
Miss Mazurka laughed.
$50 they would If they had known
beforehand that you were the mistress
of the Void. But | had got them in
cleft stick! And now don't give a
thought to them; they'll never trouble
you any more, depend upon 1t. What
tiinc 10 ulHueT tOHlSHL!
Joan smiled
"You are mistress here" she said.
Miss Mazurka nodded.
SO | am, with your permission. for
few hours longer. Well say seven
o'clock, and Wen have nice dinner
I'll go and see the butler and give
him instructions. Fancy Miss Ma.
zurka instructing a butler" and she
went out laughing.
Meanwhile, at the time Joan was
still wondering what was going to hap
pen, two gentlemen got out of the
train at Deercombe and stepped out
smartly towards the Void.
I'm afraid, Villiars you think this
rather a cool thing to drag you down
to your old house to see the lady who
has dispossessed you of it," said
BERTHE, for 1t was he and Stuart
Villars.
Stuart Villiars smiled gravely.
No; | placed myself in your and
Miss Mazurka's hands. and do so UNI
reservedly. am grateful that YOU
haven't insisted upon my going to
Buenos Ayres. for instance"
Berthe laughed.
And you still feel-what shall |
say?-resigned to the loss of your
wealth. villiars?"
"Quite," he assented. mo wealth
can buy me happiness! | have told
you my story. BERTHE; some men would
nave outlived the loss, suppose! II
cannot She is with me every hour of
the day. There is not a day that her
beautiful face does not rise before me.
sometimes with the loving smile she
used to wear when she lived some.
times with a shade of reproach resting
on It, Why he stopped and looked
towards the sea-"this place, every
men OF 1t. speaks to me of her. There,
along that road, we used to walk. her
mead upon my breast. her sweet. in.
nocent lips whispering 4 love your
Would to Heaven | could forget her.
ana yet, no! | would not IL could
IN such gray and dreary life as
mine even the memory of her is some.
thing. Forgive me. BERTHE" he broke
on Il ought not to weary you with
my sorrows; but. you see. you have
brought 1t on yourself. When man
undertakes to be the keeper of such
as = He stopped and shrugged
mis- shoulders with a sad and kindly |
smile.
understand. | know" said BERTHE. /
softlE' She must have been very
lovely and very lovable."
no woman more so on this earth, !"
responded Stuart Villiars, fervently.
ANA suppose there is no doubt
ABOUT her death?" said BERTHE, grayey
and fearfuly.
Stuart Villiars shook his heal
None! Oh, no, No. | saw her,
saw her cloak! Besides forgive
me cannot talk of it. Let us sneak |
OF something else This young girl !
do YOU think she will mind nv cor,inc !
to see her here?"
No she will not mind" repBed
bertie' in low voice. "Vilnars" he
SAID after short silence how arc
your nerves? DO You think Won conId |
stand shock?"
Stuart Villiars laughed and he,1 opt
his hand. ''>'' '"'
am as firm and steady as a rock " !
he said. why, have you got shot.
IN preparation tor me. you mystery,
monger?"
Yes, l have" said BERTHE. NO
am not going to tell you what it is
IL would upset my plans. TO say moth.
Ing of Miss Mazurka's, who is too
formidable a parsonage to interfere
with. But there is a shock in waiting
for YOU. ami warn you"
And l warn YOU" said Stuart VII.
liars. smiling, that no shock YOU can
manufacture can touch me. am
case hardened, my dear Berthe. If YOU
could raise the dead, but there no
more of that! How well the old Mace
looks l should have been proud of it
If she had lived and could have seen
her there as its queen and mine, But
now / part with it without a pang
The sight of it makes my heart ache.
II viii be my last visit to Deer,
combe,"
"You think so'" said Bertie "Hera