The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-05-25
CHAPTER XIII.
AT LORELIE' VILLA.

MademolSelle Riv1ere, or, TO use her right
full title. viscountess Walden.
I Idris accompanied her, nominally as her
escort, in reality consumed with the long
/ ing to meet Lorelie again. True wisdom
/ told him that he was but tormentng him
self in thus seeing her. that the better way
was TO avoid her altogether: but he found
this latter course impossible: he despised
| himself for his weakness, yet as the moth
is attracted by the light was Idris at
tracted by the fascinating personality of
| Viscountess Walden.
On arriving at The Cedars Beatrice was
received in a manner so gracious and win
ming that her misgivings were immediate
| ~ put to flight
I'VE are cousins. you and l." said Lorelie,
| kissing her affectionately, land must ever
be good friends"
Beatrice, quick TO read character, could
tell that the other was really DESTROYS of
her friendship: and as she recalled her un-
just suspicion she felt full of a guilty
shame. and was almost tempted to fall
upon her knees, confess her fault, and beg
| for pardon.
Aware of the circumstances under which
Lorele and Idris had last parted, Beatrice
viewed their greeting of each other with
an interest that was almost painful to her.
and the viscountess knowing that she was
watched, extended to Idris the dignified
courtesy that she might have extended to a
stranger, though all the time she was in
wardly tormented lest Idris should think
her unduly cold. None but herself knew
how her heart was pulsating beneath her
calm exterior. She not to be blamed.
she argued. for the feeling that had sprung
and tongue may be controlled: thought
never. So long, then, as she controlled her
words and action, what more was required
of her? What more? A secret voice
seemed to say, Never to see Idris again."
They sat on the veranda conversing on
various topics, and as Beatrice listened to
the charming words and the sweet laugh
of the viscountess, and contemplated her
brilliant beauty. she no longer wondered
that Idris should have fallen in love with
her
During the course of the conversation
some details of Lorelie's history became re-
vealed
She was now twenty-three years of age,
and had been born at Nantes in the same
year in which her father, Captain Roche
fort had aided Eric Marvile TO escape
from the Breton prison. Her father she
had never known. nor had he ever been
seen again by Madame Rochefort after his
flight in the yacht Nemesis.
When Lorelie was sixteen years of age
her mother died, leaving to her an income
sufficient with economy for her mainte-
nance. Henceforward she had led soli-
tary independent life, content with her
books and music. In her twenty-first year
she met Lord Walden at Monaco.
They were married privately, and while
the earl supposed his son TO be carrying
on the course of study requisite for the
reality quietly celebrating his honeymoon
/ | on the Riviera.
After a few months of welded life Lorelie
MI anIU xa6 fHn &c rf-ff
Ormsby, though her husband was opposed
to the idea. BY preconcerted arrangement
she took up her residence at The Cedars,
some weeks prior to Ivar's Homecoming
, lest their coinciGent arrival should give rise
to suspicion.
and here she remained, conceaing her
rightful name and rank in compliance with
WARS wish, and waiting till a favorable
opportunity should arrive for making the
marriage known TO the stern old earl.
: Secret contempt stole over Idris at the
! course pursued by the viscount A man
i might be very we'll content to brave his
fathers anger and the loss of estate,
however splendid for such a wife Lor-
3 ellie BY some subtle process of telepathy
his thoughts communicated themselves 10
her, and knowing that he would not have
! hesitated at such sacrifice. the viscountess
trtmbled and burst not meet his glance,
I lest he should read in her eyes more than
5 he ought. contrary to the proverb the
{ third person on this occasion was not de
trop. Lorelie felt grateful for the presence
e of Beatrice, and chung TO her as to pro-
Y tecting angel.
MAY L add one to the pleasant trio?'
said voice. breaking in upon them:
. aud. looking up Idris caught the suspicious
e glance of the man whom he was striving
! not to hate-LOrelieS husband
!, Lord Walden ooldly acknowledged Idris's
e presence smiled at Beatrice, and still
keeping up the pretence of being merely a
Q ing her as 'MademOiselle Riviere," wher
i | Beatrice interviewed with, why disguise
i thu truth. Cousin Ivar2 We know that
| Ma1pmOiSplip Riviera
: All that makes 1t much more pleasant
z | for all concerned
Iiut though he spoke thus there was on
Y his face look that showed he was not
t overpleased to learn that the truth hac
: become known.
= You may rely upon our secrecy" addec
: Beatrice thinking to put him at his ease
: II trust So replied Ivar. coldIy
y He took a seat beside Lorelie, and pro
ceeded TO roll a cigarette, remarking as he
a did so. You do not object?"
Z Lorelie assented with a smile that evoked
the jealousy OF the foolish Idris. If &
. woman may not smile upon her husband
Y upon whom may she smile?
e Concluding that he and Beatrice were bet
: ter away, Idris now arose. but Lorelie op-
{ | posed their departure.
Going after so short a stay?" she re.
: monstrated- Now you are here you mus
r Breakspear. as we'll" she added, gIancins
{ at ldTis.
Her manner was so persuasive that tbs
I
e viscount and his wife might wish to ex
i change condolences. Idris offered his arm
k TO .Beatrice and invited her to stroll
n Through the grounds that surrounded tn,
e villa.
/ As Beatrice withdrew leaning on the arm
= of tdris and blushng at some compliment
{? of his. Lorelie glanced after them with
e touch of envy IN her eyes. Her days fo
n receiving such attentions were over: he
h husband had ceased 10 be- her lover. Sh,
II could not avoid contrasting the appearance
J. OF the two men-lvar's pallid face an,
al languid air with Idriss healthful bronze,
e n4pleXion and splendid physique. Their
difference of ten years in their ages
3 anC though War was scarcely past twenty
his face bore signs of dissipation-sign
L which his wife perceived with surprise an,
he sorrow
n No sooner We're Idris and Beatrice out O
Re earshOt than War turned a frowning coun
lie tentnce upon his wife.
why have you told them OF our mar
p riase?"
J. 1T was necessary. WAR"
Vi As she recalled the occasion OF its dis
T. clio. ure a faint color tinged her cheek: an
le Iyar. though not usually a quick-witte
person. Immediately suspected the cause.
re ''Necessitated by that fellows makin
love 10 you, 1 presume?' he said. cycling he
* keenly.
n "Jvar." she answered quietly. evadinl
his question. so long as men think IN
FREE
d Free. that's good word
80 long as | am supposed to be unmar
y ried," she continued correcting her ex
precision. $50 long shall | be liable TO re