Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-19

Immediately arose, and dsdaining to glance at
Madame also hastene1 from the room.
Madame turned to Desire. Well girl, you
look dspleased. What is the matter with
you"
"I hate it ALL" replied Desire passionately.
How l would love to go away, and never see
grandfather or father again; they are horrible.
Madame sighed. "My poor kitten, so should
/. But what chance have we? Come and kiss
me, Desire"
The girl threw her arms around the woman
and tenderly caressed her. "Why can't we,
mother mine? why cannot we leave this dread
full placeg'
Madame patted her daughters head. Because
we haven't wings" she answered dreariy, "and
because no other part of Europe is safe for me
just now; there are men who want my life"
Mother, did you care for that Englishman,
Lord Francis Cressingham"
Madame arose and put the girl from her. Il
liked him well enough" she said, "but he is
dead"
did he care for you?"
when 1 wished him to care, he cared"
"You tried to help him away, didn't you"
mo; l knew he could not escape, but l did
not want to see him die, so I pretended to as
sst him, knowing that your grandfather would
shoot him Immediately he was caught"
''Do you think he drowned, mother"
"T sure of it, but why?"
"I dreamed last night that he came here in
yacht and took you and me and Miss Elliott
away with him"
"a pretty dream, but foolish one, my child"
"Oh, if it could come true!" sighed the girl.
my dear, it cannot come true; we have real
tiles to face, not dreams. I fear much that your
only hope of escape is through your father. For
myself when next he goes | shall try to induce
him to take me with him, / believe Under his
protection life would not be so dull for us
here at all events though I dare say it would
be dull enough. I have never been in zenana
yet"
"But, mother-you surely would not"
Madame interrupted her with storm of pas
sionate words. II would do anything to escape
this cursed island, where there is nothing to do
for me but yawn. 1t is better for you, since
you have work to do and have known nothing
else But to me the life is absolutely nsuffer-
able I who have since girl been used to the
world of fashion, of courts and fetes, of constant
movement and amusement. Why, in few
months I would cut my throat to end the bore
dom of it ALL"
"Mother!'
"I would, 7 tell you. 1t is killing me. But you
had better go to your work. or you will catch 1T
from your grandfather" She kissed the girl,
and forced her from the room, then alone, be-
took herself to Miss Elliott's bed-chamber,
where arrived she knocked sharply on the door.
Francine's voice babe her enter, but when Fran
cine. who had expected Desire, the person
Of her visitor, she started back in disgust
"You!" she cried.
eyes. it is - said Madame. "I, Kate Viyella,
and can tell you, my lady, you had better be
little amiable if YOU want my help"
"Your help! | would rather die than accept
your help
"There are worse fates, than DEATH" said
Madame coollv. closing the door behind her
she spoke, and placing her back against it.
"What do you mean"
"What I say. You need not assume airs and
graces with me: there is no by to admire
your pretty disdain my dear
IT do not wish to speak to you I shall be
obliged if you will 60"
"Would you, my angel? Well, that is not my
intention. Je mennu, and I wish little ex-
element, so I have come to you"
"You will be disappointed then" Miss Ell
lott shut her lips tightly
do 60 You must listen to me though, for you
can't escape have the door, and the window
is barred
Francine sat down on chair and took up a
hook. which she opened and pretended to read.
Madame laughed. "How would you like to es-
cape?" she demanded
The girl glanced up, unable TO suppress SUD
den interest. -,
"Ha ha! touched you there!" rippled Mad.
anne. "I repeat, how would you like to escape!N
'rYou know it is impossible"
bah. nothing is impossible. Listen to me-"
''Well?"
anxious to be free as yourself Ihere Is way
"What is it?"
"Rather. there are two ways The first is to
kill father-knife or poison him, | don't care
which-then cable for his yacht, and get away
in il with his gold; he has plenty of money hid.
den somewhere on the island, old fox that he ls
Francine eyed her in horror. "You can't mean
it," she gasped.
'OyVbv notP / am weary of the constant re-
stra;nt he exercises over me. No matter where
NAV be, here or in St. Petersburg he governs
me as though I were child. hate being gov
erned: I've stood it too long.
"But to poison your own father!
Bah he'd think less of getting rid OF me II
it suited him" .,
"What is your other plan?"
"To 90 off with Jibaloff You will be taken in
anv case for father has determined to sell you
To him. If we act together, we could Kill him
on the voyage quite easily, and get the captain
to land us where we please. The fellow IS an
old fame of mine, and will do whatever | bid
him so long as l use him properly. What do
you say?" go,
lott.
"Pshaw! that is no answer"
at shall tell the Count everything you have
said to me- that is my answer.
Madame laughed nockihsiy' LOU iooi, uo
Won think that such course would help you?
Father would probably believe you, he might
shoot me on suspicion, but that wouldn't alter
your fate"
"It will give me my revenge, though. You
murdered my father-fend that YOU are! Thank
YOU for giving me such chance"
Madame rippled with laughter and opened the
door ''Go to him at once, my dear; do not
wait You will see how he will receive you"
"What do you meanY
"Ah, bah! have been amusing myself that