The Washington herald., 1906-11-08
CHAPTER XXI.
A supper Party.

Illness DY the count negro pay StCisttlt
who. although a person without univer-
sity qualifications, proved to be the pos
SCISSOR Of much skill in the practice Of
medicine. She found nothing to complain
of in her treatment during the time Of
convalescence. The old count seemed to
have discovered a liking for her, and al
though he frequently showed himself i'm
patient and crotchetty, he was on the
whole kind, and paid her many little at
tentions.
Madame Viyella she never saw except
at a distance but Desire came often to
visit her. and at least one hour every
evening was spent very pleasantly by the
girl in trying on the various articles of
Miss Eiliott's wardrobe, a wardrobe which
the count had provided for her from Italy
shortly after her arrival on the island.
Desire had grown very fond Of her new
friend, and was never tired Of asking
questions about that wonderful London
which had so long been the El Dorado Of
her dreams. and which she now eagerly
looked forward TO visiting at no very
distant date.
Each morning Desire anxiously searched
the boathoUse for the red cloth which vas
70 be the signal Of Cressingham's return,
but the days passed monOtOnOusly, and no
sign came. Francine became well enough
at last TO walk unaided, and it was then
her dearest pleasure to climb 70 the look
out, gazing out over the blue water, long
ing 10 be the first to discover sight Of the
vessel which might contain her lover and
the hope of freedom. Many steamers and
ships she saw pass across the horizon,
but they all passed, and with each her
hopes grew smaller and smaller. She re
membered that a strong wind had blown
on the night of Cressingham departure,
and Desire had described TO her the frail
cOckleshell which had borne him out TO
sea. It was hard TO continue hoping on
in such circumstances, but IL was harder
TO resign all hope; and although in some
moods she despaired, the very fact that
so many steamers and other vessels so
constantly passed the island inspired her
with confidence that he might have, after
all, been saved.
The hours Of sunshine and balmy
bTeeZes that she devoted to the summit
Of the mountain meanwhile completed
her recovery, and each day she grew more
her old self. more established in health.
and consequently more beautiful The
Count d'Attala watched her restoration
menced to pay her many compliments on
her altered appearance. It afforded him
a species Of cynical amusement TO think
that she expected deliverance, for her
visits TO the mountain top were inter-
preted by him correctly; but not aware
OF the fun extent OF her hopes and their
foundation. he did not attempt to restrain
her liberty, and. indeed. was once the
companion of her excursion, having him
self carried to the lookout in palan-
o1in.
"a: g. % he invited her to supper with
him. and in such a manner that she was
constrained to accept the invitation
Madame yiyeila and Desire were Of the
party, and she found herself sitting on
the counts right hand, opposite her faith
er's murderess. 1t was a quaint situation,
full Of horror 20 the girl, but IL would
have profted her nothing to rebel against
the sending Of the fates. and recognizing
her helplessness, she forced herself 10
resignation.
Madame Katherin was superbly dressed
in a low-cut gown of heliotrope satin,
covered with rich Maltese lace; Desire.
as usual. appeared in boys clothes. but
the Count d Attala had discarded his
usually magnificent apparel, and was
clothed from head to heel IN deep black,
even his collar. silken shirt, and TUffies
being Of that somber color The old man S
face, however, was at odds with his
mourning costume, for his expression was
excited and triumphant, and his first act
on seating himself was 10 I'll his glass
and those Of his guests with sparkling
burgundy Then. raising his fagOn. he
thus addressed them: 7 wish you 10 join
me in drinking the health OF his majesty
f-N- = tn
perity and bon voyage In the new career
in which he has this afternoon embarked. -
Nine Viyella made a peculiar gesture
with her eyebrows, but she drank 10
the toast and Francine and Desire each
slipped their wine.
rs 1t over?' asked madame, as she
put down her glass.
1t is" replied the count. his eyes
beaming; ''Umberto was shot this after
noon at Monza; shot deadt'
Fraucine experienced q thrill Of horror,
and stared al the old man with sudden
presentiment Of what was TO come. You
you had no hand in his DEATH" she
gasped out.
He gave a low chucble Of appreciation.
NO hand my dear young lady-no, not
I. I am not a vulgar assassin; I merely
arranged the matter. decreed-my serv-
ants carried out the work.
Then you are the actual murderer
She gazed at him, her eyes dilated with
terror, her bosom heaving, her cheeks
ashen white.
The Count d'Attala was plainly fiat
tered by the sensation he had created;
ne laughed out ia extravagant delight,
and glanced about the table with the air
Of man who had abundant cause for
self-gratulation. Il am not Of those who
are frightened Of the world" he an
swered, stin smiling, nor do I seek TO
escape, I'm my home-circle, at all events,
the consequences Of my acts. Katherin
views the world much in the same fash
ion as myself. and is used to the traffic
OF DEATH for I have trained her. But
Desire Is stiI child enough to feel af-
frighted. Hal ha. ha, look at the child.
Desire, my dear, you appear TO be quite
out Of love with your poor old grand
father; you stare at me with your heart
in your eyes. and your heart is filled
with dismay and detestation. Ha! hal
ha! Why, even you. Miss Elliot. I dare
swear. stand this moment slightly in awe
Of me. But what need is there for emo
ton after all? a king is a man. and just
as liable 10 death as the poorest con-
tadina. He has lungs, stomach, and heart
like yours or mine. II is only ques-
ton Of reaching him. and then sufficient
" disturbing one or other Of those Or
gans. and poufi Death carries him of as
easily as the sirocco a fluffy blossom on
its bosom. You perceive, then, that not
so very much credit is due 70 me- I plot
and plan. but my real friend is Death.
Deathl who turks an unseen phantom in
the sunlight and the shade. who omni-
present universal and almost omnipotent.
aids and abets my counsels. ever ready
to extend his grisly hand, and recogniz-
ing me as a friend Of his heart, pre-
serves me alone that may continue his
ally in the campaign he wages with the