Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-06-02
CHAPTER xXXI-Continued.

the mighty game of life with the un'
derstanding that he was off the boarc
permanently. And now, whether the
sea had given up its dead or not, there
he stood, the most powerful piece Priel
could have played, perhaps, TO give
her check and force checkmate! The
man was Gilbert Sem.
Good morning, madam" said he
courteously, removing his hat; us Mr.
Jahnway at home? and may T.
He paused. He was no longer look
ing at the woman. He was looking al
something she wore. His face gre"
ashen. His limbs trembled beneath
him.
Good God" Sem exclaimed; ARE
YOU Lurline Bannottie?"
Yes, Mr.. Sem, l am Miss Bannot-
tie"
Isis Mrs. Sem here?"
No, sir she lied to him.
But he was looking her straight IN
the face He felt he understood her.
II do not believe you," he said.
You are very complimentary, SIR
And I am going in to look for her.
No, you are not This is my house
for the time being, and 1 forbid your
going"
But she is my wife, and 1 have a
right to 60"
You've not seen fit to assert your
buShandlv authority before" Sneered
Miss Bannottie.
mo. And 1 shall not assert it no"
over this poor girl who has suffered SO
at your hands"
And at yours, Mr.. Sem; do not
forget that"
Il know it. But 1 am going in
She is inside, and l am going in TO
see her."
Miss Bannottie let her hand fall into
the pocket of her dress.
Mr.. Sem lied to you. She is in
side. But you are not going in
II am. Stand aside"
Il will not. Attempt to pass me-
and I'll serve you as"
AS you did Constance Craig? Is
that it?"
NO, think you won't. l think that
while Walter Aldrich and Elsie Sem
both live l am reasonably safe from
you"
His remark struck home. The
wretched woman drew. her hand from
her pocket, empty. She leaned, pale
and trembling, against the side or the
doorway. He walked past her into the
house to which she had denied him
admission, and she never raised her
hand to prevent it, She did not even
raise her voice again in protest.
He went in. She could hear him 60
ing from room to room, opening door
after door which had only emptiness
behind them She heard him go up
the stairs. She heard him try the door
OF Elsie Senn's room. And then
She raised her head she stood up
straight again.
Il wonder where the dead man liv-
ed. and who he was, and how long II
will be before they miss him, and
whether there is any good reason why
they should seek for him here?' she
said desperately to herself; and
wonder how long it will be before Sem
comes out with his bride, ha! ha! ha!
and whether l shall have time
time"
walked down the drive, until turn
shut her from view Of the house. She
turned and shook her clinched hand IN
that direction.
Curse you!" she said. bitterly; 81
wish | could do here for you both what
did at Boomville for Samuel Lyman
Butt haven't time. And-I am moi
quite sure l dare"
Then she turned and ran, ran re-
gardless of the thorns which reached
out to hold her back, regardless or the
stones which cut her thin shoes and
bruised her tender feet, ran-ran-rar
regardless of everything but des-
perate fear of pursuit, and desperate
hone for safety, ran as though there
had been a madwOman at Jahnway
Park. in very truth. and as though she
had her freedom at laSt-and meant
To keep it!
And Sem put his shoulder against
the locked door which stood between
him and his wife, crushed it down by
a sudden push, and stepped over the
splintered wreck into her room.
"Mis-ter-Senn!" she cried, start
ing to her feet, and facing him in tear
full and pale faced amazement
Have no fears. madam. l am here
to serve you"
You come as a friend. them"
AS a friend" he repeated. soemnly
las friend. and as no more"
Thank God" she calculated; ther
added. kindly and thank you"
II think there is not much time tt
lose" he said: will you answer me
few questions"
AS many as you wish.
First then what sort of 4 woman
is Lurline RannOttie?'
Elsie Shuddered.
"A fiend," she replied.
Have you known that long"
Not until since have lived here.
She was once your friend?'
she was. called her the bes
friend l had ever had in all my life"
Whose is that ornament she wear
in her hair: the one with the cross Sc
with pearls"
1T is hers"
Did YOU ever borrow it? Did yo'
ever wear it?"
Yes: have worn it just twice.
Can you tell me when? Do yo'
remember well enough for that"
God knows have reason to re
member" she said.
Then in Gods name tell me, an'
tell me at once" he cried
"I will. Once. the first time, was tn
night I-you-the night l became Mrs
Semi"
Thank God! And the other time?