Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-07-08
CHAPTER XVI.

- AAA0N N~C SR~~A~s
You received my note, Mr.. Adel-
stone?"
x am here, he said. with slight
smile.
She bit her lip, her pride revolving
n his presence, at his very tone.
Il sent for you" she said. after a
cause, and in the coolest tone, be
cause | have some information which
] thought would interest you"
Your ladyship is very good he
said.
And because" she went on, scorn-
tag to accept his thanks. Il thought
you might be OF service"
He inclined his head. He would
not meet her half way-would not
help her. Let her tell him why she
lad sent for him, and he would throw
himself into the case, not till then.
"The last time that we met you said
words which l am not likely to nave
forgotten"
Il have not forgotten them" he said,
"and am prepared to stand by them"
"You profess TO be willing-to be
eager to prevent a certain occur
Eence?"
eff you mean the marriage of Lord
LEICESTER aud Stel-Miss Etneridge,
am more than willing; | am deter
mined to prevent IT."
you speak with great confidence,
she said
Il am always confident, Lady Le-
more" he said ut is by confidence
that great things are achieved; this
Is only a small one"
And yet it may be beyond your
power 20 achieve she said. scornfully.
Il think moi, he retorted quietly
and grayely.
BE that as 1t may" she said, II
have come here this evening TO place
In your hands a piece 81 information
respecting the girl In sho1n you pro-
tess to take an interesa"
The blood came to his face, and his
eyes cleaned with sudden resentment.
by the girl do you refer to Miss
Stella Etheridge?' he said, quietly
III SO. permit me TO remind your lady
ship that she Is lady!"
Lady Lenore made a gesture Of
naughty Indifference.
Call her what you please" she
SAIL. coldly, .nsoiently 1 did refer
To her"
And to the man in whom you take
an INTEREST,"" he said. with an inso
lsnce that matched her own.
The dark red famed In her face, ana
she looked at him.
That is a side of the question which
We will not enter upon. II you please
Dir. Adelstone," she said
Il am 10 understand, then" he said
with quiet seorn, that you came here
this evening by your own appointment
TO do me service. 1t that SO.
He had reused her at asst
Understand. think What you VIII.
abe said, In a low. strange voice; let
there be no parley between US. /
wanted to see you aud sent for you.
and you are here. let that suffice,
You wish to prevent The marriage OF
Lord LEICESTER and tie lady whom
Ns saw him with at THIS spot You
speak confidently OF your power to do
so; you VIII have a speedy opportun-
ity OF testing that powel for Lord
LEICESTER intends marrying her To-
morrow, or at latest the next day"
He did not sIar., neither did be turn
pale, but he looked at her calmly.
azedly; she knew that her shaft had
told home, and she stood aud watched
and enjoyed
How do you know thls7" he asked,
quietly, in very low voice.
She paused. II was bitter humiiia.
'4Ga to have TO admit TO this man,
whola she regarded as the dust under
her iH2t. that she. the Lady Lenore.
had stopped so low as to steal and
read letter addressed to another per
son, aud that person her rlyal-but It
had TO be admitted.
I know 1t because he wrote and
made arrangements for her flight ami
their ciandestine meeting
How do YOU know IT," he asked
and his voice was dry and harsh.
She paused moment
Because / saw the letter" she said.
sying him defantly
lie smiled-even in his agony ana
fury he smiled at her humiliation.
you have indeed done much in my
service" he said. with a sneer.
Yours came fiercely to her lips.
then she made gesture OF contempt,
IS II he were beneath her resentment.
You saw the letter. he said What
Eere the arrangements? When aud
where was she 10 meet him. Curse
aim" he ground out between his
teeth.
"Sb0 Is 10 go to London by the ele-
ven O'Clock train tomorrow. and he
vii meet hor aud take her to "a Bur.
ION street" she sad, curtly.
He choker back the oath that came
30 his lips.
Meet him. and alone" he muttered
the sweat breaking out on his fore
head. his lips writing
No. not atone: q boy. her cousin, rs
to accompany them
"Ahi" be said, ana malignant
smile curled his lips; Il can scotch
4 It small snake; but him-Lord Lev.
eester!" and his hands cllncaed.