Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1908-01-02
CHAPTER vII.-continued.

yes, Jne day after you left, the
poor fellow called to ask If knew the
particulars of his dear brothers death
You, having lately come from Corsica,
he thought, might tell him. Under the
melancholy circumstances, l deemed
it advisable to say to him that you
would be at my villa in Villefranche
soon and would, of course, give him
the facts you might know in regard
to poor Musso! He was killed by
some bandit or other in Corsica, I'M
derstand. But after the gallant Cipri-
ano met me here on the des Anglais
three days ago, he-he didn't seem
able to talk about anyone else but
me-" The widow bushes slightly,
looks eagerly at the clock and flut-
tiers: "The only other subject Count
Cipriano mentioned was-was we'd
dings."
Barnes plunges his fork disgustedly
into his salad and curses his half con-
fidences to Lady Chartris. The re-
treat he had so carefully arranged for
Enid and Marina while he and Edwin
threatened their young lives, was now
/. by his hostess babbling tongue be-
come known to their pursuers.
He glances moodily at his sweet
heart. Miss @Anstruther's eyes and
her cheeks are both aflame. AS if to
defy the dangers that are gathering
about her wedding day, she says in
lresolute tones: you know, Lady
Chartris, marry Mr.. Barnes to-mor-
row." and turns the conversation on
her coming nuptials, discussing with
her hostess the necessary preparations
for the ceremony the next evening.
With the dessert, Miss Maud enters
to give life and vivacity to the feast
She has been put by her governess in
evening infant dress, prattles merrily
of the approaching nuptials, suggests
that her youthful ears have heard some
of the dinner table conversation
through the curtains that separate the
dining-room from the parlor Once or
twice, when her mothers head is
turned, obeying a nod surreptitiously
given her by Mr.. Barnes, she bolts a
glass of champagne, that is generally
forbidden her.
Inspired BY the stimulating bever-
age, Miss Maud suddenly calculates
isn't it a pity you're going to be mar,
ried on the sneak, Barnes? When
get spliced, as you say, Cousin Edwin,
I'm going to church with six brides
maids and train ten feet long"
Soon after the party rises, and Enid,
drawing her betrSthed into the pri-
vacy of the parlor, whispers: ''My
own, remember one of the Danellas is
here. Be careful for my sake" She
puts her fair arms entreatingly about
his neck.
Il have my pistols" answers Burton,
sententiously, and administers sooth-
ing kiss.
Stepping to Edwin, he whispers:
keep sharper lookout than ever"
yes. it's yardarm to yardarm now"
answers the sailor.
Lady Chartris' carriage is an
nounced.
Help me with my wraps, Cousin
Burton" cries the widow, eagerly, and
seems anxious to be gone.
AS Barnes is cloaking Prunella, Enid
entreats, nervously: You will come
I hack soon?"
'Oh yes, by tomorrow morning"
laughs Anstruther, trying to make light
of her fears. Jacks last cruise
ashore, you know"
mo ward-room jokes about my com.
ing husband" commands his sister,
Indignantly.
"Yes, but IL can't bring Burton
home very early" says Lady Chartris,
in embarrassed tone. you see IL
promised to go to the Casino with
with Count Cipriano Danella," adding
eagerly: Couldn't invite him to the
wedding?
Eyes, bring him, please want to
see the gentleman" returns Barnes,
quietly, his eyes growing steely.
!. Anstruther looks astounded and
y enid seems amazed, but the most star
ling effect Is produced upon Marina.
Her delicate face grows of deathly
pallor, her slight fingers work nervous
ly, but her dark eyes begin to flame.
"Gee," remarks Maud, the cham
payne making her reckless. you need
MT look as If you were going to execu-
ton, Marina. Clip isn't your beau"
Maud, don't talk that way and go
g bedi- commands her mother, Sc