The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1909-04-07
CHAPTER VI.
Pursuit.

times in his life, but a stupen6ous
calamity such as had now overtaken
him a only happen once in an eX-
istence. Little more than twelve
hours before he had thrilled at Elsie's
touch, and dreamed of winning her
love! Why had he not accompanied
her 10 her house, and seen her safely
within her fathers door.
After a hideous night, during
which he did not attempt TO undress,
Glynn was early next morning at the
Rue de LEveque.
Lambert looked less terribly agi-
tated than he was the day before,
but he had an exhausted. stupefied
air, as if nature could not hold out
much longer. He was dressed and
ready to go out, however. and as he
was too soon for the appointment
with NJ. Claude, Glynn accompanied
him to see Madame Davilliers.
They found her still much agitated.
She received Lambert with affection
ate sympathy, but talked in a strain
that maddened Glynn. The chef de
la surete had evidently communicated
to her his W belief that Elsie had
fled willingly.
1T is not for me to Judge the hab-
its of other nations" said madame,
"but the results of such freedom as is
permitted to young American girls
cannot fail to be fatal! That dear
Elsie was an angel of goodness and
purity, brought up by those holy
ladies of the convent, and all the
more likely to be led away, because of
her extreme innocence"
do you mean to say that you
think my child, my jewel, my pride,
is to blame? that any one living could
lead her astray?" almost screamed
Lambert, stung from his despairing
apathy into angry excitement.
Dear monsieur, I only blame your
system, not its victim!'
You are premature in your con
clusions," said Glynn with cold dis
pleasure. within twenty-four hours
she will no doubt be discovered, and
all that seems inexplicable ex-
planned"
I trust it may be so, monsieur;
meanwhile l agree with the excellent
M Claude that the affair should be
kept as secret as possible; rumor will
make everything worse than it really
is, and for the sake Of"
"Adieu, madame; mine is too terri
bic an affection to leave room for
thought about Appearances" cried
poor Lambert, turning away.
Poor unhappy father! all things
may be pardoned to him." said Mad
m compassionately to Glynn, who
bowed silently and followed his dis
tracted friend.
Arrived at the bureau de IA surete,
Glynn remained outside, slowly pac-
ing the street; and while he waited,
somewhat to his surprise he saw
Deering come out from a different
door to that by which Lambert had
entered. He was accompanied by a
man in uniform, and walked briskly
away, in the same direction in which
Glynn was s%auntering; but as they
were considerably ahead Of him, it
was useless TO attempt pursuit.
He wished Lambert would volun-
tarily confde to him the secret of his
enmity to Deering. He felt an I'M
reasoning conviction that the extra
ordinary disappearance of Elsie was
in some way connected with it.
Time went slowly, painfully; but at
length a sergeant de vile approach
ing, saluted him, saying, "Will mon
sieur give himself the trouble to en-
ter? NJ. LIE Chef wishes to speak to
him"
Glynn followed readily, and found
Claude alone.
Monsieur Lambert awaits you in
an ante-chamber," said the grave
chef; "you will soon be at liberty to
join him. Meanwhile you will have
NO objection to answer a few ques-
tons" He proceeded to put a few
leading queries as to Glynn's position
and occupation, the origin Of his &C
quaintance with Lambert, it's re-
newal, his knowledge of Deering and
Vincent, and their connection with
father and daughter. The astute chef
was courteous though searching, and
having meditated for a moment or
two. said, II should recommend your
advising your friend to confide every
circumstance connected with his
daughter to me. He is keeping some
thing back. and that something multi
fes all our efforts"
81 think he must have told you
everything, especially connected with
his daughter"
There is small chance of success
if he does not"
Il suppose you have no intelli-
gence as YETI" said Glynn.
This IS all we have discovered"
said Mr.. Claude, throwing open the
doors Of a large armolre, or clothes
press, and there hung, in CHASTITY
mockery. the pretty white ball dress
which had so delightfully."- become the
wearer. it's bouquets of wild flowers
crushed and %flettened, and a long re-
voting stain of half-dried mud along
n side of the creamy silk.
Good Cod" exclaimed Giynn,
starting back horror-struck. "Where
where did you find this?"
"One Of our men found it near the
Pont de L'Aima early this morning.
See! here is where the lace and knot
of ribbon were torn away. There is