Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-10-29
By Eta w. PIERCE.

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I There is an engagement Of marriage
between you and this Arthur Guilte
1 hear?" said St John.
yes"
First Of all, I advise you to annu
that"
go on"
And I repeat that, loving you as
do. I will not give you up. You like
no doubt, this fine home Of yours-the
luxury and ease you have here. Nat
urally, you don't wish to leave 1t fol
the Bohemian life led by me. Come
here again tomorrow night, when the
grounds grow dark, and we may then
decide, perhaps how we can compro-
mise the matter"
Meet you again." she protested. y
will mott"
Faith" cried he, then to these
Guiltes go, and make a general con-
fession. They shall know the deceit
YOU have for years practiced on them
This hero, Arthur, shall hear that the
woman Of his love is little less than a
common adventuress-a wife already
parted from her lawful husband by one
love affair, refusing to acknowledge him
now because Of another"
The pale, proud face crimsoned.
"Stop!" she cried, with gesture. u
will come"
THAT sounds more sensible" said
st. John. "By this arrangement we
shall each have time to reflect on the
situation, which is, to say the least, Sc
rious enough to demand reflection
Tomorrow night, then, at dark. Do not
fail mel"
She turned upon him suddenly.
who was the person by whom you
sent the note to me tonisht?"
He gathered his cloak about him pre-
paratory to departure.
"A masker I happened to meet on
the grounds. Many thanks to him!
And now, will you not so much as give
me your hand at parting, Paulette?"
She recoiled in aversion. His light
est touch at that moment seemed to
her worse than death. He stepped
back.
VERY WELL" he said, irritably. But
remember, at dark, tomorrow"
She turned and darted out Of the pa
vilion, and crossed the lawn, like hunt
ed deer. AS she reached the piazza she
stopped to listen, hushing her hoarse
breath; but all was still as the grave,
save the faint, fitful fall Of rain here
and there on the lush foliage. Paulette
lifted the long window through Which
her exit had been made, and stepped
into the dining room. AS she did 80,
the door opening upon the hall flew
suddenly back, and on the threshold,
with her hair in curl-papers, and
candle in her hand, stood Hilda Burr.
She started back, and holding her
light aloft, started in amaze at the ap-
partition in the window-the lovely fig
ure in it's disordered fancy dress, with
golden hair, hanging damp and long
about her shoulders.
'Merciful heaven!" cried Hilda; "can
I believe my senses? You, coming In
from the grounds at this hour OF the
night?" and then she lowered her light'
with a smile Of offensive significance.
"Ahem! Glad, I'm sure, your sudden
illness passed so soon! How white and
strange you look! I hear 1t raining.
Didn't you find it somewhat damp out
there?"
A raging red swept over Paulette's
face. She stepped into the room, and
lowered the sash behind her. A most
unfortunate meeting was this!
Il have been out for breath Of air"
she answered, carelessly, after your
hot. sitting fete. l see that your sleep,
also, seems disturbed"
Il" said Hilda, have lost the cross
from my rosary, and came seeking 1t,
little expecting such an encounter as
this! How very odd you should choose
this hour Of the night, or rather morn
ing, for a promenade in those wet,
lonesome grounds?"
Paulette's dark eyes flashed light
nings upon her.
ITO tell the truth, Miss Burr, this lit
tie matter does not in the least concern
you. Go on seeking your cross, by all
means. and cease meddling with sub
jects with which you have nothing to
do. 1 bid you goodnight, with great
pleasure"
She darted past the curl-papers and
the lamp, and vanished up the stairs.
Hilda gazed darkly after her
You waxen-faced beauty" she said
softly; you who have stolen from me
both the generals heart and Trent's-
you, who hope to reign mistress here,
one day, with me for your dependent
there is something in this midnight
ramble of yours which must be looked
to, my dear!"
With an honest rapture in her bilious
face, as genuine as if she had stumbled
on some great, good fortune. Hilda put
down her light, and began to search
among the debris Of the fete for her
lost camellia cross.