Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1909-07-22


Oh notwithstanding, replied Ma
RE, with affected embarrassment.
What have you got in your hand?'
demanded Lucille.
Marie opened it slowly, and lying in
the palm was piece Of pink ribbon.
Poor Susie was fond Of little rib
bon, and pink was her favorite color
Lucille recognized it at once and
stared at it, with vacant eyes
Mrs. Dalton looked grim and stern,
the marquis at his post outside
watched Lucille's face coVertIy.
Where did you find that?" asked
Lucille, slowly.
'Here-on the table" replied Ma
RE. Tit is Susie's ribbon!''
Lucille sank into a chair and avert
ed her face from the rest, and her
eyes sought the floor.
As she sat, those watching her saw
a strange expression creep into her
face, a look of dread, of horror, of
agony beyond description. The col
or left her cheeks, her lips even, and
her eyes seemed fixed in a fascinated
glare.
Mrs. Dalton hurried to her side.
my dear Miss Darracourt! The
excitement has been too much you
you-ah!" she broke off with a fright
sened cry, for following Lucille's eyes
she saw what it was that had robbed
her face of its color.
1t was the silver vase.
my lord, my lord!" she cried, agi-
tatedly, and the marquis, exchanging
a glance with Marie, hurried inside.
ooh, my lord, look!" exclaimed Mrs.
Dalton, and she pointed to the vase.
He stopped and picked it up, and
held it with grave, panied look up
on his face, his eyes watching Lu-
Giles face.
"Oh, Lucille, Lucille!" murmured
Marie Werner, clasping her hands.
What is to be done?"
Lucille sat as if carved in stone, her
eyes fixed on the vase, her lips apart,
her breath coming in short pants.
ut is the Queen Anne vase" said
the marquis, solemnly; Il could
swear to every figure upon it. Miss
Darracourt, II am most deeply
grieved."
What is to be dOne?" repeated Ma
RE. ooh, Lord Merle, this-this is
my FAULT" and she covered her face
with her handkerchief. Tiff l
hadn't told Susie, she would not have
known the secret"
Lucille arose, supporting herself by
the back of the chair.
Are you talking of Harry Herne"
she asked, dully-'of Harry Herne?"
The marquis glanced at her and
then at the vase.
Dear Miss Darracourt, come away,
pray come away" murmured Mrs.
Dalton.
Lucille turned her eyes upon her.
""s~s away? Why? How-how did
sss get here?''
The two conspirators held their
tongues. They were at a critical
point in their little comedy and pre-
ferred to let others take the stage.
Let what might happen now, they
thought their plot could not fail.
Lucille rose trembling.
Where is Harry?" she said, pant
ing, send for him at once. At once.
do you hear? He will explain it all.
want him here at once"
They looked from one to the other;
then the marquis at a glance from
Marie, set down the vase upon the
table
He went towards the door, and WaG
met by two men. They were Hope and
Loveday; Hope was grave and evil
DENLY upset. Loveday, at sight o.
Mrs, Dalton, started and uttered an
exclamation Of amazement.
We'll well?" demanded Lucille, fc
yerishly, where is he?"
Gone, Miss" replied Hope, hang
ing his head.
ct is false!" cried Lucille. False!
You are all deceiving me! Hope, look
at this vase. How did it come here?
You know Harry Herne. You know as
we'll as | that he is innocent Tel
1t was piteous, heartrending, and
every heart was wrung, except:ny
two, and these We're too full Of tr:-
umph for pity to find any room
Hope hung his head.
7 don't Bnu" anything Of it, Miss
he said, meekly, sorrowfully: "but
Master Harry's gone. Loveday.
here"
Lucille turned to him almost fierce
ly.
What do you know?'' she de.
manded. why do you stand gaping
there?-why do you not speak,"
The man opened his mouth like
fish, and pointed at Mrs. Dalton.
4 don't know nothin', Miss: but /
seed that lady at SilverdaIe station
this morning"
Mrs. Da:;on was almost guilty Of q
scream.
You saw me, my good man." sb-
exclaimed.
Yes, l did" he repeated, dogg Il
~. Leastways. if it waren't you
aid how could ii a been i yo4 Lei
standing here? lit was your chose
ma'am. seed you with your be.
net and shawl OF. as plain as could I
be. and + swear to if badn'f /
you geJ into the Londo~ :
train"
Mrs. Dalton turned pale, and .
glanced at Lucille
'AIy bonnet and cIoak-and they