Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-05-25

girl that I'm going to marry, I'd turn
about aRd chase right after her"
Ten minutes more took the object OF his
eulogy to Jamaica, and the short run
through the lighted streets there helped
to build up her waning courage against
the long journey still before her.
She swept on at high spjeed. She was
a most expert driver and soon she had al
most recovered her normal spirits and
was enjoying her wild night-ride. She
would vet be home before daybreak, and
so relieve some part of Fanchette's anx-
ieties.
Hour after hour licked away without
other occurrence, and for all her haste,
gray dawn was breaking across the bay
before she turned off the high road on to
a rougher one, slowed down to cross an
uncertain bridge spanning shallow salt
water creek, and wheeled into an almost
untrodden track through thick belt of
wood which concealed a small dwelling
beside the sea.
At the warning honk of her horn
door was flung wide from within. an ell
DERBY woman ran forth with uplifted
hands, tragic eyes.
ut is you!" cried she in tremulous
French, as her young mistress stepped
down from the car.
IT'S l. Fanchette," said the girl. And
1hankIul TO see you AGAIN, anu 81 NlACN
that l can scarcely see."
You were not over-anXious, were
you?' she asked coaxingly, and put an
arm round the other as she saw that her
eyes were wet Now, don't cry, there's
a dear I'm safe, and I'll tell you all that
happened. l had hard enough work 10
get home even at this unearthly hour
Fanchette unlocked the barn door and
they backed the motor in. Then they went
into the house.
The girl went YEARLY through to
tiny sitting room and threw herself down
on a couch by the window, while her maid
hastily completed the. preparations for a
late supper or early breakfast which had
been in readiness for some time.
Come, dear heart, and eat" said
Fanchette coaXingly. She herself had
been almost distraught with anxiety the
long night through. but was fain to for
get her fatigue in fond sohcitude.
somewhat homely and harsh-featured
serving woman, this Fanchette, but very
faithful!
The girl listlessly sat down in rae place
prepared for her.
cit was Jules Chevrel who detained
me.'T she said, under an irresistible i'm
pulse to unburden herself of her heavy
trouble, and Fanchette's face paled as
she crossed herself as though TO ward
off some evil at sound of that name.
Jules Chevrel!" she repeated, in a
hoarse whisper.
'.Jules Chevrel," said the girl He
caught sight of me and 1 of him as 1
came out Of a store. There was no chance
of escape" ~
but where is he nowY' asked Fan
Ghetto eagerly. -- .s..- 1871.
The girl did not answer at once. She
was calling to mind all she had I'M
dergone.
Monsieur is in New York." she re-
turned presently, and Fanchette gave
vent to a groan.
Jules said he had been sent in search
of me, and-and that 1 must so to mon
sieur with him. Otherwise-he threaten
ed to call the police. And II was afraid
to risk a scandal 1 let him seat him
self in the car, and drove him where
he would.
HE limited at hush money. He would
take 10000 francs'-Fanchette held up
her hands in mute, stricken protest
land swear that he had not seen me.
told him that had only 5000 in my pos
session, and, in the end, he agreed to
accept that sum- We went back to the
bank and he stayed outside while 1 clos
ed my account. And he took it all
from me as the price of silence. But
didn't grudge il, Fanchette,"
Fanchette nodded, speechless.
1T was late then, and begged him
to let me go at once. since he could
wiring nothing more from me, but he
made me accompany him into cafes,
common places where every one stared
at us, and afterwards he insisted on my
drawing up at a restaurant, where he
ordered dinner.
II had no option but to obey him, lest
he should create disturbance. At din
ner he drank champagne and became
more ugly. He had a dispute with the
waiter; he shamed me bitterly in that
place, and when that was over would