Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-09-10
CHAPTER vi.

aims that cast their shadows into the
old burying- ground and against whose
time-honored trunks, from morn I'LL
dewy eve, the old apple women sit ike
a fungus growth of the tree. CAD IL
all the purple and fine linen allowaoie
by law was Mr.. Varneck- he was
fresh. too, from his breakfast iol
though 1t was high-noon, this curieo
darling of fortune was somewhat in
dolent in his habits and luxurious IN
his tastes. With his blue eyes ano
fair hair and his superb figure, on
whose heavy outlines the careless
grace and well-bred nonchalance SO
natural to him sat like charm, one
would not find in a days journey a
handsomer specimen of Christian man
hood and music than Mr.. Varneck.
s suddenly a small, veiled figure
darted past him, and vanished In the
crowds Of people pouring up and down
the great thoroughfare.
"Joye, It is she!" muttered Varneck
ON fire from head to foot in a moment
"of course, going home from the II
o'clock rehearsal. BY my faith, an op-
portunity not to be lost"
He flung away his cigar and rushed
after the small, lissome shape like one
possessed. BY the old Park Street
church he came up with her.
Miss Rale!" he pronounced.
She heard him and turned quickly.
She cast one startled glance at him
through her veil, and without word
sprang forward to cross the street.
AT the same moment a pair Of horses
attached to an empty carriage, drlV-
erless, wild-eyed, the reins trailing
loose under their feet, came tearing
down the hill like a whirlwind. Either
she did not see the danger In her
haste or she was too late to escape II.
AS her foot touched the crossing the
frightened brutes, without curb or
master, dashed upon her.
MY God!" cried varneck, and flung
himself with all his might on the heads
of the horses, dragging her with one
hand back from under the trampling
hoofs.
Checked so suddenly in their head
long race, they reared and plunged
madly. but he held them in an iron
grip, and directly score OF arms
were stretched forth TO help him from
the crowd. 9 Pale, breathless. stood
yarneck, and on his breast lay Pau
lette like one dead.
rs she hurt?' asked several voices.
"She has tainted, I think" he an
no help-I will take her home at
once"
A hack rolled up, and Varneck
placed his insensible burden inside,
gave one sharp order to the driver
and leaped after. OF went the We
hicle up Beacon Hill and disappeared.
At the quiet West End House 1t
stopped Varneck, raising Paulette in
his arms-for she had as yet given no
sign Of sciousness-sprang out, as
cended the steps and rang the bell. A
little pause, then the door was eau
tiously opened and Megrim, the beard
ed, old dragon in the high Normandy
cap, scowled darkly out at him.
Mon Dieu!" she screamed at sight
of the limp, lifeless burden he carried
"She has met with an accident" said
Varneck, pushing straight over the
threshold; whether serious or not, let
us discover as soon as possible. Lead
the way, and be lively. Don't you see
that she Is senseless"
The old Frenchwoman, quite over
come, flung open the nearest door, and
Varneck entered and deposited on a
sofa, Paulette.
A sunny little room. He took in at
a glance its deep window full Of birds
and flowers, the landscapes on the
wall, the harmonious tints of carpet
and furniture; then his eyes wandered
swiftly to the little mistress of 1t all,
lying like crushed day-lily among the
crimson sofa pillows and overflowing
them with the splendor of her yellow
hair.
go, now, monsieur" said Mesrim,
pointing Varneck to the door with
long, imperative, skinny finger.
Excuse me-" answered Varneck, po-
litely; ut is quite impossible, till
know that she Is uninjured."
60! Mademoiselle Is recovering!
cried Megrim. And 10! a pulse began
to play under the white temple, a streak
Of red flashed into the colorless cheek.
Paulette opened her black eyes-a
perpetual surprise in that blonde face
and looked around.
.Sacre!" exclaimed Megrim, stamp
ing and shaking the high white cap
"Win not you go, monsieur? Directly
sayI"
Thank heaven, she is not hurt!
cried Varneck in rapture. Keep quiet
woman. No, will not go! Pauette!
Paulette! Speak! Do you know me?'
He fell on one knee beside the sofa
and lifted her hand to his lips.
Monsieur, if you do not CO." said
Megrim. II will call the police!"
Hush, shrew!"
Paulette looked up at him in great
bewilderment.
"You!" she gasped, "here?"
Il snatched you from under the fee
of the horses" he answered, somewhat
reproachfully. And 1 have taken the
liberty to bring you home. Could
do less? Are you sure-quite sure you
are not harmed?"
She heaved a great breath. The
memory of her escape went over her
in a shudder
No, no! Thanks. 1 remember all
You are very kind, and l am very
grateful. May l ask you now to leave
me?"
The dragon opened the door sug-
gestively; but like a braZen image
stood Varneck. His face had lost its
usual easy sang froid. 1t now looked
flushed and desperate.
Pardon" he pleaded, zone moment!
You owe me a hearing-do you not?
Paulette. cruel, beautiful child. what
7 hat oh 70