The French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1896-1912, 1910-08-25

as she deemed 1T and had. moreover
exacted his word Of honor that he
would trust her until the arrival OF
her brother Even had he been salts
fed with the truth Of his conjecturea
regarding Kirby's identity this prom
ise to Adele would have pledged
/ Aaron to secrecy, and III. Veaudry, be-
ing subsequently, acquainted with the
/ compact, likewise agreed that it could
not be violated
For the young creole this passive
role was extremely dimcult; and IT.
was eloquent proof Of his self com
mand and personal integrity, coupled
/ with those refined instincts bestowed
by gentle birth and breeding, that he
considered Aaron's promise equally
binding upon himself and, depressing
all promptings OF jealousy, refrained
from denouneing Kirby as an impos-
tor. The successful suit of an honora-
bic rival would have been difficult
enough to recognize. but this encroach-
ment Of stranger who at the best
was masquerader If not character
more sinister and disreputable was in
tolerable. for NJ. Veaudry had gath
cred from Mr.. Randall's manner that
he suspected their guest Of being
guilty Of something more criminal
than assuming a name to which he
had no right.
/ Thus, even while the young creole
and Aaron prayed that Tom RandaIFs
arrival would be Listened and cofnct-
dent with it free vent could be given
to their suspicious, Larkin Bunce ear
nestly hoped to the contrary-hoped
that Kirby would suddenly realize his
danger. growing the more deadly and
certain as every minute passed. and
would ride for the river before the
coming OF Nemesis. 8ft a9s4a 8
But evidently nothing was more n
mote from that reckless yeung gentle
mans intention, for. unmindful of hIn
partners increasing, uneasiness and
that both were the object of watchful,
hostile eyes, he continued to act as If
time and opportunity had been created
solely for Adele and himself Dinner
finally at an end. he and bis young
hostess, entirely absorbed in each 9TH
er's society, sought the drawing room
balcony, while the others, with the ex-
ception Of Bunce, INDUCED in game
Of piquet, NJ. Veaudry proving q
wretched partner, his entire attention
being occupied with the couple on thaI
balcony.
M. Veaudry. owing to his preoccu-
patton, proving such a thankless part
ner, Nine. DaYezac at last turned tol
Bunce and suggested that he and K1r-
by join the game In lieu OF the young
creole and the judge
9Th, truly, Anatole," she added, with |
some asperity, tapping the others arm
with her fan, you cannot keep your
mind on the game, and so we are nm
able to play. VIII you surrender your
place to Colonel MoreauY"
'Tt seems to me that / have already
done that he responded gloomily.
With as good grace as possible yield
ing to the dictates OF courtesy, Kirby
unwillingly terminated his tete-a-tete
with Adele, and as he approached the
card table his place was promptly pre-
empted by the young Creole, who fol-
lowed Miss Randall to the balcony. It
was the first time he had been alone
with Adele, and his long repressed
emotion and bitterness found vent.
"Ah. mamzelle, it is true he said
reproachfuIly. "You are changed-so
quickly. Yes. you will say wanted to
see you happier. but / also had wished
to be the one to make you so. Adele"
he added earnestly, striving to take
her hand, eff this difference In you
comes only from the gratitude you
feel toto Colonel Moreau because he
tried to protect your father shall be
happy. But how have this man be-
witched you that
SCI don't understand. you, Anato1e.S
she said quietly, drawing away.
"'Tis l that do not understand you,
Adele / think you know from the
first he is not Colonel Moreau. I have
some very strange suspicion Of him."
Instantly the woman in her was up
in arms. seeking to defend, eager to
do battle for the object it sought to
shield. "It is enough that know ne
is a man who has had a great wrong
done him. That's one way Of making
a woman believe that you love her
when she's trying to help some one in
mdAS IL udH0SI 4OE CAc1-OS Z
jealous" she finished. with a bitter
laugh.
81 am Jealous do not deny that.
But am, first Of all things. a man OF
honor" he said quietly enough. al
though white with anger. His voice
trembled with emotion as he added,
with simple dignity: "Do you think
man Of honor have suspicion Of a rival
only because he is jealous? Do you
think would suspect him only for
thatT'
'T cast discuss It with you,' she re-
turned eoIdly. Leaning on the balco-
ny railing, she promptly became alb
sorbed in the wonders OF the night.
Recognizing the sign Of dismissal,
he yet hesitated, miserably conscious
that ho had offo06n6 hFIf still foaIf0o1s