Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-03-30
CHAPTER K.

element that still made him doubt the
evidence Of his senses, NJ. lie Vicomte
de Chagny called TO inquire at Nam
ma Vslerius'. He came upon a charm
ing picture. Christine herself was
seated blythe bedside OF the old lady,
who was sitting up against the pill
lows, knitting. The pink and white
had returned 10 the young girls
cheeks. The dark rings round her
eyes had disappeared Raoul no longer
recognized the tragic face OF the day
before. If the veil OF melancholy over
those adorable features had not still
appeared 10 the young man as the
last trace of the weird drama in whose
tolls that mysterious child was strug-
Cling. he could have believed that
Christine was not its heroine at all.
She rose, without showing any emo
ton, and offered him her hand. But
RaouTs stupefaction was 80 great that
he stood there dumfounded, without
gesture. without a word.
Well, M de Chagny." exclaimed
Mamma Valerius, don't you know our
Christine? Her good genius has sent
her back to u.s."
Mammal" the girl broke in prompt
ly, while a deep blush mantled to her
eyes. Il thought, mamma, that there
was to be no .lore question of that!
You know there is no such thing as
q the Angel OF Music!"
But, child, he gave you lessons for
three months!"
Mamma, have promised to ex-
plain everything TO you one OF these
days; and hope to do so but
you have promised me, until that day,
70 be silent and o ask me no more
questions whatever"
Provided that you promised never
20 leave me again, But have you
promised that, Christine?"
Mamma, all this cannot interest M
de Chagny."
"On the contrary, mademoiseIle.'
said the young man, in a voice which
he tried 20 make firm and brave, but
which still trembled, anything that
concerns you interests me TO an ex
tent which perhaps you will one day
understand. / do not deny that my
surprise equals my pleasure at finding
you with your adopted mother and
that, after what happened between us
yesterday. after what you said anc
what / was able to guess, hardly ex
pected to see you here SO soon.
should be the first to delight at you
return, II you were not so bent OF
preserving a secrecy that may be fata
to you and / have been you
friend too long not to be alarmed
with Nine. Valerius, at a disastroul
adventure which will remain danger
Gus so long as We have not unravelet
It's threads and OF which you will cer
tainly end by being the victim, Chris
tine"
At these words, Mamma Valeriu
tossed about In her bed
What does this mean?" she cried
is Christine in Danger"
Yes, madame" said Raoul coul
ageously, notwithstanding the sign
which Christine made to him.
My Cod" exclaimed the good, sin
Z pie old woman, gasping for breatl
You must tell me everything. Chri
tine! Why did you try TO reassur
me? And what danger ia 1t, NJ.
Chagnyg"
IAN impOstor is abusing her GOO
faith"
rs the Angel of Music an impo
tori"
"She told you herself that there
no Angel of Music"
"But then what 3 It, In heaven
name? You will be the death OF me-
There is a terrible mystery arour
US, madame. around you. arour
Christine, a mystery much more to I
feared than any number OF ghosts I
genii!"
Mamma Valerius turned q terrific
face to Christine, who had aIreaC
run to her adopted mother and Wi
holding her in her arms.
Don't believe him. mummy. dor
believe him." she repeated.
Then tell me that you will new
leave me again." implored the wido'
Christine was silent and RAoul I
sumed
That is what you must promis
Christine. II is the only thing tn
can reassure your mother and me. v
question about the past, II you prof
Use us TO remain under our protectiC
IN future"
THAT is an undertaking which
have not asked OF you and . promi
which refuse TO make youi" said q
young girl haughtily. Il am mistre
~. OF my own actions, NJ. de Chagny; "
rave no right to control them. and
will beg you to desist henceforth- !
TO what ! have done during the Ia
fortnight. there Is only one man
the world who has the right TO q
mand an account Of me: my HI
bandi Well. 1 have no husband a
i never mean TO marryi"
She threw out her hands to e
phasiEe her words and Raoul turn
pale. not only because Of the wor
which he had heard. but because
had caught sight Of plain gold RI
a Christine,s tinger.