Middletown transcript., 1912-10-05
4IWAkT=RS

meal was a little prolonged; the first
shafts of twilight had entered the
courtyard and had begun to steal into
the narrow chamber with darkening
effect, ere Of an accord the two wom-
en- pushed back their chairs.
''It gets dark early" said the girl,
cor time has passed quicker than
thought. Perhaps it was what you
were telling me Of the former lady Of
the Mount. She must have been very
beautiful"
"She was," answered the woman;
''and as good as beautiful"
"Heigh-ho!"- Nanette sighed;
through the window watched the shad-
ows that like dark, trailing figures
seemed creeping up the ancient wall
to caress and linger on green leaves Of
vines, bright flowers and other living
things. "But I suppose she had every
thing she wanted" The girl stirred
restlessly. 'What sort of man is
Monsieur Beppo, aunt?"
"Beppo?" Recalled as from long
train Of recollections, the woman did
not seem to notice the abruptness OF
the inquiry. "Oh, he is an old and
faithful servant. For almost as many
years as l have been here" with an
accent Of pride, "has he served at the
Mount"
"And his moral character, aunt?"
demurely.
Monsieur Beppo has a reputation
for piety, no doubt deserved!" re-
turned the woman, with an accent Of
surprise. cat any rate, he seldom
misses a mass. But why do you ask?"
Because met him today and he in
Vited me to walk with him this eve
ming"
'He did?" Marie's mouth grew firm
er. "And you?"
81 didn't exactly know how to re-
fuse! he-looked so old and respect
able! 1 thought, too, you wouldn't
mind and-Pm glad you think so well
Of him, aunt"
In the gathering gloom the listeners
face seemed suddenly to grow graver;
her eyes, which had returned to the
girls, expressed once more doubt and
misgiving. With her glance lifted up
ward, however, Nanette did not seem
to notice this quick change. A star
waiting orbs-peeping timorously
down from above the gray, gaunt mass
of stone, alone absorbed the girls
gaze and attention.
Where were you thinking Of &C.
ing?" after a silence Of some length
the older woman asked.
81 don't recall that Monsieur Beppo
mentioned" was the low-murmured re-
sponse. But, of course, aunt, if you
object"
81 do not know that do," said the
other slowly. "Only," as if the thought
had suddenly come to her, what were
you writing at her Iadyship's desk
when went to call you?"
'Writing?" Nanette regarded her
blankly. 81 don't understand you,
aunt"
Weren't you writing something
that you hid in your dress when
Gamer"
mol" The girl looked full at the
other; denied point-blank the accusa-
tion. Nov that you speak of it, be-
ieye I did step to the desk" she an
swered glibly, ito look at some orna-
ment; but as for writing, or daring to,
1 should not have presumed"
A low discreet rap at the door inter
rupted, and, with whispered There
he is nowH Nanette cut short further
argument by rising.
"She is not telling the truth" For
some time the woman stood looking
down in gloomy thought after the two
had gone. What does it mean?"
Moving to peg, she took down a
shawl. What can it mean?" she
asked herself again, and, wrapping the
garment about her head and shoul-
ders, left the room.
Half an hour later, at Beppo's side,
on the beach, Nanette measured her
steps to his; listened to the old mans
nlatitndes. and even turned not un.
willing ear to sundry hints and in
nuendos Of tenderer nature. The
girl was in her most complaisAnt
mood, and, in his role of discreet gal
liant to young and blooming woman
hood, the fat factotum strove to make
the most of the opportunity. He
sighed; bethought him of a sentiment
al tale, and carped Of the beauty Of
the moon, then gliding the edge Of
the Mounts high towers! She an
swered; looked; but soon her eloquent
glance sWerved to the sands, dotted
by desultory seekers Of cookies, or
belated stragglers from the shore, and
fastened itself on a jutting point Of
the Mount.
Near it, before a large rock Of Pc
culiar shape, a man was engaged in
that common nocturnal labor of the 10
cality, digging! As the couple drew
near, quickly he raised his gaze; al
most at once let 1t fall; engrossed in
his work, continued to toss the sand
and stood over it searchingly. But
when they had gone by, once more he
Strengthened, and, at the same time,
the girl looked back. Stalwart, black
bearded, a sailor by his dress, the fell
low made sign, and, apparently an
doubt as to who he was vanished from
Nanette's mind; for from the fingers
Of the free hand she held behind her,
something futtered to the beach.
Leaning to his implement, the man
regarded the paper, but not until the
girls low laugh was heard, as she and
Master Beppo vanished in the dark
ness, did he step forward and secure
It.
$50! That was itl" Breathless. in,
dignant, Marie, standing in the black
shade Of one Of the Mounts projec-
tions, watched the fellow read and re.
gard carefully the message in his
hand; then tearing it, crumple the bits
and thrust them toward his pocket
as he walked of. "Brazen huzzyl But
her ladyship shall know; and if she
doesn't pack you OF, bag and baggage
Eth? What is that?" And springing
forward, the woman pounced upon
something that lay on the sand.
CHAPTER XVIII,
The Haeifs4ion - A.. Aa..t