Middletown transcript., 1912-09-28

stopped off a few days ago, to see
you, on my way to Paris"
"If you had let me know, it is I who
would have gone somewhere, near by,
to have seen you'll" was the troubled
reply. "His Excellency-what would
he say if he knew? Pierre Laroche,
who has been called friend Of priva-
teersmen, perhaps even Of the Black
Seigneur, himself! I should have gone
to his Excellency at once and asked If
he objected, only you begged me not,
and"
Were you SO anxious to be rid Of
me?" quickly.
"I shouldn't speak as do now. per-
haps, only"
"Only?"
Your conduct since you have been
here"
What do you mean?" The others
tone had sudden defiant ring.
1T is not seemly for a girl Of your
age and condition to be out alone so
late, nights!"
'T just went down into the town to
get something" was the careless re-
sponse, "and the sands looked so at.
tractive-"
That's no excuse! And now" the
old nurses voice showed a trace Of
embarrassment, we've had our visit,
and you had better carry out your
plan of going to Paris"
"You want me to leave hers-at
once?" The girl drew her breath
sharply.
Perhaps it would be as well.''
"You treat me as i'll were a spyl"
angrily.
81 don't wish to do that" returned
the woman in a constrained tone.
But now, after so many years Of
service with her ladyship! And her
nfother, the former lady of the Mount!
If 1 should incur the Governors dis
pleasure" the words died away. eff
1 can be of any help to you, If you
need assistance-money-"
Money!" Nanette's derisiv9 laugh
rang out; was suddenly hushed by the
tinkling Of bell!
"Her ladyship!"
For few moments the Governors
daughter, now standing in the center
OF her apartment, heard no sound
from the other room; then a timid
footstep approaching the door was
followed by an indecisive rap.
Your ladyship rang?" inquired Ma
rie, turning half-guilty glance on her
mistress.
"Yes! Did hear voices, as I came
in?"
did your Ladyship? 1 mean l was
going to speak to your Ladyship. It's
my niece!" suddenly. "On her way
to Paris!"
Your niece!" The Governors
daughter looked at the other. "And
you-are pleased?"
your Ladyship-" The woman
flushed.
"Of course, though, you must be!
She is out there? Show her in!"
quickly.
But"
"At once!"
Very well, my Lady!" Marie's man
ner, however, was depressed as, STEP
ping to the threshold, reluctantly she
beckoned.
Erect, with mien almost antagonis-
tic, Nanette entered and stood before
the Lady Elise. The latter did not
at once speak; for a few moments the
observant brown eyes passed in quick
scrutiny over her visitor; noting the
aggressive brows; the broad, strong
face; the self-assertive pose Of the
well-developed figure. A woman to do
to dare!-What?
You wished to see met" Nanette
first spoke. Marie lifted an expostu-
latory hand. What bad manners, thus
to dare! But my lady did not seem
to notice. 'You are from one Of the
islands?" she began.
"Yes."
"Say, my Lady'!" broke in the old
nurse. Il trust your Ladyship will
pardon"
Never mind, Marie!" with a quick
gesture. Your aunt tells me you are
on your way to Paris?"
''Yes-my Lady," with the slightest
hesitation before the last two words.
ITO seek situation as lady's maid!"
when are you leaving?"
Tomorrow morning, your Lady
ship!" interposed Marie quickly.
$50 soon?" My lady continued to
address the girl. "You have had ex-
perience?"
mo, my LADY,"
'Then how can you secure what you
wish?'
"How? At least, can try!"
''To be sure! You can try" NY
lady's eyes fell; she seemed to be
thinking. "StiIl. it may be difficult;
Paris is far away. And If you should
fall" her fingers tapped nervously on
the chair, eve are very busy at the
Mount Just now" she added suddenly,
directing her glance full upon the
other, "and there may be something
here"
Here! Your LAdyship will keep
me herei"
Marie made a movement as IL to-