The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-10-30

sHi ., cApTebStu once more DOUBT and
misgiving. With her glance lifted up
ward. however, Nanette did not seem
to notice this quick change. A star
faint forerunner Of multitude OF
waiting orbs-peepng timorously
down from above the gray. gaunt mass
OF stone, alone absorbed the girls
gaze and attention.
Where were you thinking of go
fng?" after q silence Of some length
the older woman asked.
~ don't recall that Monsieur Beppo
mentioned" was the low.murmured re-
sponse. But. of course. aunt, II you
object"
81 DO not know that I do" said the
other slowly. only" as II the thought
had suddenly come to her. what were
you writing at her ladyship's desk
when I went to call your"
"Writing?" Nanette regarded her
blankly. II don't understand you,
aunt"
Weren't you writing something
that you hid In your dress when
camel"
moi" The girl looked full at the
other: denied point-blank the accusa.
ton. Now that you speak of 1t, I be-
lieve I did step to the desk" she an.
swered glibly. TO look at some orna.
ment; but as for writing. or daring to,
! should not have presumed"
A low discreet rap at the door inter
rupted. and. with q whispered There
hs ID now!" Nanette cut short further
argument BY rising.
"She 10 not telling the truth" For
some time the woman stood looking
down In gloomy thought after the two
had gone. What does 1t mean?"
Moving to . peg. she took down a
shawl. What can 1t 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
platitudes. and even turned a not un-
willing ear to sundry hints and In
nuendos Of q tenderer nature. The
girl was In her most complaisant
mood. and. In his role Of discreet ga.-
liant to young and blooming woman
hood. the fat factotum strove to make
the most Of the opportunity. lie
sighed; bethought him Of 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 deBultory seekers Of cookies, or
belated stragglers from the shore, and
fastened itself on q jutting point OF
the Mount.
Near 1t. before large rock of Pc
culiar shape. q man was engaged in
that common nocturnal labor of the To-
cality, digging! AS the couple drew
near. quickly he raised his gaze; al.
most Mt once let 1t fall; engrossed in
his work. continued to toss the sand
and stood over II 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 fel-
low made sign. and. apparently ar
doubt as to who ho was vanished from
Nanette's mind; for from the fingers
OF the free hand she held behind her,
something fiuttered 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
80! That was I'll" Breathless. in
dignant. Marie. standing In the black
shade OF one Of the Mounts projec-
lions. watched tho fellow read and re-
gard carefully the message In his
hand: then tearing II. crumple the bits
and thrust them toward his pocket
as he walked on. "Brasen huzxyl But
her ladyship shall know; and II she
doesn't pack you OF. bag and baggage
-Ehf What is thatf" And springing
forward, the woman pounced upon
something that lay on the sand.