Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1914-08-27
tall figure Of Adrian perinE.


The I'renchman recovered his
calmness in n moment; he took of
his hat.
'Mademoiselle will kindly intro
duce me-" he said blandly: IT am an
old friend Of hers"
ANY friend OF my future wife's is
welcomed Dering," returned Adrian.
"Rhoda, is this friend OF yours?"
Then have the honor OF ad-
dressing Monsieur Adrian Dering.
mademoiselle7 The Frenchman
turned to Rhoda. who stood apart,
an Icy calmness on her face. Direct
me what to say"
do not speak, Rhoda." Adrian
broke in. "Sir. I heard you address
ing this lady in language I cannot
allow. wish to hear nothing from
you!"
He crossed to Rhola and took her
hand.
Go back to the house. Rhoda." he
said quickly, "and leave US alone"
you had better hear me-" said
the Frenchman slowly. "1f Made
molselle Rhoda is your fiancee. you
should know In what manner she
spent the last two years. You think
she spent them in the convent. 1t Ia
untrue; she spent them with her
father in his gambling saloon"
Adrian did not release Rhoda's
hand. Not muscle of his face
moved; he turned pale, but that was
the only sign that the Frenchman's
words were a surprise to him.
IL am in Miss Dering's confidence"
he said calmly; "she has told me all
l wish to know about her life. ST.
| lence, sir!" he went on as the
Frenchman was about to speak. Not
word more!"
NJ. LEROY took of his hat with q
smile.
IF you are satisfied, monsieur"
he said, who need say word7"
Adrian let go Rhoda's hand and
made step toward him.
M. LEROY turned airily away.
II have the honor to bid you both
Good morning" he said. and dis
appeared in the avenue.
Adrian walked back to where
Rhoda stood.
Tell me what that man meant"
he said sternly.
He told you plainly. / did not
spend the last two years of my life
in the convent: spent them with my
| father; | shared my fathers life"
She raised her eyes slowly to the
stern face OF the man before her.
He looked down at her silently. All
the hope and the happiness had died
out of his face; he looked ten years
| older.
81 deceived you of set purpose"
Rhoda went on slowly. MY father
knew that they would never receive
me here If they were told the truth"
Tell me all the truth" Adrian
said hoarsely. What was that man
to your"
ITO me. nothing. He was my
fathers confederate; he paid my
servant to support him in false ac-
cusations against me. The servant
Is faithful to me. though he does not
know it; but that will not prevent
people from believing him"
THE falsehoods of a man like
that are nothing" returned Adrian.
But what has he to say that IL
true? Tell me exactly!"
II left the convent two years ago."
Rhoda answered; II went to my
father. He was kind to me, and
was very happy. Then learned
what his life was. and did not
leave him. That Is all have to tell
YOU"
Adrian did not answer; he stood
looking at her silently. Rhoda
could not meet that look. AS they
stood there beside each other, each
waiting for calmness to speak. Molly
came tripping into the lime walk.
Come. dear people!" she cried.
"The rector has come. and we are all
ready"
Adrian advanced a step towards
her.
go back to the house, dear
child" he said; 1--WE will be there IN
moment"
Molly ran away, and Adrian
turned back to Rhoda.
"Come!" he said sternly.
Rhoda looked at him.
II cannot!" she said.
"You must!" he returned firmly.
Nothing shall be altered now. You
have deceived us; but 1t is now too
late to go back. Come. they are
waiting!"
II cannot!" cried Rhoda. shrink
ing back from him. BE angry-be
harsh to me! Do not look at me like
that-do not speak to me like that!"
You must bear the consequences
of your own actions" he answered.
with no softening in his glance.
"You have had the courage to play q
part for months: you must have
courage to go through with the mat
ter. Your aunt's dying moments
shall not be tortured by the knowl-
edge of our curse yet. will not al
low you to draw back now"
| "I cannot ha vour wifalD aha aaih