Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1914-08-27

uNhtlOus bH0 hbh6u, as In0 XIII
turned away.
"Oh. yes. miss, it's straight onl
Thank you for taking the note"
Molly took the note back with her
They were at luncheon when she re-
turned
Here is a mysterious missive for
you. Rhoda!" she said. producing the
crumpled envelope. ut does not re.
quire any answer"
Rhoda took the note. She glanced
at the writing and put 1t down by
her plate.
"open 1t, open IT." cried Mrs. Der
Ing briskly. Let us share the mys.
terry, Rhoda. Where did you get 1t
from. Molly?"
"A stranger in the village-a
rather lugubrious stupid damsel,
with a heavy face. She lived with
you in Paris, she said, Rhoda!"
Yes; 1t was servant knew
there!" said Rhoda calmly. She
opened ne note with steady fingers.
1t was short.
Dere Miss Dering,-The French
gentleman is in London. and he Is
going to see you. He does not mean
you any good, and ! rite to warn you.
Your Respectful servant,
SARAH MOUNT.
Rhoda crumpeld the note and put
1t into her pocket.
ut Is only about a Paris friend"
she said carelessly But her hand
trembled as she raised her glass to
her lips, and she could not meet Mrs
Dering's scrutinizing glance.
When Adrian arrived that even
ing, Miss Dering was much worse
Late in the evening she called Rho
da to her.
IL shall not live through anothei
day, Rhoda," she said feebly. Nov
you must do what you promised. Let
me see you and Adrian married; let
1t be in this room tomorrow morn
Ing"
And Rhoia promised.
No time was allowed her for
thought that night. She spent 1t in
When morning came, Miss Dering
was somewhat better. She insisted
on being dressed and wheeled into
her sitting room, which Molly had
adorned with flowers for the mar
riage ceremony. Then Miss Dering
sent Rhoda away.
go and change your dress and go
out into the fresh air." she said,
there is plenty of time yet. You
shall be fetched when the hour
comes" .-
Rhoda obeyed. She went down
the terrace and across the lawn into
the lime walk. 1t was a lovely,
fresh. Spring morning; the lines
were budding. and the sun shone
brightly upon the opening leaves
Rhoda sauntered slowly up and
down the quiet walk. The house
was hidden by great group of
beeches, and the place was very still
and solitary. The further end of
the walk joined the great avenue of
elms leading from the village to the
house. Rhoda had reached this end
Just as a man came up the avenue.
1t was M. LEROY. He saw her in
stantly and advanced, taking off his
hat with very low bow.
This is unexpected good fortune.
mademoiselle," he said. Il was go
ing to see you, and behold. here you
are!"
Rhoda bowed. M. LEROY left the
avenue and turned by her side into
the lime walk. They walked few
yards in silence; then Rhoda stopped.
You say you were coming to see
me. Monsieur LEROY. May know
why You wish to see me?"
"Ah, Mademoiselle Dering," he
said. bowing again. you know why
| long to see you always-because
love you!"
Rhoda's cheeks flushed.
Il beg of you to be silent!" she
said coldly IL have no desire to
quarrel with you, Monsieur LEROY,
but will not hear such words from
you'll"
"Ah, you prefer to hear them from
Monsieur Dering. the heir or the
family estates?" returned the
Frenchman. flashing a look of hate
at Rhoda. But have come to tell
you this cannot be; l have come
from Monte Carlo to tell you sol"
Indeed" said Rhoda, with her
old bitter scornful smile. And by
what right do you interfere with my
life. Monsieur LefIoy?"
"The right of knowledge!" he
hissed out, seizing her arm. "I have
seen letter you wrote to your
father, mademoiselle, he has an un-
fortunate habit of leaving his let
ters about, They do not know, these
English relatives of yours, OF those
happy lays you spent with your hon
orable father; ! will tell them!"
DO as you please" said Rhoda.
releasing her arm and stepping back.
81 have many things to tell them!"
he went on. raising his voice In his
anger at her coolness. Your servant
Sarah Is In my pay. You had better