The Elbert County tribune., 1916-04-21
CHAPTER v.
tience.
New FRIENDS and Old Enemies,

New Friends and Old Enemies.
Qn which I learn that my relatives are
not so black as painted them.)
Here was l, alone In Paris, under
the surveillance, as was positive,
both OF Leopold Magniff. Jr.. and his
rascally sycophant Zeuxis, with three
weeks to wait before the opening of
the safe in which my precious bonds
lay hidden. And in three weeks my
enemies could work incredible harm.
Magnifr had threatened me with ruin
unless / accepted his advances. But
how could he fulfil his threat? Only
in one way. clearly; by utilizing the
key which he had stolen from my
purse to open my safe and to abstract
the bonds. Would he dare? Had the
safe already been rified? But even so
/ should at least be no worse off than
when ! had arrived in Paris. AS the
days wore away. and the memory of
the man grew fainter l came to de-
spise and disregard his powers for
mischief.
1t did seem unnecessary that /
should have to wait three weeks while
Magniff. Sr.. was fashionins new key
for my safe. But / inferred that he
was in reality utilizing this period to
make inquiries in Canada concerning
me: consequently / became more tran
quill in mind. / sent my friend Estelle
Christie the ten pounds which she
had lent me and settled down to live
frugally at the Pension Anglaise with
my remaining $3.50. At the worst /
should have enough with which to re-
turn to Winnipeg.
A little more than a week of my pro-
bationary period had elapsed, when
one morning our landlady announced
that two gentlemen were awaiting me
in the reception room. Instantly l
thought of Magniff and the Greek.
Tell them that will not see them"
l answered
The landlady appeared shocked.
But, Mees Ives, they are of the
quality. assuredly." she protested AN
old gentleman and young one. And
the latter-what build. what figure! |
thought to have the pleasure to con-
gratulate mademoiselle," she continued
teasingly.
The comte and the chevalier! It
could not be! And yet, whom else
did / know? But, II 1t were they.
ho>" could they have discovered my
abode?
They sent up no cards?" / asked
my hostess.
mo. mademoisclle. But see, only
see them and Gel tainly you will not
refuse them an Interview. Yer i'm
portant business, those were their
words"
Tell them l will be down In few
moments" / ansu cred, and began to
arrange my hair for the interview. In
the midst of brushing It halted an
grily. My heart was pounding in my
throat in the mort discomflting way.
Why. | asked myself. sternly why did
| go to this trouble about my person
al appearance for the sake of such
mortal enemies? And why was ! SO
agitated? / could not solve the prob
lem, and twisting 1p my hair hastily,
/ descended the stairs, trying to re-
gain control over my nerves.
II was as had surmised The
comte and the che Waller were waiting
for me in the reception room, both
faultlessly attired In morning clothes.
They rose. each with low bow, upon
my entrance. Both looked extremsly
grave, and neither evinced the slight
est sign OF having previously seen me.
| motioned each to . chair. but they
remained standing.
Now. though had determined to
greet them with the barest courtesy.
this turning Of the tables upon myself
affected me almost 10 tears OF rage.