The Northern Guardian. — 1895-09-23 (Hartlepool, Cleveland, England)

ADMIRAL'S PROTEGEE.  By S. B. FORSE)  Author of "One Among Many," " Josephs,* "Lord Montealm's Mistake," &e.  CHAPTER XlX.—Continned.  "You said this dreadful woman was the principal witness. Had she, then, stood by and seen this deed done?"  " She tried to prevent it, so she said, but was unable. The murder was committed in a lonely place, far from the cli,Thir of huts inhabi ted by the diggers, and tho accused might have escaped, but for her coining forward and this swearing away his life; for though the dead man was found strangled, there would have been no evidence to link the actual murderer with the crime, any more than fifty others. Indeed, public suspicion fell upon another digger, with whom the deceased had had a violent quarrel a few hours previously, and the evidence for the defence tended to leave the impression that this was the actual case, within the kuowledge of the woman, and that she was wilfully committing perjury to get rid of her husband, whom she openly swore to hating." _  And do you mean to say,t;eneral," said Langton with his easy drawl, "that my unfortunate physiognomy reminded you of this extraordinary tamale ?"  "I am exceedingly sorry, and beg your pardoe. but it really did."  "Oh, don't apologise ; it is believed everyone'. double exists somewhere—bnt, dear me, this was twenty years ago." " More, if anything—" "Then I am the woman's double,more properly speaking."  "It is one of those fleeting resemblances which are almost momentary in their effect, and in dile instance can have little significance beyond the Fact, as you say, of singularity, and that no face. I suppose, exists without a counterpart somewhere."  "What became of these people?" asked Vivien languidly. "The man was condemned, but,in view of the cruel part his wife had played, and the provocation he had received, not to death. As be let) the dock he swore the most horrible vengeance on the woman, and vowed he would find her, living or dead,sooner or later, and pay the debt be owed her. His passion made him so livid, altogether so appalling, an object to look at, that all for a moment fell away from him ; presently he reeled forward in a fit, and as his writhing, distorted form was carried past me, it was the last I ever saw of him." "And the woman—" "She disappeared that night, and I know nothing further about her."  "But her name--" " I cannot recall it, I was telling Woodeville se just now." "It is a ghastly story, said Vivien, "and I am glad it happened so long ago, aren't you, Sylvia ? " "Yes—thank you, Cenerl. Now,Mr. Langton, here's the play again." "For which I am truly thankful, for really I feel, I hardly know how, it isn't agreeable to be told one has such a chamber of horrors' face." .•  "I don't think you've anything to trouble about —I call you very nice-looking." . _  " 'Richard is himself again 1' After that I defy General Horton-s impressions. "You are cold,Miss St. Just," said Woodeville, as he was adjusting her cloak on leaving. "Cold 1," said Sylvia, "I think it's been se hot."  "It is purely Mr. Woocieville's imagination, Sylvia, but I do think I have caught cold while we were out this afternoon."  "Then Jet me escort you downstairs at once, and as quickly as possible out of these draughts. You have a carriage waiting below, Woodeville?" "Yes."  Thereupon General Horton offered his arm to Vivien, and with all speed conducted her downstairs.  "I trust I may have the pleasure of renewing our acquaintance, Miss St. Just, and that I may be permitted to congratulate my friend Hareton in person."  "I shall esteem it an honour to know you, General ; Mr. Ilareton is in the Isle of Wight with his mother just now, but he will be home in a few tiays."  "Strange,' he muttered, as the carriage drove off. "I have the association with hey face now— what is the matter with me—and, what was the woman's name ? "