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ALMOST A FATAL STEP,
-OR—
The Heirs of the Mil
lionaire.
Days went by an l ail search for ihe stolen
diamonds of Earle aua ihe imprr-
tant lannly papers of Nani i prove.! unavailing.
Nannie tooi it quietly and prohibited any search
b. ing made in ner name. Htr auspicious had
pointed strongly to Evangeline, Out she was
tempted to be e»e r L«-m unjust when she saw
how palpably Miss E irie van distressed ut her
loss. There was no mistaking the genuineness
of her annoyance. She was rest! as <«ud wretch
ed ; saddenly an idea seemed to occur to her.
She went over to Tanglewu >, *a;l had a stormy
scene with the proprietor. But Theodore for
once was more than her match. She wi.-s fear
fully excited; he was cool aud defiant. H6 paled
a little at last under her threats. But he would
acknowledge nothing and she went away in de
spair. That night, she had a private interview
with Monsieur LEstrange in which she told
him her belief that the diamonds bad been taken
by Theodore E-.ii -. who had told her she had
no right to the-. She entreated her dear Pierre
to assist her.
It is not so muoh the diamonds,’ she averred,
•as the box of papers that I want and must have.
Frighten him and then off- r to compromise with
him if he will give np the papers. Tell him
that they only concern Miss O’Brien who is y our
betrothed wife. I will write a note pledging
myself to give np the diamonds if he will return
the papers to you. It is to his interest to return
them. I meant to explain to him why, hut I
was too angry, and now he dcolares he will not
see me again.’
T will do as you desire, chere,’ replied Mon
sieur L Estrange, ‘but I am mystified to know
why yon take such an interest in Miss Nannie’s
affairs, when it is plain enough you have no love
for her. You are keeping a secret irom me.’
•Oh, it is no secret, Pierre, dearest. It is only
something, it mortifies me to confess to you.
The box was taken from my room, from my bu
reau. I had put it there the night before; I
brought it out of the girl's room, intending to
•xaminethe» ap6rs myself. I know it was wrong,
but I wanted to satisfy myself about her. I be
lieved she was of low origin and that she would
try to make out otherwise. I am ashamed of it,
Pierre, and that is why I am so anxious the bex
should be returned. It was stolen because it
was thought to contain valuables of mine, Theo
dore Earle pretends to think I had no right to
bay. The casket with the diamonds was near
it on ihe dressing case. Go now, dearest Fierro,
and try all yorr arts and year coolness and in
genuity to get the box back for me, the dia
monds too if you can, but s icrifice them if need
«.e.’
‘To hear is to obey,’ Monsieur L'Estrange
said, gallantly putting her hand to his lij s, but
when she had left him, he smiled to hiinselt and
muttered:
‘I think I will look into this a little on my
own account. Mon ami need not think to have
all the game to herself and make me her blind.
She will get checkmated unless she is candid
with me.’
The next day when he came, she eagerly
sought an opportunity to whisper to him:
‘Have you anything for me ?’
He shook Lis head.
‘Nothing ; it is a wrong scent! don't you
thini.?’
Her disoppoia'inoiii was keen, but she con
trolled it, and, as days wore on, her spirits re
bounded and recovered tleir former bright vi
vacity. But a change had coae over L Estrange.
He had been from the first attracted by Nannie’s
sweet, innocent face; now he seemed drawn to
her by some powerful fascination. His eyes
sought her face continually. He paid her a thou
sand delicate little attentions, very soothing to
the girl, who was suffering from unrequited
love, and who fouDd herself more alone and
neglected than she had ever been. For both
Hal and his mother seemed absorbed by the so
ciety of the winning and brilliant Evangeline,
Nannie was left much |to Monsieur L'Estrargr.
Daily his manner grew more earnest and Its*
artificial. Gentle consideration and real tender
ness spoke in every look .md tone. This infns-
ion of trne feeling made his polished manners,
his brilliant intellect and his persuasive grace
almost irresistible. One day, he surprised
Nannie by an impassioned, but respectful decla
ration of his love. Much agitated, she requested
time to think of it. When he was gone, Mrs.
Halstead, finding her in tears, drew from her
what had happened, and calling Hal told him
cf Monsieur LEstrange’s offer. He seemed
taken by surprise, a shadow rested on his face
for more than minute. Then he said tenderlc :
•I believe Perre loves you, my dear little sister,
and from all appearance he is not unworthy of
yon. But I will maue more rigid inquiries about
Lis family aDd char »• It these are all right,
as I have reason to l ve from what Evangeline
has told me, I st- n - reason why we suoulii not
hare a double btwa. here.’
He did not understand the shudder that
passed through Nannie’s frame. He thought
her tears preceeded from the natural agitation
of a young girl under such circumstances,
together with the fear that her lover would not
be approved by her fiiends.
Nannie went to her room and shut herself in.
Hal told what had happened to Evangeline.
They were standing on the piazza and it was
quite dnsk, else the astonishment and rage
that convulsed her features would have been a
revelation to him. It was moments before she
coaid speak, when she did, it was to say coldly
that she was surprised Miss O Brien should so
soon become infatuated with a stranger. It was
true, that Mr. L'Estrange’s family was good,
and he was what men called honorable; but ali
the same he was fickle and wild where women
were concerned. But it was none of her busi
ness, of coarse.
Nannie had asked a day to think over Pieire s
offer of m. rriage. Mrs. Haisiead visited her in
the morning in her room, and had an inteiview
with her which perplexed the good lady no
little. The girl seemed laboring under soma
strange restraint that was wtaring out htr
stnngtb. ‘If I could only tell you—if I only
could !' she said to her adopted mother, leaning
her throbbing head against the motherly bre. at,
while teats crept down her cheeks.
At last, Mr- : . FIai-.te.id c-ime away from Nan
nie's room wiih a grave luce, and Hal left Evan
geline at the piano to exchange a few hasty
v. Oids with her.
‘Yon have just been ‘aiking with Nannie
moifcer: how is she, and what does sho
say ?’
‘Don't ask me, Hal. I am thoroughly con-
f sed and puzzled. Nannie is certainly strug
gling through some fierce trial. I cannot ob
tain a clear exp'anation irom her. I am pos:-
t vp sfce does not love Monsieur L’Esttange, but
that for some, reason—and somehow it do<s not
strike me as being connected with myself—she’s
tryii g .0 force herself to consent to his suit.
I do not think we can Lelp her, but I am con-
vitoed she lus better h< lp than ours. 1 found
her < o her knees, aDd I left h$r with he. Bible
in her bands. It is thoroughly inexplicable,
Yet, 1 am positive there is some mystery, and
tfiis is no far ciful trouble. Dear child ! my
heart n ver yearned over one so tenderly.
Where is monsieur? I cannot rid myself of an
uncomfortable feeling, as though there were
some hidden mine under our feet, and Nannie
was throwing herself as a sacrifice to save its
being sprung for our destruction.’
‘What couid she Lave said to you to give you
such an idea ?’
‘It was not what she said, but her looks ratler.
Have we been unkind to the child lately, Hal?
Have we forgotte i her under the fascination of
others? It’s strange where one gets such im
pressions. I could net shake it off alt the time
I was there.’
‘I understand it,’ said Hal suddenly, ‘I have
fought against it ail day, except—except when
in the presence of Evangeline. You ware right
when you said theie was an antagonism between
the two. When f am with Evangeline l am un-
i,ry with Nanuia And when I am with Nan -ie
f s unehow question the sincerity of my love for
Erauge'ine. •
Hih mother lifted her eyes aud looked at him
keenly 7 . Hu could nor, bear that questioning
gaze, and coloring deeply went btcfc to Evan
geline.
Nannie w-s invisible all that day. It wi.s not
a very genial gronp, not even when Monsieur
Pierre came back from town, and enlivened
their abstraction with his witty sayings.
Monsieur himself was just in the slightest
degree ill at ease. H9 watched the parlor.dcor,
and the stairway from the upper hall with close
attention, and was evidently a little disconcer
ed at Nannie’s continued ab ence, and when fie
took his leave for the night it was with a lugu
brious ixpreshion, so unnatural for his gay.non
ohalent connternance that eveu Mrs. Halstead
was moved to sympathy with hie suspense
Evangeline Earle had not looked at him at all.
nor once addressed him, or in any way ac
knowledged his pve eace among them. Mon
sieur hail given her a careless glance, shrugged
his shoulders and paid no further heed to her
frigid demeanor. He went away that night, a:
i have said, ruefully dejected. But early in th
morning, almost as soon as the family had left
the breath si. ta> Is he appeared^agr.in with as
gay ana bright a face as ever.
Here comes the impatient lover,’ sneered
EvaDgeiiue to Mrs. Halstead, ‘where is the fair
lady ? I have not seen her face since the dec
laration of love.’
•No one hi.s seen her to-day. Her door was
locked, but she took a cap of coffee from Janet,’
said Mrs. Halstead in a troubled voice.
‘Some people iike to appear sentimental.
That is my aunt 8eraphiua‘s style.’
Mon i nr Pierre came into the parlor with one
of hi3 eieg*ut bows, and drawing off an exquis
itely fittiug lavender glove, said with becoming
impressiveness :
•Madam, may I ask the favor of seeing Ma
demoiselle O’B'ien ? Will you be good enough
to send her word I am here ?’
Mrs. Halstead rose and left the room. Hal nerv
ously paced o and fro before the French win
dow, evi dently meditating a retreat into the gar
den. He had given Evangilmea little gesture,
requesting her company, and she responded by
risiDg from lur chair, and opening the glass
door ; but she still stood with one hand on tha
door, barring the way with her person. S add
ing thus sire met monsieurs eye, and gave him
] one glare of desperate rage. He returned a look
calm, authoritative, defiant, beneath which her
haughty face whitened to the very lips.
It was just here that Nannie made her appear
ance. Her coming staitled every one of them.
It seemed like the approach of a marbie statue,
so wan aud colorless, and exhausted was the
sweet young face, so slow and lifeless every
movement.
Hal checked an exclamation of sorrow. Mon
sieur's impertnrable face iook a bank expres
sion of astonishment, and Evangeline Earle
tsari&ia extrffcrngij ana' scofUtuity as sue swept
away through the doorway.
Hal walked thoughtfully down the garden
path, not heeding that his lady-love took & seat
on the balcony fronting the French window and
commanding a view of the dot r through which
Nannie would pass on her departure from the
parlor, as well as possibly allowing her to hrar
the conversation within.
Monsieur Pierre meanwhile advanced eagerly
toward Nannie.
•You are ill, mademioselle. Ah! I grieve to
see it. Would that I might spare you these
trials. Do you not come to tell me yon will
give me the power to protect and console you ?’
‘Monsieur L’Estrange, you see how I have
struggled ; I think you will no longer wish for
such a wife. 1 think yon will not care for an
answer at all.*
‘Nay, nay, you are lovelier, dearer still in
yonr sorrow, yonr earnest purity, your tender
ness of conscience. My tffection was never
more devoted than now,’ he interrupted eagerly.
Nannie sighed heavily.
‘M n -ieur Pierre, I cannot come to a decision
I have a resiled with myself, I have prayed tor
help : nd strength, but I dare not decide yet,
unless you will take a refusal, and let the sub
ject drop.*
No, no. You shall have another day, an
other week, if you like. Yen are like a sensi
tive plant ; you are frightened at responsibility,
you examine so conscientiously into your own
heart, tl at you lose all calmness, all power of
judgment. Yon shall not be startled, my timid
dove, nor rudely torn away, my beautiful lilly.
O, I cannot lose you. I cannot give you np.
Trust yourself with me. I am strong and cour
ageous, let me bear your burdens, let me take
the responsibility off that drooping frame, but do
not say no to me now.’
‘Let it be so, then. Who knows what light
another day may bring. To-morrow then,* re
plied Nannie in a listless, weary tone,and turned
at once toward the door.
Monsieur bit his lip and made a dissenting
gesture, but quickly recalled it.
‘I shall wait in hope, and try to be patient.
Good day, Miss Ncnnie,’ said he as he opened
the door for her.
He had not closed it again when the French
window swung open and Evangeline Earle
swept into the rooms, two crimson spots burn
ing on her otherwise pallid cheeky her eyes
glittering like stars.
‘I give you joy, Pierre L Estrange,* said she.
•You will have so i ffeotionate a biide. What
strong affection ! It is quite affecting. ‘
■You have listened, ‘ said Monsieur Pierre con-
tem ptuousiy.
,Yes, aud I Lave scea. The poor, puling face !
it looks so much like a happy bride’s. If yon
do not know, I do, Pierre L Estrange, her heart
is breaking in tearing itself from that of Hal
Hi 1st, a I.’
‘Well,’ said monsieur coolly, ‘I have an ad
vantage over Mr. Halstead. I start with a fair
knowledge. The lady does not attempt .0 de
ceive me.’
‘And you are determined to marry hei? Will
nothing change you?’ demanded she in a fi.m
tone.
•Nothing; not even Mademoiselle Evangeline
Earle,* replied moneieur coolly.
T know what you intend. Why you seek the
girl.’
‘Well.’
‘Have you no shame, no compunction cf con
science ?•
‘What a question from the lips of mademoi
selle, ihe 3 oung lady who returned my love
vows in Paris with such ft-rvor, and who is te
marry this MoLsiet.r Haleb ad, who she has, not
onie.tmt many times, declared the object of her
utter detestation.’
The girl stamped her foot, and glared at him
like the bi autilul fury she v. as.
A step and voice was heard outside, and she
said hastily and beseechingly :
‘I must see you alone whers there will be bo
restraint. Pierre, by the love you once pro
fessed, if you have forgotten it now, I implore
you to grant me the interview.’
‘Perhaps it is as well. Au explanation must
come sometime. I consent. When and where
shall it be?’
‘To-night There is a rustic bridge over a lit
tle brook in the rear of the garden yonder. It
is safely out of intrusion. I will be there to
night, after nine. You will be sure to oome,
won’t you ?’
•I will be there,’ replied monsieur aud gal
lantly opened the door for her departure, un
heeding the nolsslns* stop gliding away. Mrs.
Halstead came :n from the sitting-room, an 1 re
ceived Monsieur Pierre's excuse for hi* depart
ure.
Hal accompanied monsieur to town, but made
only a brief stay. He returned and came di
rectly to his mother.
‘I have been thinking of NauDir s face all the
time f have been gone, inoihor. It was actually
frightful. That child must not marry Mon
sieur Pierre, if it oosts her such a struggle as
her looks betrayed. I want to see her. 1 must
talk with her. ‘
•I am afraid you will only add to her unhap
piness, dear Hal. I have exhausted my own ef
forts. I am sorely distressed,and entirely mvs-
tiflsd, and yet I cannot help believing that Nan-
ms has genuine cause lor her trouble! ‘
-I will go lo her. I will try to fathom this
strargs secret,‘said he resolutely.
Aucl accordingly he marched straight up te
Nannie's room and knocked.
it was opened immediately, and a flush for a
moment creased the girl’s face when she saw
who her visitor was.
‘I wish to talk with you a moment, Nannie
dear.’
Her lip* moved faintly but gave forth no
sound. She made a deprecating gesture, aud
iliea beat her head in assent, aud ied the way
to her little dressing room. When there, she
Sank back upon the lounge like a helpless crea
ture and waited for him to spe k.
‘Your strr.nge silence for these past days ever
some evident trouble distresses as sorely, my
dear Nannie, and your face to-day betrayed such
a struggle, so much suffering er.dured in these
two past days, that I cannot refrain from app< al-
ing to you to give me your confidence. Nannie,
dear Nannie, tell me why you wish to marry
Monsieur Pierre when you do not love him ?
Why you long to get away from the home which
has always cherished you. Why you cannot
confide in your old friends, whatever this
trouble is which weighs so heavily upon you.
Do you not know we wcir-ld do anything for your
sake?’
‘Ah, for my sake. It is not for my sake I care,’
burst from Nannie’s trembling lips.
‘For whose, then, for Monsieur Pierre’s?’
She si 00k her head impatiently.
‘If you would only confide in me,’ began
flai, reproachfully, and a little impatiently.
‘If I only could !’ •ejaculated Nannie,wistfully.
‘And pray what hinders you?’
Nannie’s blue eyes took a spark o F fire, faded
as they were with teais, while she said impet
uously :
•You will be aBgrv if I tell you, Hal.’
‘On my honor, no. I promise I will not, Nan
nie, whatever it is you would say. What hin
ders your speaking ?
Your love for Evangeline Earle,’ replied Nan
nie locking gravely into hia flushing face.
‘It need aot, ‘ said Hal, after a moment's sober
reflection.
Oh ! cried Nannie, caiehing her breath with
a gasping sound which frightened her compan
ion, ‘if that were only so, my troubles, I think
would br at anjrnd.
ATcok came over his fifjo which drew her at
tention, and she continued with simple dignity :
You mislake me, Hal. I am not thinking 1 f
myself at all, only your happinets and the peril
which threatei a it.‘
Now, indeed, you astonish me, and now I
have a right to demand a full and thorough ex
planation,' sad Hal.
You shall have it,‘answered Nannie, with
sudden resolution, ‘bat not from my lip s. II -
member if it wrecks your love, and therefore
your happiness, it is no fault of mine. I would
have concealed it to the end. Be ready this
evening to follow me cautiously and secretly
from tbs house. No one is to suspect our ab
sence, least of all, Miss Earle.*
‘But Nannie ‘
‘No more explanations until then, Hal. It is
vain to ask it. I trust we shall learn the whole
truth theD. I am certain the end justifies the
means. Yon will be ready to follow wt en I tap
twice on your ohnmber door. *
•But what if I am detained in the parlor ?*
‘You will not be. Miss Earle will save yon
the necessity of inventing an excuse,
retire to her room in good season. *
‘Then I snail be at your service. ‘
She will
CHAPTER X.
Nannie’s prediction was not a vain one. Hal
Halstead listened in a sort of maze when Evan
geline rose from her seat, and, pleading a ht ad-
ache, withdrew from the parlor early in the
evening. It was a very little thing, to be sure,
but the confirmation of her prophecy prepared
him to give fall credence to whatever assertion
she might make in fnture, and filled him with a
vague premonition of impending evil.
He went up to his own room immediately.
Nannie met him on the threshold with a shawl
on her arm and a fleecy scarf wound about her
head. She extinguished his candle and mo
tioned him to follow across the rear hall, down
the servants' staircase, treading herself as light
ly as a fawn.
As they reached the rear door, and the cool
wind blew freshly npon their faces, Nannie took
his hand and whispered :
‘Come, Hal, walk quietly but swiftly. There
is not a moment to lose. We mnst be firtt there.’
She skirted the garden and glided down the
woodland path with so fleet a step, Hal could
hardly follow her. He noted how carefully she
kept in the shade of the hedge. How" fre-
qn. n ly she turned to glance back, and to listen
for any sound, but she made no ebserva'ion.
A numb conviction of the near approt ch of
some momentous reve ation lay heavy on his
hear', and dazed his brain.
An txo'.amadon of relief burst from Nannie
when they gained the rustic bridge which
spanned a narrow brooklet, edged on either side
with a thicket of alder c-lottly overrun with
VilHF.
•Thank Heaven, we ore in serson! I knew
she had not set out, but I was afraid he might
be waiting. Come here, Hai ; make yo\ reel? a
I lace in this tangle where you will be sect re
tiom ol solvation, but near enough to hear plain
ly. They will be likely to sit cn tho bndge. 1
•What wild idea is this, Nannie? Who will
sit on this bridge ?’
‘My lover and your betrothed,’ replied Nan
nie, with a shudder, which Hal could not htlp
repeating, so filled with intense excitement but
desperate caluiness was tha voice.
‘Eavesd-opping? Is that hoae3t?’ asked he,
reproachfully.
•I believe it is your solemn duty to listen, HaL
It is the only possible way to learn the trmh.
Hush, some one i3 coming, hide yourself
quickly. ’
His 1 arnest voice sank into a low whisper, and
he hastily forced her way into the thicket, and
dropped ihe long trailing vines around her.
Hal huniedlj followed her example. All the
whle they both could hear the steady tramp of
a firm step crackling the dry branches lying on
the neglected path. Presently, a low, mellow
whistle came to them. Ha), instinctively reached
out his band and seized Nannies. The dark
ness caused by the close lying branches entirely
concealed her face from him. but the hand wus
icy cold. It was Monsieur Pierre s w! is 1’. No
one else could manage srch clear, tribing notes.
Ha came on indolently and carele-sly, and sat
down on the bridge, so nerr that every rus ie of
his garments reacted their ears.
So the fair ladv is late at tne trysting place,’
he murmured, lightly, stooping to dip his hand
into the gnrgling water, aid splaitiug 1' in aud
out, with a noise which startled a sleepy oir.i
from his perch <n a small maple close msul -
him and sent him slowly whining out of intru
sion. ‘So muon the belter. I shall have lime
to arrange my force*. 1 wonder what aort. ot
tactics she will try this time, toe adn i , arr/ui
creature. Whether it will b* one attack at a
time < r le tout ensembler. Mafois! One needs
to be wary with such a worn* .. But the game
lie in my own hands. Tenez, tenez, Pierre
LEs range.’
Alter this little soliloquy he fell to whistling
again, in the midst ol which, there came a quick,
imperious step and reproachful voioe.
‘Are you mad, Pierre? Your whistling wili
draw attention this way.’
•Whose attention? that of the owls and bats
and the like of such night rovers, fair Evange
line. I trow nothing 1* ss beautiful would haunt
this dismal spot. X bnporte ! I came at your
bidding. What would you have of me ?'
ahe stood up before him, shaking from head
to foot with intense excitement which had been
gathering strength aii day.
•So cold, so indifferent, so careless !' said she,
in a broken voice. 'Mon DieuJ Pierre, how you
have made me staffer.’
‘By my faith, fair lady, I think you are jest
ing with me.’
‘I am in any mood but that of j&st,’ answered
she, sternly. ‘I came here to demand an ixpla-
nat.ion of you; to knew what path you have
mapped out for yourself and me.’
•For you? Why should I decide for your
Hava you not already marked out your own
coinse? Are y >u net to btcome the flattered
and admired wife of this rich young American?
Did you not choose him, even when you admit
ted that you loved me ?’
•I hate him, I loathe him, I detest him,’ cried
the girl, passionately 7 . "Every affectionate look
of his is like a stab. I long io strangle myseit
for every kind word that 1 give him. You know,
Pierre, that I love yon, and you only.’
Monsieur Pieire laughed.
•You have an odd way of showing it, madem
oiselle. I came from Paris with my head and
heart carried away by the image of the brilliant
girl who smiled upon me, responded to my love
vows, 1 nd yet ran away from m D ’ I found you
out. You received me wn- hauteur and yet
with a hidden tenderness. You owned that yon
loved ma, but 0. itli the saim breath yoa say to
me that my hopes are vain, that you must nmrry
for wealth, and once yoa are mistress of a lux
urious Lome. I am free to come to you. I shall
tie your lover, friend, but yon must be the wife
of another. Mafoisl it was hard, yet my pas
sion for you bore it. I took care to hunt up
this iortuna.e gentleman. He cook to me ol
course. When I cbocse to make fiiends, I ul-
ways get them. He is a good fellow; as simple
as a dove, but honest aad true. I ftlt for him
when I saw now you hoodwinked him, and yet
[ had a soct 01 pride in your genius. I loved
you ill.’
He made a pause, and threw a shower of water
from his hand.
•Go on, t ant she, fiercely ; ‘when did it cease?
You loved me then; you do not love ms now,’
r.Jontad.'v-. l.yt-whiJc y.nn wee «])9«eivipg
all the others. But you roused the lion irom
bis lair when you attempted to cheat me like
wise. I am not io be the date of the woman 1
adore, mademoiselle. Who accepts my love,
mnst acknowledge me as master. You tried
your u:'s upon ine, and they fell away. So like
wise did my love.’
Sne itroi.p°d her face into her hands with a
low cry of despair.
‘That robbery was an admirable manoeuvre,
mademoiselle, for those simple people. But did
you think i was not keen enough to see through
it? You know how, wise as your coup de main
might be, mine w; s the coup de maiire. I rode
over to Monsieur Theodore, and as I had carried
your note of commands, he adjudged me the
accredited messenger. The diamonds were
gone; the fellow has more wit than I thought.
He secured a little ready money by your
pretty plot The diamonds were gone; but Miss
Nannie’s treasure was given ever to my keep
ing. So I learned the secret which had puz
zled me. Why you hated the girl, and why she
lost her trinkets so mysteriously.’
‘They taught you something else,’ said she ;
‘to pretend love for that tame, insipid creature.
Do not think that I mistook your motives. I
knew all the time why you were so anxious to
marry her.’
‘Well,’ answered monsieur, coolly, ‘suppos
ing it were so. Taunts from your lips come
wiih an ill grtce. Do you know the proverb
about glass houses, mademoiselle?’
She flung out her hand in a fierce gesture.
•But it is not entirely true. The girl won
upon me. She is so pare and true—so innoceLt.
Blase though a man may be, he does not lose his
iove for such guileless natures. I think • my
newly kindled love for this girl, we have called
Nannie O Brian, is the worthiest sentiment of
my life. I would marry her if there were not
one sou to come to her.’
‘You have said enough !’ almost shrieked h's
companion. Oh, Pierre, Pierre ! and [ have
never loved you so recklessly, so passionately,
so devotedly’ as now, at this moment, when you
are trampling my heart beneath your iron heel.
Mon Dieu! there is no mercy in mankind.’
•How much mercy have you shown in your
nature ?’ cried Monsieur Pierre, dropping in
stantaneously his cool, nonchalant manner, and
speaking in a deep, stern voice. ‘Man of the
world that I am, selfish, frivolons, hollow-
hearted it may be, it makes me shudder to thick
of the vicked, shameful {dot you have carrie t
out, if not originated—cheating an honorable
y ourg man, too chivalrous in his nature to doubt
the fair seeming of your demeanor ; wilfully
persecuting as well as defrauding a sweet young
eteature like this gentle N uinie ; trampling
recklessly on the most sacred feelings of the
man you love. Mon Dieu ! Mademoiselle, Do
you wonder that the mask has dropped. I fancy
that I have been under the spell of a wicked,
however beautiful demon !’
She listened to iLesa rapidly uttered words,
cowed down, groveling iu the wet grass, gasp
ing for breath, and healing her deii ato palms
into the damp earth.
‘Pierre, Pierre, have tm rcy ! I cannot bear it.
Give me back your love, and let us go away and
leave them. I will forego everything, if you
will give me back your love.’
Her ai ject despair moved his pity.
‘ifse, »ise, mademoiselle. It is too late n©w.
It was you who goaded me to sp-.nSt thus plainly.
There is but one thing to le done, to make the
b.st of the press nt circumstances.’
She arose to her feet, shook herself free from
the passionate giief which had gained the mo
mentary sway, and asked in a cold voice :
•You do not mean to expose the secret yon
hold, then? You intend th.t I shall marry this
man. I think I see your plan. Since it is im
possible for you to obtain ihe whole fortune for
y onrself, you are willing that I should share tlm
half.’
•Precisely, you need have no fi ars. I wish
the young fellow safely from my pa - h. It is for
ray interest that he should tnarryyou, and leave
the way free for me to teach h^r how to love me.
No claims shall be urged, no secrets divulged
until yon are safely married.’
‘I sipacse I must thank you for so much
grace.’ said see, presently, choking down a sob,
‘and yet—’ her voice failing she couid get no
farther
‘Aid yet—what?' asked Monsieur Pierre, ir a
carrtieRs. curious iodp.
She ron-ed heisdf, and answore), io a wild,
vindiotiv.i voice, which made even this cool-
bruin d, nonchalant Frenchman shrink.
‘An l vet 1 am iempt°d rather to pinagea dag
ger into v ur (lea f. [ hate yon so, and I love
von s», P.erre L’Estruiiio. Bsware, how you
go ‘ * me too far 1’
•You wili be calm-r to-morrow. This thor
ough explanation w t ! be a relief to ns both. I
have saved vo.i from Mr. Tueodore E trie’s per
secution. HedoP' not k; ov what I have learned,
for he did not tuucn he ^aptrs. But I got out
of him when the plot began to pass yoa off for
his lost niece, and also his intention to wring
from you, after your marriage, a settled annuity.
I stopped all that by threatsuiug to prosecute
him for his deception. You will ba comfortable
and happy by-and-by, mademoiselle. Your
beauty and tact willsecnre for you the homage
yonr nature craves. You will learn to endure,
if not adore your husband, and we shali be on
the best of terms, mon am.’
‘I will try to think so. But you must never
ask me to endure this girl. To my dying day I
shall hate—hats—hate her !’
Tha words were hissed vindictively through
the grating teeth, as she suddenly rushed awav.
Monsieur shuddered. And so did the two
hidden lisleners, cowering there beneath the
grape vines.
‘You are of an 11 dian mother, one can read
that. Her hot, fiery blood outruns the thin
ner currant of the French father. But I shall
take care to guard my dove from your angry
beak,’muttered Alonsieur Pierre, as he slowly
followed her fierce flight.
The last echo of their footsteps had died away
wren Hal Halstead lifted Nannie from her un
comfortable position, and emerged into tha pale
light of the twinkling stars.
He could see that her face was wet with a
flood of tears.
‘Hal, dearllal, do yon forgive me now? Do
you wonder that I have suffered under all this
knowledge? that I could not bring myself to
love her, as you wished, nor to undeceive yoa
in your fatal illusion?'
‘My poor Nannie, my blessed Nannie !' ejacu
lated Hai. F om what a fatal snare you have
saved me. I understand it all now. It wan the
spell of her fatal beauty ; the uncanny magnet
ism of a subtle mind wuich fascinated and be
wildered me. I was conscious all tho while of
an unhealthy excitement in her presence ; a
morbid nervousness during her absence. So
■Jiff rent from the pure and ennobling 1 ffectiou
I have felt for you, my Nannie. Ah, what a
light breaks upon me ! I know why MoLsieur
Pierre’s proposal of marriage disconcerted me
so. But I cannot tell y ou now ali tl at has
rushed upon me listening to this infamous dis
closure. I blush for my own blindness. I mast
prove myself worthier of you before 1 dare to ask
yon for to love me ; to give me in return for my
devoted aff< clion this precious hand. I am free
now. This beautiful imposter has no olaim
npon me. She is not Evauge ina Earle—per-
na; s there is no Evangeline at all. No matter
if there is. My mind is seitled now. If thero
is no other way, let tha fortune ^o, I can en
deavor to fa.tiil Mr. Allen’s wishes without it.
I know the truth new. I love you, Nannie. It
is you and no other that I must n airy, if you
.will forgive, me and 'turn my cffoctiaa ?’
N incie clung to his arm trembling, aud weep
ing silent ! y.
•You cannot be in earnest, Hal,’ she faltered,
at last. ‘You do not mean that you would fore-
« > that n-bie fortune. Yonr long protracted
expacla .0 JS gthe great good, tae noble chari-
ue.s you have pli nned, all for the sake of a poor,
friendless girl like Nannie O'Brien ?’
•If you will only take my foolish, stumbling
heart in yonr keeping, Nannie, beloved one,
yon shall soon have proof of my sincerity.’
•But Hal, this Evangeline Earle, the true
Evangeline may yet be found. You may meet
her and then ’
•I will introduce her to my precious Nannie,
as a worthy t xcuse for the non-fulfillment of the
programme. But really, darling, I think
Evangeline Earle is a myth, as the pseudo one
ha - proved a horrible nightmare delusion.'
‘You are mistaken. Hal,’ said Nannie, slowly
but impressively ; ‘Evangeline Earle is not a
myth. She is a living reality.’
‘Are you certain, Nannie?*
‘There is not a single doubt of it. ‘
‘I am sorry, very sorry. But it will not alter
things. I have come to see that there are some
things more binding npon man's honor than
any will of an other. She can claim the half of
the fortune. She may have the whole if she
pleases, but Nannie, I cannot forego your love,
your help, your comforting presence. I cannot
marry Evangeline Earle.’
Nannie was still weeping her tears of joy and
thanksgiving, but she ventured now softly :
‘Hal, dear Hal, I think you will change your
mind. You will marry Ler, I am certt in.’
•Nannie, foolish Nannie, do not mention the
name again. ‘
‘That I mti9t, Hal. It is you who are foolish,
and still blind and still stupid. Oh, Hal, Hal,
the true Evangeline Earl—do you not see, do
yoa not gut 99 ?—it is wonderful to know. You
have already fulfilled the will of Mr. Allen. You
have promised to marry her. Oh, it is beauti
ful, 1 am so happv! 1
Hal seized her two hands, and bending down,
peered into her face, trying to read its expres
sion in the starlight.
His broad chtst heaved, his eyes ran over
with heartfelt tears.
•You do not mean—you cannot mean—’ he be
gun-
•I do. Oh, Hal, there is no doubt, I have all
the proofs. They were only copies that woman
stole from me. I laid them in her way to prove
her guilt, her knowledge of my true name and
rights. My father's good name is righted, too,
now that I am able to assume it. Oh, I wonder
if my angel mother locks down on my happi
ness.’
She was folded closely in Hal’s arms in one
great burst of solemn thanksgiving.
‘My Evangeline, my precious Evangeline,
heaven make me worthy of you!’
Thero was a long and agitated, but joyfnl
consultation in Mrs. Halstead's boudoir, until
iate into the nighL T u.t lady’s astonishment
at the marvellous stoiy related to htr, was oniv
equaled by htr delight.
It had been equally true, in her case, that
while their brilliant guest had obtained a pecu
liar iLfluence over her, there had been beneath
it an uneasy dread aud a conviction of decep
tion. it was a great relief, through ail the in
dignation. to kuow that things were to go back
to their old peaceful aud q :L :ly happy course.
N .nnie to be hap-y, ana H .1 to be* happy,and
no Evangeline but the dear iittie girl whose pet
name had been so long accepted for her true
one. What more couid she is ?’
(concluded next week, )
Mary Anderson has a moon-struck lover. J.
S. Heacock, of Buffalo, who was a sludent at
Princetou some months ago; he follows her all
around the country, puis up at the hotels where
1 i3 inamorata stops aud often annoys her so
much that she is compiled to take her meals in
her room.
!t>