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Show THE yg Bertha’s father started back; the nurse entered the room, and the two stood face to face, looking at each other as if it was the first time they had ever met. “What's the matter, Jane?’ said Bertha’s father, “I never saw you have such a countenance.” “Then yours,” replied the nurse,“ the very picture of death. If it be os that the dead return to life, it is very clear that you have just come from the grave—clear as the light of day.” Bertha’s father slowly raised brows, heaved a deep sigh, and himself as if sorely oppressed burdens of life, again his eyeseating with the as tainly enter chimney.” me of my life. They will marry, and Bertha will be united forever to the mur- “The matter is,” replied the nurse, that Satan himself has got into this house.” “Tt is possible,” added he, “and if you shouldeven say it is scarcely an hour since he left this very room, you will the nurse. “Satan in this very room!” “Yes, nurse Jane, Satan in person.” “And you have seen him?” “T have seen him.” exclaimed “QO horrible visitation!” Jane, crossing herself. “No,” said Bertha’s father, “he is not horrible. He has assumed the appearance of a handsome young man who has every indication of being a formidable harum-scarum.” entered “And how has the fellow here?” | “By the dbar. Jane, by the door.” waitWithout knocking! “Without offered and excuses a thousand me treated me with so much familiarity that before I thought to give him a chair, he as if he took one and seated himself were in his own house.” Jane listened without a tremor and fain would have believed that Bertha’s father was jesting had not the terror depicted in his face attested the seriousness of his words. good gentleman Could he really Furthermore, the was not a man to jest. have gone mad? A man of such good sense go mad! The nurse mentally crossed herself, scarcely knowing what to think of what she had just heard. “Well,” she enquired, “for he looking? whom was What did he want?” “He came at once to the was looking for me, and point. came to He make a proposal.” “A proposal!” exclaimed Jane. “Yes, it amounts to that, a proposal. ness; her eyes shone with intense splendor, and her countenance betokened the firmness of an unchangeable resolution. found the door open. “As you hear. He came very frankly to ask me for her hand.” “And you have protested. against any such thing. The poor devil must gone away feeling his abject have littleness.”’ She Smiling at her father and then The nurse and the father remained immovable and mute. They were in consternation. seen, has suchimself ‘into Bertha’s home in the manner we have hitherto described, and not only has he of ‘But murmuring alone did not suffice them, they also conspired together to devise means of overthrowing the unlawful rule that was so galling to their feel- ings. In the eyes of the housekeeper he was an usurper, and in the Bertha’s father he was atyrant. eyes of To drive him from the house is the single thought of the conspirators. But how? that is plan of Bertha’s father, for it is the plan And what shall I do now? He is young, that terrify me—for what is-going to become of her? No, no,I can never that best suits his peaceable character. To flee far away—very far—-to the ends of the earth. But the housekeeper replied to this: con- ‘Flee! What absurd nonsense! Whither form myself to theidea of her marrying. can we go that he may notfollow? Where can we hide ourselves that he may not find us? No! one must not think of such I said yes to him, and now that he is not before me I would say no a thousand times over, because, you know, his presence fastens one’s hamds and ties one’s tongue.” “What a man!’ exclaimed the nurse in ar azement. Bertha’s father was a kind-hearted person and had a very good opinion of people in gener |, and for that reason he most natHe would and embrace him, that the while_trembling gentleman from all head to foot under the pressure of his arms. If it were the housekeeper he encountered, he would put his hand affectionately upon her shoulder, happy phrase greet her with or a mischievous ment, that aroused strange | a compli- emotions in her breast. Indeed, she felt as if her blood were all at once repleted with the sap of youth. There was no way of escapivg the charm of his words, the influence of his voice, the witchery of his presence; and Jane observed that whenever she looked at Bertha, sparkled that and young flashed lady’s eyes with a great and glorious splendor. And she has observed even more than this. She has observed that this demon of a man had lately become thoughtful. One moment he would sit with chin resting in his hand and a frown upon his tuc> as if he beheld before him some aw- ful vision; the next he would begin to smile ~nd talk with animation, as if he had ust awakened from a dream. And Bertha’s father, in his turn, has observed that everything he knows himself, everything he has heard, this man explains it all, divines and comprehendsit all, as if possessed of the universal secret; and his. wonder grows filled with and grows unqualified till he admiration is and amazement. Sometimes, seated near Bertha, he would amuse himself in winding the silken threads with which she embroidered, or in cutting out fantastic figures from stray pieces of paper that came to hishand. On suchoccasions he appeared Berwith like a child. Again, he would speak of the world and of men, of far off countries and remote epochs, with so much sgeriousness and good sense that he seemed like an oldman who, filled with all sorts of experiences, had finally retired from the world. “With neither forces nor arms,’” replied the nurse. “Wall up the door some day with brick and mortar—then But, oh, when ne was seated before the piano, one was obliged to yield himself entirely to the caprice of his will. The keys under his fingers would pro- folly. What we should do is to take firm stand and defend ourselves.” “Defend ourselves!’ exclaimed tha’s father, ‘with what forces, what arms?”’ the piano a deep and muffled peal, which resounded now nearer, now more distant, in notes that thrilled and strains that terrified; it appeared that all the spirits of the unseen world were speaking in unknown language through the tremulous keys. [TO BE CONTINUED.| Foiled by Fate; Richard Arden’s Fortune. BY pty hy: *y = corridor: was ‘The most remarkable thing! The ever occurred in Septimus, absently his dear unfortunate relative?” Arriving CHAPTER. IV.. at the asylum, “What? Septimus ordered the driver to wait, and going to the huge, iron gates saw an iron knob with the word “bell” painted above it. He gave the knob two or three jerks which was followed by the loud jangling of a bell, andin a moment a man appeared on the other side of the bars: é, “T wish to see the doctor on business,” what seemed tobea partof the large gate, threw it open and said: “Come in.” Septimus followed and shortly stood in the presence of the worthy little doctor himself. “Be seated, Mr. Smirk,” he said, ing and bowing. “And now,” he took a ehair and the floor, “what Smirk?” ‘““Well—er—the mus blowing his smil- said again as Septimus deposited his hat on can Ido for you Mr. fact is,”’Bea ee Septinose violently to gain time, “I came to see you on—er—rather delicate business.” “Oh,” said the doctor, rubbing his “Yes—delicate business—very delicate business, I may say.” _ “So much the better, my dear sir,” said the doctor, rubbing his hands more briskly. “So much the better for you and me”’he added joyfully poking Septimus in the ribs with so heart cheerful, with that emotion hands, as Septimus his fat forefinger, and winking. ‘“Yes—yes indeed,” replied Septimus with a miserable attempt toimitate the I took his leave. “I hope to become better acquainted before we are done with each other.” ‘So do I, doctor,” replied Septimus fervently, “I assure you.” He found his carriage waiting for him, and getting in was soon, on his way back to the city, all the way muttering: “Gone! Gone!” CHAPTER XV. GRACE TAKES A RIDE WITH THE DOCTOR. Grace Stoddart had kept a brave heart through the weary months of. her confinement in the mad ‘house. She had | received the best treatment at the hands of the doctor and her keeper at first; but as time went on, one privilege after another was denied her, until at last she was moved in to a common story, and privilege the denied cell even on the the poor was only of taking a few hours exercise yard each day. She allowed to walk for an hour every afternoon in the corridor which led to her cell, The cell and corridor which eupied cell hands softly; “delicate business, is it?”’ Oh, yes—-er--I beg pardon. will have to consult my client as to that. I will of course let you know the result” “Good day, Mr. Smirk,” said the doctor, bowing and smiling and rubbing his second was and a fac corridor Grace oc- simile of every other on Each that floor. cell was entered by a corridor, and each corridor was locked with a heavy barred door which was plated with sheet; iron. The corridors all ended in a circular room at the head of the stairway leading to the first floor. The brave girl’s spirit was not broken, and as all hope of help from the eaiteiele died, she fell to studying and watching jovial doctor's smile. “And now,” said the doctor, dure? ve had our little joke, what is the nature of for a chance to escape. One day she was sitting iron cot in her cell when the Clinch, came in the corridor hour, and unlocking her cell “An hour to walk.” this delicate business?” “Well—er—you see doctor, I fc a Clinch,” said Grace. client.” “Yes—yes,” “Aha, my beauty!” said the keeper, “so you’re gettin’ the sulks at last are you? client. assented the doctor, “a What then?” “T don’t Well, you care can to walk walk or on the little keeper, Mrs. at the usual said: today, not Mrs. as suits you “And this client has a young relative. And this relative, though young and beautiful is er—possessed with an idea best,” and leaving t* e cell door open, she that my client wishes to defraud herout of her fortune.” “Ah!” exclaimed the doctor looking serious. “In fact, my dear doctor, she is insane For a long time Grace sat there thinking. Then she mechanically went out into the corridor and began pacing up and down. Presently she heard the footsteps of Mrs. Clinch. Oh, if she only had the on this one subject.” “Sad—sad in one so young,” said doctor, shaking his fully. “Yes. And fare of his bald the head. sorrow- so, doctor, having the wel- dear relative so much a heart, he has decided to put her under the care of some professional man, in an institution—er—like this, for instance, until she is cured.” “Bxcellent,”’ p axel; tsy remarked the doctor. dear sir, upon my honor.” “And having heard something of you through a former client of mine—er— Mr. George Grimshaw, I came to you as a matter of course.” “As amatter of course, yes;” assented the doctor, “as a matter of course.” now—-a the the hunting in all directions and cannot fail to find her if she is above ground. And when will your client wish me to receive in turn filling and locked, butshe “Yes,” replied the doctor, “but we shall soon have her back. My men are come in through the door, he would cer- still securely “Gone!” repeated 2 “By the way, doctor,” remarked Septimus, as if the thought had just struck “Man! A man would not be so cruel with me. To take Bertha from me is to deprive me of my only joy; it is to rob duce strains so lively, ~ all my experience here!” the soul would fill with joy; then suddenly the style would change, and the piano would moan like a sobbing voice, Satan Septimus, Gatiollitc first time such a thing let he will—even “Gone!” echoed himself with a mighty effort. “Yes, sir, gone,” repeated the doctor; “escaped last night without leaving the slightest clue behind her to tell how she gone. turns away from a door that is sealed.”’ “That would be extremely foolish, Jane,” said the father; “if he did not if The doctor’s countenance fell and he even forgot torub his hands fora moment. “T did have,” he answered, HeStang, “but—but she’s gone.” were now shook his head despairingly, and re- knock Stoddart—have you not?” the doors of her cell peated in turn: him mentioned her name—er—Grace—Grace did it. She was there last night when the keeper locked up, and this morning [Written for the Western Weekly.] beyond To flee to hinder him. If he chanced to meet Bertha’s father he would rush forward In his wishes. He it was who commanded; he sounds a|_ enter the house and bound up the stairs several steps at a time; there were none they were compelled to welcome him with happy faces and smiling lips. This was the case when they were under the influence of his immediate presence, but no sooner did he depart than both father and nurse would pounce upon and pick him to pieces in the most unceremonious manner. They would often meet in private and avenge them- there was sufficient reason for fault with him, for since he had the house by assault there was done save in conformance with did not go of expulsion: He carried himself in the ural and simple manner. could not tell by what irresistible magic And finding carried nothing de- water at profound depths. nor the housekeeper dared to discountenance his visits, and for their lives they what with the father and what with the nurse this poor Satan would appear to possess the most diabolical of characters. with sionate, and his eyes were steady and piercing, with a shade of sadness in them, and their blue was like that of his con- selves by literally flaying him alive. man, indeed, He was lively of speech, ardent and pas- tinual presence. Neither Bertha’s father these secret communings they gave vent to the dislike that inspired them, and These But who is this man who rules them so mightily with his presence, charms said Septimus. them at will and whohas made hlmself “Name?” said the man. lord over Bertha’s heart? His name is “Here is my card,’ said Septimus, Adrian Baker, and though not ef noble ‘handing one through the bars. family he at least possesses great wealth. “Be back ina jiffy,’ said the man as Further than this no more was known of: he took the card and started for the him. .He was a tall young man, active house.” and supple, and handsome as an Apollo. He soon came Wack: and, unlocking lady as if she had always been his. And that was not the last time he came. There he passed anumber of mornings, attractiveness tears. picking up his hat and rising. impression. introduced himself, but he has alsotaken such complete possession of that young joicing at the and the eyes with were weird and unearthly, because when least expected he would roll forth from This appeared to or to defend themselves. To flee was useless and to defend themselves was impossible. Both discussed these two points daily without gaining the least light. Must they resign themselves to live under the infernal yoke of that man? Both were in a situation difficult to depict, and they lived in constant trepidation and susceptible to the least same ease as she had entered it. snatched handsome and rich, possesses a fine, melodious voice, but he says some things the still thoughtful, then, a The conspiracy these two means at the so easily. Idid not know how to resist, IT was not able to defend myself, and he the very word from my mouth. by moniacal powers who could enter house when the door was closed. nurse, she went out of the room with the Satan, then, as we have ceeded in introducing remained for it must be “T know it all. It may be the happiness of my whole life,it may be my eternal misery; but this man is the keeper of my heart. 4he problem that confronts them. Two methods totally opposed to each other occur to them: To flee or to assert themselves in defense. To flee is the “Alas, Jane, I could not say no to him or the nurse impossible. She looked first at her father, then at the nurse, and in a tremulous voice said: What do you think he wanted?” alone it was who gave orders. And be, “What?” | cause all this was pleasing to Bertha, “He wished—”’ there was nothing left but to bow one’s He stopped as if making a great ef- head in submisssiveness and keep silent, fort, and crossing his hands, _ exclaimed: “He wished to marry Bertha!” “Bertha!” repeated Jane, crossing herself anew. window mysterious matter were directed to Bertha, who innocently replied that he entered without knocking, because he ing for anyone to open the door! Bertha’s “Satan is here,” replied father. “He gets in anywhere or any- many afternoons, and every'evening; inhow. I did not expect him: I was deed, there seemed to be no earthly way reading this book that was open on the of avoiding his constant visits; for table, and while turning a leaf felt a Bertha was always ready to receive him, breath of air upon my cheek; looking and besides, one could not easily become up I saw him standing before me. I was angered at him because the charm of his I wished to rise, but he mirthfulness was irrisistible, and one dumbfounded. had his hand on my shoulder and com- was compelled to be resigned while re- pelled me to remain seated, allthe while laughing—yes, laughing in my face. He by the WEEKLY. Jane bit her lips thoughtfully, for derer of her father.” — At these words the housekeeper whatshe could not quite succeed in excrossed her arms and there followed a plaining to. herself was how he sucmoment of sad silence. Suddenly she ceeded in entering the house the first said: time, when the door was always locked. “Ah! Bertha will say no.” It was necessary to knock in order to A bitter smile appeared on the lips of have.the door opened, and it was never the unhappy father and the nurse opened save under the inspection of the added: housekeeper; she was wont to know who ‘No? Presently we shall see.”. came in and who went out, and for She was about to go in search of these very reasons it was all very curious. Bertha, but at that moment the curtain The question was how he had been able was drawn aside and Bertha appeared to enter without being seen or heard. © in the room. Her first investigations concerning this The red pink flashed from agairst her deep black ringlets like fire in the dark- . “What’s the matter?” not be far from right.” “Heavens! exclaimed WESTERN him, “I believe you ward of Mr. have a patient here Grimshaw’s. He walked out and locked corridor behind her. strength to seize she entered! But have held her own a tussle. the door the and overpower her Mrs. of as could Clinch a man in with many She heard the bolts slide. back, and like an inspiration the thought came to her, and in an instant she had formed a wild, almost impossible to the yard at least. plan to escape As the heavy door swung back, Grace sprang behind it. Mrs. Clinch, seeing she was not in the corridor, walked steadily on to her cell. In an instant Grace slipped from hind the door and sprang outside. Here she paused, listening to hear beif anyone was in the hall below. She heard the cell door clang to, and Mrs. Clinch said: “And so you wouldn’t walk, eh, my I’m thinkin’ you’ll be mighty beauty? glad of the chance afore you git. it agin.” - |