THE WIFE'S SECRET.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 214, 7 September 1895, Page 9

THE WIFE'S SECRET.

I!Y:MES,M.

Anthor of «A Woman's Love, , 'Her Fatal fiW 'The Tragedy of Redmonnt/ 'For • 7 Woman'e Sake, , • A Heartleee Woman, , 'Who Will Savo HerZ' •A Desperate Woman,' Etc., Etc

CHAPTER XXX,

' Mademoiselle Lemaitre, I am entirely it a loss in what manner to acknowledge your great services,' said the dignified mother of Elise and Eugene Valletorb, addressing the young orphan with kindness, some day or two after her arrival at the seminary at Bruges. Giselle had changed her name, at the wise suggestion of the preceptress, from one to which she had no claim, and which might, perhaps, bring her into unpleasant situations. And yet she did not like to assume one utterly dietinct from that which she had bo long borne and loved.

'lam quite repaid by the recovery of Mademoiselle de Valletort, madam. I trust you will believe that I neither expected nor wished any other recompense.'

' Why, my dear demoiselle, you are speaking now almost unkindly to us, as well as to yourself!' resumed the Marchesa. • You risked your lifo as well ac sacrificed your health, and all for the sake of a comparative stranger. Could you feel easy under such a load of benefits, without some attempt ab their requital ? I feel that 1 should not be happy to have Elise at a distance from me after this wretched alarm. And yet she is of so peculiar a temperament that I dread her being placed under the care and companionship of anyone she does nob like. Would you be willing to give up your position here, and come with us to our Italian home, where I am forced to reside at present ? Till all affairs are settled, we shall probably take up our abode in this country. .

Giselle was startled, perhaps more so than pleased, by the proposal.

Ib was not altogether attractive to her to leave her familiar friend, who was acquainted with the whole of her story, her trials and her claims. Ib was scarcely an inviting prospecb to go to the solemn and stately dame before her, who would look upon her simply as a governness to her child, and nob as a companion.

Bub, then, ib was even a safer refuge— more entirely divided from the dangerous memories of the past.

'I feel the value of your confidence, madam,' she said at last. ' And if I do not decide to accept your offer, believe me, I •hall be equally grateful.'

Ti'he Marches* frowned involuntarily.

Ib was a new thing for her to find a Tjung and obscure creature like Giselle wavering in the acceptance of what she considered go flattering and gracious a proposal.

■' Well, of course ib is not for me to urge the matter farther, but as I propose leaving Bruges in a week from this time, perhaps ib will not ba unreasonable ro ask for your reply in the course of tomorrow, if possible V

'Ob, yes,' returned Giselle, with one of her bright emilee, and hastening to her own apartment for some quite consideration ere ehe Bought Mademoiselle de Fauche, when a voice called to her ' Gi3elle ! come to me, tell me that you will do what mamma wishes. Ib will make me 80 happy ! I will fcive you no trouble—none that I "can help, , and the sufferer threw her arms caressingly arortrid her young nurse'e neck.

Giselle's heart melted under the pleading caresses of fche little invalid.

* I must think a little, my child, , she eaid, suddenly rousing from her abstraction, and talk with Mademoiselle de Fauche. You shall hear what I am determined upon if you will be patienb and quiei;.' Meanwhile Giselle hastily soughb the «bbing-room of the superior,, to lay before her the proposal she had received.

*Dear mademoiselle, 1 will nob leave you »f you have the slightesb objection—experience fche leasb inconvenience from my L'oing;' she said, when she had related ihe conversation that , had just taken place. 1 You. have saved me from a deep trouble and ehama by the refuge you have given me. Do nob send me from you, unless you really believe it is right. It may be that I am rather a curse than a comfort to you niter all. .

' No—a thousand times no, in the sense in which you mean, dear child !' was the kindly response. • You are more useful and valuable to me than I could have believed possible from your inexperience and youth ; and yet, in one sense, you may be right, Giselle. There arja contingencies in life for which we should be in some measure prepared, though we cannot in the least foresee them ; and I cannot tell what may happen bo me. Now, if you accepb Madum de Valletorb's offer, ib at once secures to you another inbroducbion to the world. You have bo make your living.'

* I can see ib all. I feel I should be happiest with you ; but thab may still be my pleasant lot at some future time. Tell Madame de Valetort all the truth about my ability and experience. .

' You are a very pearl among girls !' exclaimed the impulsive Frenchwoman. ' I scarcely know another at your age who would ab once be ao modest and so brave and sensible. Fear nob, my child ; you shall one day remember that Henrietta de Fauchowaa not afraid to predict a high and happy destiny even for the nameless orphan. .

Perhap3 Giselle scarcely believed in the prophecy: but ab least her heart warmed it the words of affection and praise from me she knew to be true and good.

CHAPTER XXXI. ' Yalerte, what say you to a drive this lovely day?' said Aubrey Gifford, throwing down his newspapers. It was some four months after their marriage, and still the couple were lingering in the sunny south, either for pleasure, or from a vague reluctance bo return more immediately within the influence of their seniors. 'Really, Aubrey, I do not very much care. I wish some one would come. One gets so weary of always doing the same thing, and seeing the same people. , 'My dearest Valeric, you forget we have taken this villa bill March, ab a higher rent than I dare confess to the Duke or your father, and I really cannot manage bo lose a month or two in thab fashion. Some day. perhaps, when your fortune comes and I am in possession of bhe strawberry leaves, then we will have our own way.'

' And I am sure I wish something will eooii happen to give us more money,' sighed the little matron bride.

The opening of the door, and the entrance of Valerie's maid, interrupted bhedangerous dialogue.

' If you please, sir, Ancoine bade me tell you a gentleman wishes to see you in the saloon,'

'I should nob go, unless he ia more reppectful. You might be a lawyer, or doctor or some such dreadful personage, to be treated po !' eaid Valeric, scornfully.

'My love, what can it signify? Ib may as well be an ambassador or minister of etate, on secret; business. I shall certainly solve the mystery at once.'

Ho closed the door on the pouting Valeric, who decidedly objected more to the die* regard of her wishes than the loss of her buebaiid'e company.'

' Ah, really, it ia very stupid here. What am I to wear at the Due d'Alma'e ball tonight, Therese V

' Really, ma'am, I can scarcely say. You have a lovely rose-coloured eatin, you know, and I saw a black lace polonaise that would make it quite new and killing.' ' Where was it ? Was it very expensive V asked Mrs Gifford, eagerly. ' It was in the Via Santa, and in one of the moeb fashionable shops, so I expect it would be costly, ma'am. And antique lace is always valuable at any time.'

• But they will want the money, Therese ; and I have not much in my dressing-case.' 'Leave that to me. If you'll give me leave, I'll have that lace here in an hour or two. .

Valerie's conscience pricked her unpleasantly. She knew perfectly that her ample wardrobe ought to suffice for all her wants. But Lord Coleraine had paid her most flattering attention — there was no doubt of it. He had pretty well deserted the Italian beauty to whom he had been devoted, for the sake of the young English bride.

At length the door opened of the saloon beneath. She could catch tlio sound of VOICOB.

Now her own door opened and Aubrey appeared.

' Valeric, , he said, * you were wishing but now for some excitement. There is at least a chance of your tasting it. Lord Delorme is here and desires to have a word with you in reference to matters in which it was impossible 1 could satisfy his queries. He is evidently desperately in love with your sister, and yet retains his senses enough to take seneiblo action in the affair, without going hand over head in its investigation.'

'My eister does not exist, you will remember, in the firsb place, Aubrey, , returned Valeric, coldly. ' However, if you wieh it, and will remain during the interview, I do nob refuse to see Lord Delorme.'

In a few minutes they arrived—her husband and the lover of the girl she had just rejected as a sister.

' Pardon ray forcing mysolf in your presence, Mrs Gifford,' said the Earl, after the first greetings had been exchanged ; ' but I had no other resource left to me of ascertaining what is of vital moment to me to knoir. Mrs Gifford, where 13 your—l mean, where ia Giselle Lβ Merchant T

'I really can only guess—l oughb nob to say that I know —where Giselle now is. She took a fancy to go to an old governess of ours, ab Bruges, She keeps a school there, Giselle is a teacher. Of course poor Mdle. de Fauche could nob afford bo support her without her doing something.' * Good gracious! she, so refined and graceful, and delicately reared, to bo a drudge like bbab ! Giselle !—dear, noble Giselle !—bhou ehalt be delivered, if ib bo possible, from such a fabe ! Mrs Gifford, I thank you thus far ; the rest 1 will trace out for myself. .

' Pray do nob say thab 1 have had anyto do in the matter!' exclaimed Valeric, in terror.

'Pardon me. The honour and dignity of high-born women should be, at the leasb, as delicate as our own,' said Lovd Delorme. And grasping Aubrey's hands, and wibh a bow to the sullenly piqued Valeric, the Earl left the room.

The evening? came, and Valeric, attired in her becoming robe, and with co9bly antique kce to shadow ita bright hue, looked perfectly bewitching, even in her husband's accustomed eight. Who said •you have only to appear, to brine a very crowd of admirers.'

The hour was far earlier than would have been the case ab an English ball, and yeb they were among the latest arrivals.

When they had paid their respects to the host and hoateas. the first person on whom Valerie's eyes turned wae the handsome and distinguished-looking Lord Coloraine.

Hie features lighted up with & moaning smile aa he gazed on her.

' Mrs Gifiord, i have been waiting for this pleasure,' he &aid, ac he offered his arm. • May I hope for the honour of your hand for this waltz?'

And scarcely waiting for a roply, he led her oil' to the ball-room.

' You look bewitching !' whispered Lord Coleraine, as he conducted the girl to the danco; ' aud doubly fascinating in my eyes 1' he added, with a glance ab her cosbume.

' Are you euch a connoisseur in a lady'a toilette ?'

•Only in some—l might almost say only in one,' he returned ; ' and in this case ib possesses a peculiar interest me. I scarcely could brusb in my own good fortune.'

'You are speaking riddles sbill, my lord,' said Valeric, yeb more excited.

' Can you doubt my meaning, fair lady ?' he said. ' Can you not understand my pleasure ab seeing my humble offering accepted and appreciated ?'

She said. ' Do you mean bbab I am in debted to you for the lace robe ?'

' Nay, fair lady ; ib is I who am indebted to you for its accepbance.'

'My lord, you are utterly misbaken, , she said hastily. * I commissioned my maid to procure me this little addition to my toilette debal, bub I never dreamed but that the bill would be sent in to Mr Gifford ; and I beg thab ib may at once bo transferred to him.'

' Nay, my lady ; you would not), I trust, either mortify me so cruelly, or annoy my good friend Gifford with the history of such a trifle ? If you will listen to me for one moment, I willexplainhowitreallyoccurred. The fact was that I was in the shop while she was inspecting and pricing the little lace fabric, my attention was attracted by your name being mentioned between the buyer and seller. Then, owing to some formalities that I did nob fully comprehend, the shopkeeper appeared to be exorbitant;, and also suspicious in the transaction. It was time now for me to interfere, and the affair was very soon arranged.'

'In any caee, Lord Coloraine, I cinnot think of accepting such a present from you. And though 1, perhaps, may take your advice, and save ivy husband the little vexation ho mi<>bb ("eel, I shall insist on sending you a check for the cost.'

•Was the game worth the candle?' Valeric did not stop to inquire. Ib was her desire rather bo stifle thought than to speculate in the wisdom of her proceedings.

CHAPTER XXXII. ' Mapemoiseixk Elise, the Marchesa wishes to speak to you for a few moments,' said Madame de Valletorb's maid, entering the schoolroom where Giselle was briefly engaged in correcting and instructing her pupil in the art of drawing. And now, when, her young pupil had been summoned from tho dining-table, eho drew from her portfolio a nearly-finished landscape, and occupied herself in some required touches to its failing points. The econery of Drachenfels was sketched with graphic precision of detail and taste, and the riguro and f.ico had been too often corrected to need much alteration, for she could never really satisfy herself in her portrait of Lord Delorme's intellectual features. Yet there he was bending over a sleeping girl, whose featuros were concealed by a skilful arrangement of her hat and arms, which were completely thrown over them, so that she could not be recognised even had the drawing met other eyes bub his own. She was so occupied in the task that she scarcely noticed that Eugene de Valletorb was intently observing her. 1 That is very beautiful. Is ib from life,, Mdlle. Lemaitre?' She turned round, with an irrepressible &ush of resentful annoyance. 'Pardon me, Monsieur Valletprt, , ehe eaid, coldly. ' This apartment is seldom visited by any one, and never without notice, except by the Marcheea !'

• A very intolligible hint, but I shall nob avail myself of it.senorina.sincel am a great deal more inclined to remain and survey your performance, and talk to you ! Surely you must have perceived that the place where you may chanco to be ia the most attractive in the whole world to me ? Yes, Giselle,' he continued, • I could be happy with you in the most secluded spot, I would prove worthy of my race, if you will but trust me, and tell me that I may hope to win you, even after any reasonable time of delay to humour my mother's fancies and prejudices.'

4 Never !' ehe said. ' Even if all obstacles were removed, it would be more than doubtful that I could ever listen to you.' ' Ah, very good ! I have my own belief as to the cause of all this prudery. I will not lot you have your own way in all things. I shall know what to do with this favourite sketch from memory. And he snatched up the drawing and rushed from'the room at a pace which wellnigh overset the stately figure of his lady mother, who was thab momonb slowly approaching the school chamber of her daughter.

' Eugene ! Are you mad, my son, thab you encounter me in this rude style ?' • I beg your pardon, mother, , stammered the young man, flushing crimson. • I was in haste, and I never thought thab you would be here.'

' Nor did I expocb to see you,my son, , was the significant rejoinder. 'If you have any desire to see Elise, it will always be possible for you to send for her, which I request may be done from this time. ,

The drawing which ho had abstracted so unscrupulously slid away from his grasp, and unfolded the roll in which he had crushed ib up in his impatient passion. He hastily raised it from the floor, and began to examine it closely. He gazed more eagerly than before at the minute detail of the scene, and at length he made out some tiny, scarcely legible, letters on the foot of the drawing. ' G. L. ,

Bub there were others that ho could ill make intelligible, though he fancied thab he could distinguish ' E. A. B. among the characters thab wero tracod in faint lines uuder the drawing.

And although ho could assign bo them no actual individuality, he ground his teeth angrily ab the instinctive conviction thab ib mueb be the features of a rival that were so faibhfully reproduced by thab skilful pencil.

CHAPTER XXXIII. ' Mademoiselle Lemaitkk, I am sorry to 'eel obliged to admonish you on such a subjecb, but I must request thab you will bstain from receiving visitors in my daughter's aparbmente, the more especially when ib is my son.' • You cannot desire such privacy more than I do, madam,' she said, quietly. 'I presume that M. do Valletorc was nob aware of his sister's absence when heenterod this apartment.' 'No doubt,' returned the Marohesa, gravely; ' and ib is well you should have sufficient sense to comprehend the truth, mademoiselle. Of course, you have little save your character to rely on for your tuture maintenance, and I warn you thab I should nob show any weak indulgence were I to detect signs of boldneas in your demeanour. Then, that being thoroughly understood,' ehe resumed, ab length, 'I will now come to the real objecb of my visit to your schoolroom, and of my arranging that you should remain undisturbed for the reab of the afternoon. Eliee will drive with me for twoor three hours, after which I trust that you will be prepared to fulfil your duties as usual, the more especially as I have afforded you the opportunity to rognin your self-command, whatever may be your feelings on the occasion. Giselle was pale as ashes now. . 'For HeayetVH sake, whao is ib, madam ? Is sho—my—that is—who—is—dead ? la that what you would imply ?' ' Well, mademoiselle, ib is extraordinary that you cau doubt who it may be thab [ can alludo to, since 1 really have no acquaintanco with anyone who is connected with you, oxcopb ono person, ftldllo de Faucho.' • And'is sho ill ? What have you heard of her,.madam?' asked Gi.°ollo, eagerly. ' She has boen very ill, mademoiselle, with an attack of pleurisy, and I regret to say that I receivod by this morning's poat tho news of hor death.' Gisollo uttered a faint cry. She was dosolate, indeed, now. 'Ib is very cad, bub of course these things happon to all,' wenb on the Warchesa. ' And I only wish to impress upon you, under those circumstances that ib is your interest us well aa your duty to retain the position you have already made, since tho chief channel that was open bo you for any other connection in now nb an end foreovcr. However, you may bo assured of my patronage and iiifluonco as long as you prove yourself deserving of ib. I need scarcely detain you longer, mademoiselle,' she added, after a hriof pause. Giselle rose and'eurfepeyed low, but bhoro was almoab a bitter mockery in tho reverence. Poor girl ! she whp sadly tried, and to her experiences nnd hor present feelings there was more to doxpiao than to respect in tho ideas and conclucb of tho Marchcea de Valletorb, doscondanb as she was of an ancient lino.

CHAPTER XXXIV. Lord Delorme had loft Florence with much depressed hopes a3 to the chance of ever discovering Giselle's residence. And t.he mood in which he alighted at the gloomy-looking building which ho was informed was the English peminary of Mdila.de Fauclig, was anything bub hopeful or placid. Tl)o blinds towards the street were all drawn down. A wretched terror seized him as ho looked. Ould these uloomy, veiled window? be at all connected wit.h the funeral he had jur-t met ? Could it bo Giselle who had thus succumbed to the reverses of her fate? ' Is Mdlle. de Fauche within ? Can I see her ?' he asked. Tho maid literally shrank back with surprise. ' Oh, monsieur, what a question ! The poor mademoiselle is dead.' 'Is there a young lady a teacher here—a Miss Le Marehant,' he a3ked, timidly. 'No; I never remember such a name, and I have been here two years and more. , 'But stay one moment,' resumed Eric, as the girl prepared to chub the door. ' Perhaps you may have heard the young lady spoken of by her other name— Giselle?' ' Oh, yea, that wae the name of a teacher —Miss Lemaitre,' said the girl, meditatively. ' Bub she is gone away long since, and 1 am sure I do not know where.' • Can you not remember—have you no clue, my good girl?' ' Well, monsieur, I will try and ascertain some news for yon. Bnb I was very little with Mdlle. de Fauche.' 'If.you will do me the service, I will certainly amply repay the trouble you may take. , 'Sir, it's not that—l'd do a pleasure to any ono bhab poor dear mademoiselle loved, and I do think she was fond of tho English lady ; and if you'll wait here a few minutes, I'll see what can be done, monsieur.' Apparently the maid found her task more difficult than she had expected, for the chimes of the far-famexl belfry of Bruges had given tongue twice to their merriest notes ere Eric's quick seneee were greeted by the opening of a door. ' Hist, Monsieur !'• in the smothered voice suitable to the house of mourning. ' I have not much to tell you, monsieur, but the name may help you to get more cure news of your friend ; and tho housekeeper cays it

was the Marchese de Valleborb with whom the young demoiselle went away.' • The Marchese !—a gentleman, do you mean?' exclaimed Eric, sharply. ' Well, there was a gentleman, monsieur, bub ib was hia mother and sister that Mdlle. Lemaitre wa3 to live with. Thab ia all I can tell; bub I daresay you can find the address from the name of the grand seigneur. Good-day, Monsieur. ,

And pocketing the second gold piece that was hold oub to her by the Earl, the maid closed the door.

Paris peemed to bim the mosb central and likely place for discovering the residence and the necessary details about the family, and ere twenty-four hours were passed, Lord Delorme had started for Brussels, en route to the capital of France.

The city was extremely crowded ab the moment. The seaeon of Lent had nob yeb begun, and all the native and foreign visitors were crowding their gaieties into the brief remaining days before the cloud of Lent came ovor the social horizon.

Lord Delorme ab once book up his abode at the comfortable Hotel de St. James, and, after a hasty repast, determined to divert his thoughts by a visit to the opera. The house was crammed in every part ere he arrived, and the only seat he could obtain was a vacant one i-.i a box that was already occupiod by some three or four young men of evident rank and breeding. ' You have been in luck to arrive at this especial moment, Valletort,' said one of them, between the acts. 'I thought you wore going to miss Nilsson altogether, if you stayed in the wilds till Lenb had come in.'

The young man on whom Eric's eyes turned with lightning eharpness looked ill pleased with the light raillery. • Valletort is not altogether oub of the pale of civilised life,' ho said, coldly. * And there are duties and attractions that cannot always be waived, even for an opera prima donna. However, I shall not stay very long in Paris; I am off to my wretched acres in Belgium before long. ,

Lord Delorme listened to every word. He scanned each peculiarity of his presumed rival, and the green-eyed monster was rapidly fastening on the evil food that was ripening in his breast.

If ho could bub obtain a clue to the Paris dwelling of the unconscious Marchese he would be happy, for then ib would go hard with him if he did not) force such an explanation as should solve all his doubts forever.

And, as ib chanced, fortune favoured him, whether it might be for good or ill.

' Oh, that is your libtle scheme, ia ib, Valletort?' replied the young Parisian, lightly. ' Well, I don't blame you, and, by the way, where are you staying during your gracious patronage of the capital?' 'I?—oh, at rooms in the Rue de Triomphe, close to tho Champs Elysees ; very cool, and airy, and accessible,' replied tho companion. ' Number five, second lloor. You will easily find me. ,

' Agreed !Ah yes. I shall have coffee and cigars,' observed the companion. •Say the hour, my good friend, and I shall be exact to the moment. .

'Ah, yes, bub I am erratic, my friend ; but perhapa if I pay midday I shall be safe —breakfast finished, and the day not begun.'

'Very well, I. shall bo exact,' \vas tbe response, and the curtain drew up. Bub Dolorme could not, on his oath, have denned any dilforenco between Nileson and tho Christy Minstrels, so eutirely was his brain engrossed between tho jealousy and the eager hopes that struggled for mastery within his broast.

It was scarcaly more than eleven o'clock on the following morning when he presented himself at No. 5, Rue do Triomphe.

' Be so good as to take in my card to the Mnrcheao,' ho said, persuasively, enforcing bis request by a napoleon.

And Eric soon found himself in the spacious biib ocanEily furnished erilßbtV in" which the Franco-Belgian noblo had taken up his abode.

There woro some drawings and prints on the eide-tablo.

One by one ho turned over the stereotyped viows that are to bo seen in every print-shop of the Palais Royale and Rue de Rivoli with a languid, unintorested gaze.

At lcntrth he came to one that brought a burning colour to his cheeks aa ho examined again the precious, yet galling, memento of the pasb.

Thoro could be no mistake in the hand that had drawn that graphic sketch, for who but GiseUe le Marchnnb could have known or delineated their h'rsb meeting at tho Drachenfels of the Rhino ? *

CHAPTER XXXV. The opening of fcho door was unhoeded by him in his rapb and bewildered astonishmonb ; bub tho sound oF a voice immediately behind him broko the spell. 'I understand you wiah to speak to mo, my lord.' ' I ought to apologise for tho intrusion on a stranger, Marchoso,' he ropliod. • I baliovo a young English lady, called Miss Lo Mnrchant, in in your family at this moment. I am extremely anxious to see her. May I inquire where she now is, and whether Madnmo Lo Vallctort will kindly permit mo to havo acceas ho tho young lady in question ?' 'I could easily evade your question, my lord, bub I ecorn subterfuge, and have little doubt that the young lady parsing under tho name of Mies Letnaibre is the same as you call Lβ Merchant. But that is a very different affair from complying with your request; and I can con.ainly give no pledge thai; my rno:hor would permit her daughter'? governess to receive so remarkable a visit. ' Suppose I havo a better right than any one c in ii't-tny to claim the interview ? Suppose I demand what. I ask with the courtesy •of one gentleman fo another ?—and. what J if' more, BiippOßO 1 nek how yon came by t')Mf drawing in your possession, M. le Mnrchese ?--a drawing that), I perceive, i>4 tho work of Miss Lc Mnrchant horsolf. , 'I scarosly understand what can be your idea of nobility, my lord. It i.s ti remarkable state of mind that could suppose what youimply, , replied haughtily. The reproach was not altogether unfounded, and Eric was* conscious of it. Bub still the facts were strong and undoubted, as ho regarded the tell-tale sketch. ' When it is a question of blame on a man of rank and presumed honour, or a lady of spotless and pure repute, most persons would desire to believe that the first was in the wrong, M. le Maichese,' said Eric calmly. "And as it happens in thia case the affair restb between yourself and Misp Le Merchant, I prefer to believe in her utter innocence and truth. , ' Sir, I presume I am to understand the young lady is your betrothed, or, perhaps, your wife ? Is it so, M. lo Comte? , ' Miss Le Marcbant is certainly nob my wife. For the rest, I decline to make any needless explanations. If she is not a free agent, ib is for you or the Marchesa to prove any authority over her movements. And, as p.uoh, 1 may fairly insist on a right to see and give her the chance of deciding for herself on her future movements. ' If you wish to ascertain tha wonderful secret, you can ask Miss La Marchanb when you havo managed to discover her residence. I presume yours is an English fashion ; we keep a stricter watch over our girls. , ' Pool—rascal! do you dare to imply that, it is even possible to cast one slur on the fame of Giselle Le Marchant? , ' By no means. I only state simple facts. Should you be admitted to the presence of the fair Giselle, I will answer for it thab you will hear nob one word save the truth ; and that truth will exculpate herself and me from your, needless, unwarranted censure.!

Now, do the favour of leaving me to the enjoyraenb o't the breakfasb which is waiting for rue ; or perhaps you will honour me by partaking of ib.' Bub when Eric had closed the door behind him, Eugene's whole aspect changed. Then a letter was penned; and ib had scarcely been folded and placed in its envelope, when Baron Haubemann was announced. 'Ah, my friend, welcome,' he said, carelessly extending a finger to the new comer.' Will you direct this for me to the address I shall give you ? You will understand these things—thab one does not always wear one's heart on one's sleeve, nor share secrete with Madame Hautemaun.' So the little performance was quickly gone through, the letter consigned bo the poeb, and the two friends hastened to the more important and agreeable business of the morning—tho cigars and light, amusing canards that wore floating about the French capital like sparkling showers of brilliant rackets, which bursb ere they had the power bo burn those on whom they fell.

CHAPTER XXXVI. 'Is it really possible? Are you going to leave ua, eweeb Valeric ?' whispered Lord Coleraino to tho wife of Aubrey Gitford, as he handed her to the supper table in a grand reception ab one of tho English residents at Florence.

• Of course, you are accustomed to speak such words, my lord, and to suppose thab we women believe them '!' she answered.

* 1 suppose that your sex has the power of discerning; and you surely have reason to truab me, Valeric '!' You know that I would never batray confidence? .

' I do acknowledge) it, though I scarcely fancied you would allude to ib in such a crowd as this, my lord,' she said. ' Bud ab loaet, though I can never repay your chivalrous service to my foolish se!t, I shall lose no timo in treeing myself from the more trifling obligations when I return home. Ib will be easy enough to obbain what I need then.'

* You are indeed bent on punishing mo to the quick !' returned Lord Coleraine, sadly. ' I could scarcely beliovo such utter trifles could ever come between us as a tew paltry guineas. No, Valeric, you mistake me. What I feol in the matter is very different. Ib is the pride and happiness of thinking that you could venture to confide in me—that you permitted me to come to your help, and to confer on you the very slightest pleasure.'

The girl instinctively knew that all this was falee and wrong. To speak her name as if he were her near kindred !

' I suppose you will not leave Florence for some time, Lord Coleraine ?'

' I scarcely know,' he replied. ' I expecb to be in London during the season. I may wander aboub among my friends. I shall inflict myself on Gifiord, if he will give me a lodging and a gun in August.'

• You know Aubrey is not master of his own actions or property at present,' she said. 'Ib depends on two or three old gentlemen. I suppose they will disappear before wo are quite grey and rheumatic, Lord Coleraine. ,

' 1 should think ib would be quite new to yon to meet with a grave look from Aubrey, would it nob? He must pin hie whole faith on your infallibility. A true believer where you are concerned, Mrs Gilford ?'

' I'orhapa bo—everyone does when they ure first married, I suppose. But he looks worried and vexed sometimes, though I have learnt to take no notico of it. I find ib the best way.'

' Oh, yes : no doubt I , laughed Lord Coleruine. ' Valeric, will you promise me sometimes to think of me till we meet again ?' he added, in a lower tone.

' Ye?, of couree I I am nob bo very deficient at to forgob these pleasant days, , sho said, as they rose and prepared to leave ..tUs.t9P.in, , • Then you will honour me by sealing tho promise by accopting this slight token of friendship ?'

And time once again was a false step taken.

CHAPTER XXXVII. 'Miss Lemaitre, may I ask the moaning of thie extraordinary missive?' inquired the Marcheaa de Valletorb. The girl gave a hurried glance ab the writing. She knew ib bub too well, for more than once she had not only seen ie in the books and papers and letters of her pupil, but still conveying a veiled meaning that ehe was loth to understand. • May I demand from you some answer?' 'If you mean to ask whether 1 have ever received such a letter as you hold in your hand, I can certainly reply, " ftover," eaid Gisello. * 'Nor in thab handwriting has my son never written to you, Miss Lemaitre. 1 have ample means of loarning (the truth, however artfully you may attempb bo cloak it.' ' And I would scorn to stain my. lips with a falsehood ; bun in this instance I must decline to reply. It is enough that you need fear nothing on thab score from me. I would novel- listen to any such words from your son, oven with your sanction.' ' You are insolent, young lady !' returned the Marchesa. 'Tell me whether you can, after you have read that epistle, venture to cast a charge of faleehood on my foolish but honourable son, and to declare there is no link of any kind betweon you ?' ' I have but one answer to make madam. I never authorised nor would I encourage them were I your son's equal in rank. , ' Then you mean to infer thab my son—a Valletort—would degrade himself by such expressions and allusions? You will remark that he even makes some slight mention of a former lover, of whom he, poor deluded boy, is jealous. Certainly no such fact could havo become known to him had you not given him Ihe information—in order, as 'wo may presume, to quicken tho lagging passion you had striven to inspire. I think oven you can praroely deny or account (or this damninc fuct,, Mis* Lemaitre,' returned the Marphesa, with a frigid courtesy and. contempt. ' Account for it, I certainly cannob: deny it, from the very bottom of my heart, I certainly do, tnodame !' returned the girl. And tho proud flush on her cheeks might well have convinced an unprejudiced person that she was innocent as a child from any wilful wrong. 4 1 really cannob acb as a judge in your case, Miss Lemaitre, unless you had some better proof to bring forward of your innocence. You must certainly leave my house, for I could nob risk my daughter's purity and principles by any contact with you. Bub in consideration of the kind services you rendered to Mdlle. de Valletorb, I will supply you with means to support yournelf till you can obtain another situation. , Giselle Le Marchanb compressed her lips in firm tension to restrain the bitter words that rose to them at that moment. She would willingly have refused all with scorn ; she would have bid the haughty mother of the detested Eugene keep her benefits, since she had deprived her of name and repute. 'You can retire now, Miss Lomaihre. You perfectly understand mo, and will be so good as to prepare tor your departure with as little delay as may be. Again Giselle bent low in assenb; but this time she hurried trom the room. Poor Giselle felt as if the whole world were against her. Amid the cruel injuries of which she was the victim, tears rained down her choeks—teare.of sorrow and tears of shamo ; and, it might be, a natural resentment, albeit) euch harshness was a stranger to her gen bio bosom. Bub when the outbureb had relieved itself ehe gradually softened into a more healthful and even hopeful frame. The girl knew well that her lips had been rigidly silent on such a point.

Could ib be from Eric himself 1 The idea seemed a wild one, bub ib brought composure to Giselle's hearb. The very thoughb of the absent 'Eric strengthened her to action in her extremity.

Luckily, she had jusb received her halfyear's salary, and she felt certain that it would enable her to subsist till she had arranged some ocher plan of livelihood. She determined, on consideration, to entirely reject Madame de Valletort's offer.

No, she would depend on herself, eince others had thus failed her, and trust to the talent she possessed for her supporb. Her dinner was the first event that broko the monotony of her day. Ib was brought to her by the French maid ; there was a constraint in the woman's air and manner that evidently resulted from come orders from her mistress or suspicions on her ownaccount.

The scarcely-tasted repast was removed by the same sullen damsel, and Giselle gave herself up to somewhat despairing reflections on the project before her, which she could only divert by the more healthy remedy of such action as was in her power.

Her clothes, books, drawings could bo packed in their receptacles, whatever was to be their destination.

And, above all, the precious packeb that held her greatest treasures was securely packed in the mosb secreb and the safest of her packages.

Giselle sighed deeply as she held the memorable cuskeb in her hand, and remembered the hopes that had once been built) on its contents and their remarkable disappearance.

It was well-nigh incredible how the theft could have taken place ; and sho hated herself for assigning the crime to her suppoeed mother.

' Perhaps it ia beab,' murmured the girl. 'I might have found that the truth was even worse to bear than tha vague mystery over my birth.'

It seemed as if the pious resignation of her spirit was to bring some immediate reward, for as she spoke the words and stooped down to conclude a final arrangement of the trunk she was packing, she perceived a paper that had apparently jueb been pushed under the door, and which she hastily lifted from the ground.

It wae not even folded or dirocted, but i bore these words:

•Dear Friend, —Trust Susanne; ehe will come to you this night. Tell her your wishes. lam in grief and perplexity ; but my chief sorrow must ever be for you, my darling, kind sister in heart. I pray you may bo bleeeed and protected as you deserve.'

• What do you wanb, Mariette? Did I not tell you I wished to be undisturbed this morning ? My head aches, and lam busy, , said Madame de Valletort.

* I beg pardon, madame, for appearing in the least to disregard your orders, but I had no alternative. I have euch affairs to commudicate, that I dare to intrude on you. The young lady, Mdle. Lemaitre, has gone—disappeared! There is no trace of her in her apartments, nor anything belonging to her.

• Indeed ! Then ehe baa, I daresay, forestalled my intentions, though it betrayed a very English wanb of politeness to depart in such a manner. .

'But,' stammered Mariette—'a gentleman is here—demanding an interview with you ; and I should not wonder if it is on the same matter, since he is English, and, as you will ccc, noble, by his card.'

Madame de Vallotorb's eyes certainly did rest with a quick and rapid gaze on the pasteboard. 'The Earl Delorme. ,

' Is the Earl waiting, Mariette V IHo ie, madame. I have shown him into the saloon to waib your pleasure."

' Givo me my lace ehawl, Marietta. Ib will sufiice for a more elaborate toilette, and probably the Earl may be in haete. Does his carriage wait ?' ehe askedi. ~' I do nofc know ; it waa Jean who brought,' me the newe. , The Marchesa entered the saloon with her haughtiest mien, as if to silence her unwelcome visitor by her dignified bearing. • You doßired to see me, M. le Cotnte, and I would not refuse, though ifcwaesamewhat inconvenient to me this morning, , ehe said, bowing coldly to her guest. ' I regret to intrude on a stranger afc an inconvenient moment, madame ; but I came to requesb an interview with Misa Le Merchant —or. as she was styled here, as I believe, Lemaitre ; and 1 am informed she has left your house. May I inquire where she has gone?' ' I must decline to enter on such a subject, M. )o Comte, , replied the lady coldly. * Miss Lomaitre has quitted my service, aud I am certainly not bound to concern myself further ac to her movements. , ' Purdon me, madame, if I cannot occepb so abrupt an answer, , returned Eric, in a tone that was not easily resisted. ' Is she a relative of yours, M. le Combe?' asked the Marchesa, eomewhab scornfully. 'No, madame; but a friend—a most dear friend,' roturnod Eric, in a tone broken with eupprossed emotion. *I am in search of her with extreme anxiety. I have traced her hither by a happy accident, and now my hopes are once again disappointed. Marchesa, if you knew the history of the young lady, and all she has suffered most innocently, you would scarcely have added to her sorrow or permitted—perhaps driven her to this fre><h flight in the cold, desolate world. , Madame de Valletorb drew back haughtily. * Pardon me, M. le Comte, I must request you to use more circumspection in youi language. Misa Lemuitre, or whatever is her true name, gave mo reason to suspect that she was carrying on a most fatal and improper flirtation with my son. I interfered, and desired her to anil , the situation she had occupied as governess to my daughter. I also oflered lo use my influence in getting her nome other position where nhe could not indulge in nuch impropriety. The result 1 have bub just heard. She has left my house clandestinely. Thab is all I know about her, and I must decline any further annoyance on her account. May I suggest that my time is precious, M. Iβ Comte ?' ' Marchesa,' he said, 'I could not forget that you are a highborn lady, though you have shown little of a woman's gracious kindnea.s toward this injured girl. I believe it is a base calumny which has driven this poor unprotected girl to seek safety and peace in a more kindly atmosphere than yours, then I pray you may never be visited ac you deserve for the heartless cruelty you have displayed to one as gently nurtured ac your own child ; and, till lately, the presumed heiress of as large a fortune aa any daughter of the house of Valletorb ever could boast of.' He rose ac he spoke, and, with a low bow, he retired from the room, leaving the Marchesa in a state of mingled rage and remorse that ehe had rarely experienced.

[To It Continued.)