Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 November 1903 — ALL FOR A TITLE; or THE BANKER’S WARD. [ARTICLE]

ALL FOR A TITLE; or THE BANKER’S WARD.

By ALBERT H. MODRICKER,

Author of

‘•John Q. Keiffor * C 0.,” “ Won By Strategy,” «* The Tramp’s Stroks,” »No. 2,001,” Etc. Copyrirh*. MOL Br Cwicaoo NswsrAras Union.

CHAPTER V.—(Continued.) Daring the batching of thia conspiracy Beatrice was seated on her couch in •ad reflections, while her frame ebook with conculeive sobr. Her maid aa ehe entered noticed her despondency. She had known Beatrice from early youth and loved her. “Uisa Beatrice, .why do you weep?” •ho questioned,, .sympathetically, and knelt at her side. “Has anything befallen Mr. Raymond?" Julia, her maid, knew all of Beatrice’s secrets, and had aided her on more than one occasion, and served her with genuine faithfulness. Her own lore affairs had caused her to take a deep interest in Beatrice. “Oh, Julia, I am ao unhappy. I don’t know tlie way out of my trouble I feel so unhappy here —my step-fatber does Dot lore me.’’ “But then you hare Mr. Raymond's lore; that is more than anything else.” At this moment a servant entered and announced to Beatrice that Marsden desired her presence. “I will be there presently,” she responded ; and then after having her disheveled hair arranged, ahe turned to faithful Julia, aaying: “What shall I do? Mr. Marsden wants me to marry the count and —O Julia, give me some advice.” “Keep your love for Mr. Raymond!” "Thanks, ■ Julia. I will not forget,” •nd then kissing her maid, hastened through the hall into the drawing room. She found Marsden alone, and was greatly astonished by his omitting the dread subject of marriage, and instead quietly Stratmore’s invitation. "And in csss you should accept, Beatrios, I will make the necessary arrangements," he concluded shortly. Glad surprise was depicted on her facer hut suddenly she began to meditate. What would Victor do if she left Easton? However, it was a good opportunity to get rid of Count Bozell for a time at least. "I will take It into consideration, papa,” abe replied after a pause. "I felt the invitation would be a pleasant surprise, but I see It does not suit you at all." “Oh, no, papa; you are mistaken. Can I read the letter?" "Certainly. And as soon as you have come to a definite conclusion pleaae let ms know: Sleep well, Beatrice.” “Good night, papa," and she hastened *• her sleeping apartment, letter in hand. “Julia, Julia! I have an invitation from the Stratmore’s,” she called at the half-open door. “1 would have accepted It at once, but thoughts of Victor made me hesitate." “And I guessed correctly. Now we will have the desired change. Your friends will, at your request, also gladly extend an invitation to Mr. Raymond.” “Yes, yes, Julia, quite true,” Beatrice responded, and then ahe seated herself •t her writing desk and hastily addressed • fe wllnes to Victor Raymond. On the following morning Beatrice •ulsted her step-father in getting on kla coat; Count Bozell’s presence and hta cynical smile did not confuse her in the least. • •••••• At the table Count Bozell eeemed to detect in Beatrice a certain nervousness —now she glanced at the clock, then she sent forth a shy look through the window out upon the garden. And as soon as she could leave the room without arousing suspicion, she ran to her apartment, where Julia handed her a shawl, and then Beatrice hurriedly entered the garden. She had, early that morning, Instructed her maid to arrange a meeting between- her and Victor. The maid had accomplished It and set the afternoon for the meeting. Beatrice desired to see her lover and tell him the latest news concerning the count with reference to herself and of her proposed journey to Stratmore castle. They met, and after assuring each other of their mutual love again, as lovers do, they separated. Julia, the maid, patiently awaited Beatrice Is return at her post of duty, and when she arrived, Julia quickly locked the door and followed Beatrice up the stairway. On the topmost turn of the staircase there suddenly appeared before their etartled eyea Count Ludwig Bozell. “Ah, truantl you deprived us of your sweet company," exclaimed the count, adding In a lower tone; “You look pale; I hope you are not unwell?” “No, no; only a slight headache. I thought to get rkl of it by taking a walk to the garden ” - <■ - . • “Why did we have to meet that man /•f all others?” murmured Julia, as she removed the shawl from her mistress. "BUs looks do not indicate anything good. But we are here yet, Mr. Count; I shall give my Kenneth a hint to keep a cloee watch on you.” After relieving herself of these thoughts, Julia tried to perform her duties, but her uneasiness was too great, and, after gaining permission, she hastily ran over to see Kenneth, her betrothed. She explained matters to him. “You must keep an eye on the count,” proposed the maiden. “Get acquainted with his servants; try to find out all Ms plans and notify me of all you ascertain.” “Julia, you can inform Mine Alben•on tiiat I am flattered and glad to be of assistance to her. Henceforth I shall be on Mr. Count Bo sell's heels,” promised her staunch lover. “Thanks, Kenneth. And now, let ns tike leave. It may be for severs! weeks, as I will perhaps accompany my mistress to tbs Stratmore’s. She was Invited and, therefore, s month or more may pass More I see you agate.” “Stratmore Castle? That Is not vary tar from the count's estate. la fact, feu can ass the castle from there.”

pressing a fervent ktos upon her lips, he inquired: “And What of our wedding day, Julia r “That day will arrive, too." Quickly she made her way home, where she found her mistress nervously pacing the floor, and informed her of her talk with Kenneth, but she withheld come of the news concerning the count. Beatrice heartily thanked her, and after a long conversation they bade each other good night. CHAPTER VI. On the following morning Count Bozell resolved to establish at once a sharp espionage upon Beatrice, as her changed manners toward the banker indicated something more than ordinary courtesy. Impatiently he waited for Mansden’s return from the bank. Beatrice proffered her usual services when he came and even used a brush on the coat for an uncommonly long period after the banker had gone to the dining room. A servant fortunately called the count from his place of observation by politely stating that Mr. Marsden desired his presence. During the count’s absence Beatrice hastily secured and perused Victor’s letter, which she had taken from its secret hiding place, and a little later also entered the dining room. Her joyful countenance was sufficient to arouse Bozell’s suspicions that for a second time he had missed an opportunity to detect some mystery, and he concluded to change his tactics. He rose from the table, excusing his hasty departure by the pressure of Important business affairs. After he left, Marsden spoke to his ward regarding the Stratmore invitation:

“Well, Beatrice, hare you come to any conclusion? Is Countess Stratmore’a invitation acceptable?” "Yes, papa; and having lately felt a little fatigued, I believe the change to country air will be beneficial to me." "When do you Intend to start?” "As soon aa possible.” "I will notify Countess Stratmore of the time of your arrival.” Beatrice thanked him, and then he withdrew to the library, where he pretended to write to the countess. What the misgive contained was his secret. However, Beatrice felt relieved as soon as it was dispatched by the evening mail. She hoped to leave within twenty-four hours, in order to escape Count Bozell’s presence for a time at least The count, in withdrawing from the room, had not immediately quitted the house. Noticing the banker's coat in the cloakroom, he reached for it, rummaging through the pockets and finally detected a small slit that Beatrice had left partially unstitched. An ironical smile overspread his features. It looked suspicious, he argued, and he concluded to consult Mr. Follot, a clerk with Marsden & Raymond. Mr. Follet was his intimate friend and had served th#» count on several occasions, and he was Highly flattered by the count’s friendship. Quite unexpectedly he entered Pettrt’s room, shook hands and proffered a glgar which be had abstracted from his friend’s morocco case. Adroitly he alluded, during his conversation with Follet, to the latter’s dependent position; promised his influence in securing an advancement, and urgently advised him to gain his employer's good will. “Your faithful services should have secured you a better remuneration long ago,” he insinuated. “Partiality seems to be shown. Try to exert a great deal of courtesy and you will succeed in time.” "Victor Raymond seems to monopolise his favor so much that I can hardly find an opportunity to come in contact or approach my superior, save in a business way. For instance, Raymond assists him every morning in putting off and taking charge of his overcoat — do wonder he is the favorite.” “You are mistaken, my friend; Mr. Marsden dislikes the young man and would be greatly obliged to any one who could offer a plausible excuse for his discharge.” Follet's eyes glittered. “He secured the position promised to me." “Exactly! For this reason Victor Raymond must be pat aside —understand? Follow my advice, and we will have the fine fellow ousted in no time. To-mor-row morning—the banker will be hers a little earlier than usual and before Raymond comes—take charge of youi principal's overcoat, -examine closely ii there is not something hidden in the collar, and should you detect accidentally a piece of paper, do not fail to draw Mareden's attention to it Act prudently and you can gain the object you desire.” “Are you certain of the existence ol some gams?” "I will not say. Suffice it I have my reasons for it This young man stands in my way, too; therefore, let us combine forces for his downfall. You shall not suffer by it You know lam going to marry Miss Albenson, Marsden’s ward." Count BoreU shook hands with the young man and departed. He met hia friend, Maieden, in good spirits, but as it was already late they soon retired. Quickly the count passed into tbs dining room, set the hands of the clock an hour ahead and than entered his private sleeping apartment The next morning the breakfast bell rang before the banker bad arisen. Accustomed to punctuality, he was a little nettled, but quickly dressed, made bis toilet and appeared only a few momenta later than Us friend. Count Lad wig BoselL After breakfast, which waa taken a little hastily by the beaker, Marsden and tries anxiously awaked the coming ol her step-father. When he came he beaded her his overcost. Bestrice was alone presently and she turned pale. The bttte tears* pecks* was empty! Met one syllable Caere Tie-

tori Again and again she examined the coat, nerarttoeiees hsr efforts wen ft* tils —not s scrap of paper. Vm the task time Beatrice was forced to admit that Mte was at a loss—completely baffled. • •••••• The evening found tbs company la anything bat a pleasant disposition. Beatrice felt fatigued, ill at ease, and a peculiar anxiety possessed her of some impending evil. Marsden scarcely spoks a word, only Bozell retained his usual humor. “Mis* Albertson, I believe this is ths last day we shall have the pleasure of your company,” spoke up the count, and a vein of sarcasm could have been- detected In his voice. “Yes, providing ths program to not changed.” “That would be very pleasant to me if It were. What shall ws do with ourselves, Marsden and I? Only look «t him, please. Is he not a cheerful companion?” “You and he will carry on a mors animated conversation after my departure, no doubt. A third person is usually ini the way, you know.” “I fully coincide with your opinion. You have a prophetic look, Miss Albanson.” Beatrice gazed upon him interrogatively. The silence which ensued made her very uncomfortable, and she asked at what time ths carriage would arrive, adding: “I would not like to have the driver wait.” "Punctuality Is one of the best virtues in a woman,” commented the count. “I am glad to notice you possess It.” “I do not understand how that Interests you,” responded Beatrice, a little disconcerted. “Our way lie In quite different directions.” “You— think—bo?” He spoke the words slowly—very slowly, Beatrice looked at Bozell. His mien was lurking; his persistent smile at her every word offended her. “When will the carriage arrive?” ths questioned again. “Towards evening,” nonchalantly replied the banker. “Thanks! Julia will have ample time to-morrow for preparation.” “What! Do you Intend to take the maid unth you?” sharply questioned Marsden. “Of course. I cannot dispense with her services. Besides, the countess will expect me to be accompanied by a maid.” “Nonsense, Beatrice. You will find enough servants over there.” “Very well; then I must stay at home.” The banker was almost beside himself with rage at Beatrice’s sudden change of mind. Then the count interposed. “Why do you oppose it, Marsden? Why shouldn’t the lady take the maid with her if she so desires?” Beatrice had not expected any assistance frdm that quarter, and gazed upon her atep-father greatly confused and astonished. . “Well, then, take her along. I will grant your request.” These words were accompanied with a significant look between the count and Marsden, which passed unnoticed to Beatrice, wiho had no suspicion of anything* wrong and simply thanked him for his consent (To be continued.)