Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 37, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 December 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

“Min Q. Keiffer A C 0.,” " Won By Strategy/’ “ The Tramp’s Stroke/’ ” No. 2,001,” Etc. Copyright. 1903. By Carcase Nswararmi Unroe.

CHAPTER Xl.—(Continued.) The rdngular situatioi; in which Count Bozell, was placed forced hUn to proceed systematically and cautiously. Beatrice’s disappearance must be kept secret. Beatrice must be found at all hazards; if not, he was forced to make him believe that she wae safe in hia custody. For two days the count continued search with, the greatest care, but in rain. On the third he drove to Easton, late in the evening, and was greeted expectantly by Marsden. “Well, count, how does the matter stand? Are you the bearer of good or ill news?” “Good, my friend, nil that could be desired. - I Hatter myself to have already gained Miss Albeneon's favor to scune extent, for she Hoes not refuse my company no much as heretofore.” “Indeed, friend, then you have made great progress,” answered Marsden. “Have you really noticed a change in her manners, or is it a forced resignation r “We may call ft both. Besides, I observe extraordinary courtesy towards her an{l only intrude when k seems prudent. She must realize the pangs of solitude In order me as her friend and protector.” “Quite right; but what of Beatrice's maid?” Maroden*inquired, rather anxiously. “Out of the way, eh?” “Entirely, ray dear friend,” respoTvJed the count, with a sinister smile, while a shiver ran through the banker’s body, which was plainly noticed by Ludwig Bozell’s penßrating eyes. If lie succeeded, he argued, to chain his accomplice by continuous fear he could keep (jim in his power, and for this reason he hotieed with joy the banker's mien. ‘"Maye you set the Jav for your wedding? inquired -Marsden, regaining his composure. “No, not yet; it is not necessary to be lqgsuch a hurry. Miss Albenson must first become familiar with her new position and must learn to meet her future husband with dignity and respect.” "Of course; but how does she feel towards me? You have not mentioned me at all, count!” “Because I don’t know her thoughts. At present she does not seem to like you, and I advise you to ntay away.” “I am not iu the least anxious to see her. Her presence was always a paipful remembrance, •as she inherited mow .of her father’s characteristics than her. mother’s,” answered Marsden, gloomily. “She will not molest you any more/* ensured the count, adding as he departed: “Don’t expect to receive any news-, from me, as it would be imprudent to risk anythiug on paper about this affair. Good day.” After a diligent search for more than a week,, Count Bozell abandoned the hope of detecting Beatrice’s whereabouts. One day, as he passed through the garden gate of n small farm bouse, the sound of a woman’s plaintive voice reached his ears, which somewhat softened his features. % Count Bozell had loved the possessor of this '’ voice in years gone by, and perhaps this attachment had been the only geinline passion of life; but it had only kept him bound "to her for a short time; the sacrificing love of the girt, who was the daughter of one of Ids had merely served him as a plaything which he had carelessly flung aside as soon as it became tiresome. The young and innocent Emily Belgrave had put her love and trust in his sweet, flattering words. She loved him wish the warm heart of the first love, but it did not suffice to extinguish his ardent desire for riches. Count Bozell endeavored to better his financial condition by' a wealthy marriage, and sacrificed hia noblest sentiment?, the gori’s happiness and his former honest character to the mania for wealth and power. „ The count knocked at the door, then the song' died away. Emily opened the door, while her 4-year-old child clung to her dress. Her lips parted with a glad, joyous then "she flung her arena around in ecstasy. "Oh, Ludwig, how glad I am to see you! Why did <you not write a letter? I would have had everything arranged " for your reception,” she exclaimed, as she conducted him to the only room in the small houfcef-which served as kitchen and dining room. “I do not vtliftf Anything, Emily,” he answered, with"af faint tinge of kindness. “But 7 ! have something of importance I wish to say to you.” She listened attentively and placed two chairs at the fireplace, then assisted little Berths to her lap. Count Bozell softly clasped her hands and said: “Emily, do you still love me?” Tears filled her eyes. Although she bed ruffered greatly by his ill treatment of her she could not overcome her love. “I cgn only love once,” she responded, softly. “Yoa are a good, true girt, Emily; the best, perhaps, and only one I have ever really loved. I wish I could marry yon, but I am not wealthy enough to maintain yon in a style befitting my rank.” “I would have wished it at least for Beitha’a sake,” said Emily, slowly smooothing the flaxen hair of tha child. “Bertha shall have her rights yet Emily, yon shall become my wife!” he announced suddenly. “Really—do you. really mean it, Ludwig?” she asked. “You did not want to take me five years ago, and I presume yon will, hardly want to marry me now.” “Circumstances are different now. Do you wish to marry me?” “Yes; but not for my sake. I have become accustomed to £hea* poor surroundings. But, Ludwig, yon need money and " , “That Mis got nothing to do with it I have concluded to marry you, but only upon on* condition; that you follow me blindly when once yon are my wife in everything that I ask of yon.” “I promise!” she quickly responded. “Good: Do yea know of auyos* to

whom yon can intrust Bertha? It is only for a short time.” “Yes, I know of a woman to whom I can safely commit Che child.” “Ail right; then make preparation.” Emily obeyed, as if in a dream, and for the second time she followed him into a dark future. It was morning when they arrived at the house in the forest. Before they entered the count noticed that the windows of the upper story were brilliantly illumined and said: “Emily, this is your home for the present, but remember you enter it ns Miss Beatrice Albenson, which name you must muraine until yon are Countess Bozell. The young lady whom you are to impersonate has a singular similarity to yourself in feature and figure—she has been here until now, and you are to take her place. Understand, Emily?” “Almost,” she answered, dubiously, and followed the count into the broad corridor. CHAPTER XII. Victor Raymond could not find repose on the first night of the day of the accusation and was unable to leave his bed in the morning. Symptoms of typhoid fever were apparent, and the family physician did his best to restore the broken vitality of his exhausted body. Beatrice had not answered his nor his mother’s letters, who repeatedly wrote her of her son’s illness and urgently asked her to show some sign of their receipt Every morning Victor gazed with the same interfocative expression upon his mother, but (her answers were only a negative shake of the heed. Victor’s letters arrived at Stratmore Castle well enough, but were returned to the bank —to Herbert Marsden, and that worthy consigned them to the tender mercies of the flames. “ ‘Who laughs last laughs best/ my dear bey,” muttered the banker, into the fire. “You will hardly dare to” play In the future with a man of my deposition.” Then as he passed through the hallway he noticed a peasant woman, who acted as if she wanted something or some one. He called for Foltet, who had now taken Victor's place, and inquired as to what the woman desired. Follet did not know her, but, by chance had heard she had asked one of the clerks as to Victor! Raymond’s whereabouts. “Please keep an eye on that woman, Follot,” requested the banker abruptly. “Her face seems familiar to me.” The lady, who was Mrs. Lathrop, had aloFndy heard that Victor had left the bank and perhaps the town. She stood there until Marsden’s arrival drove her away, without being able to hand Beatrice’s letter to Victor personally, as she had been instructed. Mrs. Lathrop immediately sent a letter to Beatrice, asking for further advice, but the message had so excited Miss Albenson that she became bound to a sick bed. In ease, she argued, Victor and iier step;fajii'er had quarreled and had left the town, how could she ascertain his whereabouts? Victor Raymond resolved to visit Counters Stratmore, hoping thereby to meet Beatrice, although his parents urged him to abstain from making the journey while yet in an enfeebled condition. Thedrip, however, seemed to restore him. Gen. Raymond was slightly acquainted with the count and, after having sent up their cards, they were readily admitted. “Beg pardon, if I intrude on your time,” began the old general, approaching Count Edmund Stratmore, who with his wife and three lovely daughters were assembled in the drawing room. “May I take the liberty of having a conversation upon an important matter with the young .lady who recently visited you? I have reference to Miss Beatrice Albenson.” “Although we have never been honored with the pleasure of your personal acquaintance, your name has often been affectionately mentioned In our family circle,” said Countess Stratmore, with gentle “Please be seated. This is your son, I presume? I am well pleased to make your acquaintance. However, I am sorry to say, your inquiry ,must be erroneous. Of course, we had expected the young lady to visit us here, but she has not arrived. Mr. Marsden, her step-father, withdrew his consent, which actio* has certainly lowered my estimation of him.” “Miss Albeuscu not here?” cried Victor, dnmfounded. “She mentioned her intended journey to me and she surely believed Mr. Marsden had sent a communication to that effect.” “Very singular, indeed. And more Inexplicable are the numerous letters which have come here for her from Easton.” Victor could hardly understand the meaning of the lady’s last sentence; the room seemed to swing around him, the blood congealed in bis veins, and, with a moan, he sank senseless to the floor. When be slowly opened his eyes, he saw Countess Stratmore bathing his temples, while his father anxiously knelt at hia side. Constance, one of the three daughters, hastily called a physician. This doctor had s deep affection for the girl, which was reciprocated on her part; but they only dared to meet clandestinely, owing to Count Stratmore, who was proud of hia nobility and would not give his consent to what he called an unequal betrothal. Dr. Rskrton was in the act of visiting a patient when ha noticed Constance and greeted her nfost cheerfully: “Where to and In such haste, Miss Constance?" “To you,” she replied frankly, with the additional tribute of a sweet smile, “and I am glad I cams in time. It is not on our account, but a stranger, who was suddenly taken ill at our house. I thought befit to call in person rather than wait and Instruct a servant.” Both entered the carriage and were driven to Stratmore Castle by the groom. “Quite right. I thank kind Providence for bringing you to me so unexpectedly.” “Yoa would say so,” she replied, soft-

ly, “if you coaid have seen the yshhg gentleman—be was pale as a ghost Ha was so greatly agitated at aot finding Mies Albenson—yon are doubtless acquainted with the yonng lady—at our place that he swooned.” “How peculiar! He must be deeply attached to the lady,” said the doctor, as they passed through the corridor of the castle. A few moments later he examined the patient and, after putting* the usual queries, withdrew with the count*** to the library. “I understand the gentleman resides at Easton. Did he seem much fatigued upon his arrival. He should not have risked the journey. I hope there will not be any objection to his remaining here. The gentleman ia unable to return. His whole constitution is shattered, both mentally and physically. He needs rest and Aursing.” “Which he shall have,” affirmed the countess, full of sympathy. “My daughters and I will do the best we can.” “I do not doubt it in the least, countess. In the evening I will call again, foe I do not like the pateint’s present appearance.” Countess Stratmore at once informed Gen. Raymond of the exigencies of the case. “Dear general, you must commit your son to our care. His return has been forbidden. You can well afford to remain here a few days—your presence would be very agreeable to us.” * “I fqpl greatly honored by your kindneae and accept tjie invitation with my sinoerest gratitude, but I must return to-day.” “I suppose I will have to consent, buk yon must promise to return in company with your wife; her presence will greatly assist in his recovery; besides, you also need rest, you look fatigued. We will try to have you enjoy your stay—ls it Aettled? Yes!” and without waiting for an answer, the countess quickly left the room. “When do yon Intend to return, father?” asked Victor, later in the afternoon. “My dear boy,” replied the general, soothingly, “the doctor has forbidden your return. You will be kindly nursed, and to-morrow I will come back with mother and remain for a few days. We will be well pleased to leave Easton for a little time, and you will recover more quickly here.” “Father, let me go; I must see Beatrice, if I desire to regain my tranquillity of mind; it pushes me forward irresistibly—l must hear her voice.” ‘ “And do you think Marsden would allow you to cross his threshold? I will try t® gain a conversation with Miss Albenson and will invite her to visit you.” Victor gratefully pressed his father’s hand. Now hope animated his depressed mind and he began to enjoy a much needed rest. Gen. Raymond returned to his home that evening in a more composed state of mind, and on the next day repaired to the banker’s residence without delay and inquired for Beatrice. It had been reported that Miss Albenson had left Easton a few days previous to visit Countess Stratmore. (To be continued.)