Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 January 1904 — ALL FOR A TITLE; or THE BANKER’S WARD. [ARTICLE]

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

By ALBERT H. MODRICKER,

Author oI

••John Q. Keiffer A C 0.,” •* Won By Strategy,” ” The Tramp’• Stroke,” “No. 2,00!,” Etc. Copyright. I*o, By Chicaoo NyvoPArew Union.

CHAPTER Xlll.—(Continued.) Punctually to agreement, Follet appeared at the dining room in the hotel, where he ws« cheerfully greeted by Oount Bozell. A choice dinner waa served. After the repast, the count conducted the bookkeeper into an adjoining ■Apartment, where on a large, round oakon table lay the marriage contract, while on the nofa, near the fireplace, were seated Col. Stanley and Emily Belgrave, engaged in an earnest conversation. “Miss Albenson,” began the count, addressing Emily, “allow me to introduce to you Mr. Follet, your step-fatheris representative.” Emily bowed in acknowledgment “1 feel highly honored, Mies Albenson, and take the liberty of expressing my congratulations." “Thanks,” Emily replied, simply. “I hope Count Bozell will be happy in his dholce.” "Well, let’n attend to business,” said the count after a time. “Col. Stanley and you, Follet, will bear witnee# to our signatures.” Emily waa really about five years older than Beatrice—'Shis, and the many hardships She had endured made her look considerably older in appearance than the girl whom she was impersonating. This fact Impressed itself upon Follet, and, after he had cast a necond glance upon her face, the thought came to him that this girl was not Miss Albenson at all, bat he wisely kept the suspicion to himself for the time being at least. Meanwhile Emily, with a trembling hand, affixed her name as Beatrice-Al-benson to the document; then the colohel nodded to Follet to put down his signature. Follet's look glided upon Bozell, and he did not hesitate any longer; for, he argued, as he did not really know Mies Albenson, who could censure him? Finally Col. Stanley and Bozell signed their names. Bozell was forced to bite the bitter fruit of enduring Follet's company. Prudence admonished him to retain his friendship and it was late in the night ere Follet left the count, who, greatly satisfied over the working of bis plot, retired to his private room and was soon enjoying a refreshing nap. Emily, pacing up and down in an adjoining apartment, could find no rest; the past, present and future surged through the girl’s mind—the past, with the cares and pains of many years; the present, which she had scarcely ifcgun to enjoy, and, alas! the future—how insecure it presented I Lite if to her reflecting mind! Emily could not plainly understand the peculiar position rhe was placed in. For her child’s sake she had thus far blindly complied with the count’s behests; her pure soul had not taken any part in his base designs, and if she had entertained •the least conception that a fraud was to he perpetrated, she would never have made her hand accessory to it, notwithetanding the great love she bore her child. Emily Belgrave had never been permitted to read the genuine document — cnee more the count bad deceived her —would he abuse her trust again? Why should she marry the count under an assumed name? she argued. Waa she <»ot the child of honest parents?—why did he wish to marry her, if he was ashamed of her descent? She pressed her hands to her temples and continued to meditate; but the more she did so, the more her thoughts became confused. The tire had gone out and she sought to sleep, but restless and sleepless she*remained awake; until, at last, the warm rays of the sun shone upon her wedding day. A maid entered the room to prepare her todlet for the occasion. The count had purchased a costly wardrobe modeled after the latest Parisian fashion, which fitted her admirably; her pale features were slightly reddened, her eyes shone with joyful expectation. At 11 o’clock two witnesses appeared at the Hotel De Monde. Two carriages conveyed Follet and the count, and another Gol. Stanley with Emily to the great cathedral of London.

Emily acted as if in a dream; how different, ahe had thought in her younger 4ay« of the greatest event in a woman’s life. She had imagined to be married ■at the village church, surrounded by relatives and friends, happy and contented at the altar. How vastly different was the reality from the fancy of her youth? By the aide of a man whose real character she had never known, she had risked to wslk towards the future, and how hollow re-echoed the sacred "Yes” from the -walls. “Write your name here,” commanded her newly made husband after the ceremony, pointing to a line in the open record book. Emily graced upon him anxiously. “What! how? in this book, too?” she faltered. "Yes; write Beatrice Albenson, so that everything will be done up properly as it should be,” he whispered softly. The name which she wrote with kalfbtinded eyee did not correspond exactly with the one she had written in the marriage contract —a fact which drew Foilet's atrtention at once, as he affixed his name with a concealed smile. After cordial congratulations on all nklen, Emily found herself close ,t© the ceant’s side in the carriage, the steeds Spending over the paved streets towards the railway station. “Hern you any other business to atteod to ere you leave the city, Mr. Folletr Inquired the colonel of the bookkeeper as he was in the act of taking Ida departure at the portal of the church. “No; I win return to Easton at once, Is order to give Mr, Ms reden the dnotred information and document” *T appreciate your seal and, of course, yon mast not forget to Inform Mr. Manages M feta stop-daughter's good hoaMh,” nddod the colonel, lightly, pressing BV>lftafe hand and then he impaired to the

“A cute one is this old soldier,” muttered Follet. “He and the count are two of a kind; but my name is not Edward Follet if I do not get at the bottom of their schemes.” CHAPTER XIV. It was after hours at the bank, the clerks and other officials had already left, when Follet appeared before the banker, who looked inquiringly upon him. “Well?” inquired Marsden. “I have brought the document,” Informed Follet, bowing respectfully and obediently, though he felt and thought quite differently. “Very good,” Marsden made answer. “Did Misa Albenson enact a scene or rafuse to sign the paper?” “No, sir. The lady was not very communicative. I congratulated her, and she said she hoped the count would be happy in his choice; that was all. Miss Albenson is quite a beautiful young lady,” Follet remarked cautiously; “perhaps a little older and more grieved to outward appearances, but withal healthy and robust. You know I never had the pleasure of the lady’s acquaintance, and therefore I cannot give a good or accurate description.” “Quite true; but what is the use of speaking about her appearance? 'You had better describe the ceremony; you surely were present?” “Yes, sir. The marriage took place in St. Paul’s Cathedral. Miss Albenson looked splendidly, despite her remarkably sad manners. However, most women ■bed tears, whioh Mies Albenson did not at least.” “Did she leave any message for me?” “No, sir; not a word, but the count requested ms to transmit to you his best wishes and inform you of his success.”

“Ah! I understand. I will remit a draft immediately. Where is the document ?” Follet handed it to him. "Mias Albenaon seems to have been greatly excited; her handwriting generally has a stronger flourish to it. How were you impressed with Col. Stanley?" “Oh, he is a jolly old gentleman, wich snow-white hair, and quite interesting. He accompanied the young lady to the cathedral. We went to the theater later. The lady did not attend; she remained in her rooms, and I had the pleasure of seeing her only for a few moments when she signed the document, and had the honor of kissing Countess Bozell’s hand after the ceremony,” remarked Follet, cunningly. \ Marsden smiled. Mention of the word “countess” pleased him highly. “You did right, Follet, ip speaking of my ward as Countess Bozell,” he remarked proudly. “It is time to make the affair public. I will write down an announcement for the newspapers at once. When I ring the bell, Follet, please return and have the article inserted in the papers.” “Ye?., sir,” complied Follet, retreating humbly. But the writing in the ledgers danced before his eyes. In the place of figures, Follet imagined he saw three persons: Count Bozell, Emily Belgrave and Marsden. He could not add the lightest col umn; his thoughts constantly meditated on the problematical juxtaposition of these three persons, whose designs he tried to fathom, but could not He waa thus deeply engrossed when the bell rang. Marsden gave him the manuscript, reached for his hat and coat —Follet did not fail to offer his services—-and left the counting room. “I am glad the marriage is consummated,” he muttered, as he hastened down the street, and coming in close contact with the woman whom he had once before seen at the office door. “Where have I seen that woman before?” be questioned himself, as he hurried forward. “Her face seems strangely fainiliaT.” While these and other thoughts occu-

pied his mind, the woman in question inquired of the bank’s janitor as to when Victor Raymond would return. “The young man is not here any more," was the response. “His position has been taken by another person. Sorry l cannot give more cheerful news." “Perhapa you can give me his present address? I have something important to communicate.” "He resides with his father, Gen. Raymond. My way lies in that direction, and, if you wish, I will neeompany you there. Please wait a few moments until Mr. Follet leaves the counting room.” A few minutes later Follet appeared and after closely looking at the lady, who was Mrs. Latbrop, went bis way. Mrs. Lathrop was greatly obliged to her guide for accompanying her to Gen. Raymond’s residence, and bade him a hearty farewell as she rahg tho bell—but nobody responded to her ring. As we are aware, they had gone to Stratmore. The domestics were enjoying their absence and had closed the doors. Thus the second missive did not reach its destination. In response to Beatrice’s wish, Mrs. Lathrop had again made an attempt to get a letter to Victor, but with the same result. • * * • • • • Gen. Raymond’s consolations to his son sufficed to produce an invigorating influence over Victoria enfeebled condition. Despite the,doctor’s admonitions, he peremptorily concluded to search for Beatrice. The recent aad eventa were well known to the Stratmores. Victor did not fail to relate to Edith the details of his previous connection with the bank, the terrible accusation, hie dismissal from service, and the separation from his darling, all of which served to arouse Edith’s indignation. “Such a tyrant!” she exclaimed. “Poor Beatrices how could she treat yon in that -way? If I were In yonr place, I would certainly call him to aeeonnt” “Yonr implicit confidence tn my honesty animates ms greatly,” he respondL ed- “But de yen harbor the same tender

feeling* toward Beatrice?—do you ft* lievs the rumor of her betrothal to daunt Bozell r "Judging from our mutual acquaintance, no.” . . “I thank you a thousand times, Edith; your words impart courage and strength, and I slialf not rest until I have found Beatrice and bear from her own lips that it la false. 1 believe that Kenneth Lathrop could give some information.” “Yes; he may know all about It; If* - not, 1 would like to suggest some one else. Please tell all to Dr. Ralston; hs knows so many things unknown to others He is a man of a noble character, and he will surely aid you if you ask him. He is summoned nearly every day to Easton, and you might accompany him whenever you feel strong enough.” “llow solicitous you are for my welfare, Miss Edith. Gladly I accept your advice and will ask Dr. Ralston for hla assistance,” responded Victor, and he did so upon the doctoris next visit. “My poor young man,” said he. gently, after being informed of Victor’s plight. “Certainly I will lend you my assistance. However, yon must aave your streugth; you cannot endure new efforts and excitement, as It may produce a relapre, and then you would need Mine Edith’s further nursing.” Thus an intimacy sprung up between the doctor and Victor. The first conscientiously kept bis word, but all of hie researches were very discouraging. Some maintained to have seen Bozell in company with a young lady on the road between the station and the remote country house, but as the count and his estate were ill-rumored, the doctor refrained from depriving his new friend of the feeble hopes he'always entertained and preferred to wait until Victor had obtained what information Kenneth Lathrop could impart. As soon as Victor felt sufficiently convalescent the doctor accompanied him to the city. But, alas! Kenneth could not be found, nor was it known where he had gone, as he had left Easton without giving any notice as to his destination. “Fortune is a strange dame,” remarked the doctor upon their return; “but let ue attend to the inner man. I will order a good meal of which you must partake while I go to attend a patient a short distance from here. Do not excite yourself, nud upon my return I may be able to offer the key to all of these complications.” Then after accompanying Victor to a a inn at the roadside, he departed—mot to see a patient, but for the house in the forest. In curt terms he demanded to see Miss Beatrice Albenson, but was answered by I'anchette, the maid, that the lady was in Ixmdon in company with Count Bozell. His worst presentiment* were realized, and, refraining from asking any more questions, he arrived at the inn. deeply depressed. “Well, doctor,” said Victor, as Raleton intended to leave the inn without giving any explanation, “where is your promised report?” “To-morrow will be soon enough for that,” he replied, evasively. “You require rest now; you are too fatigued.” On the following morning he repeated what lie had heard, but without convincing Victor. He remained steadfast In fits confidence. ——— - “I will never believe Beatrice waa there of her own free will. Wherever she may be. I will and must find her. You do not know bow deeply Beatrice loves mo.” “I do not wish to condemn too quickly. As long as you confide in the young lady, it is my duty,to pave the way which will ultimately lead you to your goal. I will continue my investigations and we will employ a detective,” assured the doctor, giving Victor's hand a strong pressure. “Only, courage; it will all come out right yet. Now, please rest until tomorrow. when I will return and inform you of my further steps.” iTo be continued.'