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The Brussels Post, 1886-6-25, Page 7Jinn 2u, 188G. lilgn, and dropped the white ' curtain between them, CIIAl'TI1t XXIX. Mr. L duo, the Nov York detective, evbo bad so ignobly failed in the search for Aline Rodney, (1 1(1 not easily recover from that unprevedml6od defeat, Ho wits aceto, wary, and intelligent, with a boueiflcrm stock of patience and persistence, and there gaalltiotl had W. ways insnrell him euccois in all his underi.akie s, failure was a hely cx• perienee with hila, 1 -ie chafed under it. Ilo cuuiti not understand it. If pressing business inattors hart not recalled him to Now York, ho wonlcl have persevered untiringly for monads in the effort to find the missing girl. It was not in Ws nature to give up a quest easily. Only tho stress of circumstances had induced him to give up this one. When ho had thrown it over and re- turned to Now York, it weighed on his mind. He hated to own himself con- quered. Amid the stress of other per - suits, ho often recalled the case in which ho had boon defeated. Fie would abut his oyes amid the din and noise of the oity, and recall the quiet country town that had been the scone of such an un- fathomable mystery. Ho did not like to think that ho, who had worked up the most difficult cases hi the great cities, had boon completely baffled by a simple slip of a girl in a country town that, with all its pretentiousness and its exclusive society, was scarcely more than a village. Although he had ridiculed Dr. An. thony'a story of his beautiful, mysteri. ous 1 aliont, it had made an impression on him that was not easily shaken off. Re often asked 'himself, in the easy, slangy language of the day, whether there could be anything in it. He thought sometimes that he had been too hasty and incredulous in con- demning the story because all his efforts to find the mysterious hidden maiden had failed. Dr. Anthony was certainly a man to bo trusted, being frank, reli- able, and most intelligent. And be had not taken umbrage at Mr. Lane's cre- dulity. Ho had boon frankly amused at ib. When Mr. Lane had quoted, for his benefit, ,Lust folies hence o yovrabalo untrue,^ he frankly admitted that his story had an air of romance. "Notwithstanding which," he gravely added, it is an 'o'er true talo.' " Spite of this little chaffing, tho two men having been frequently arowu to- gether grow to like each other. There were attractive qualities in each one that pleased the other. They became quite social and friendly. When the detective returned to his city home he found it a pleasure sometimes to pause in the whirl of his strange life and drop a few genial lines to the Maywood phy- sician. Dr. Anthony, is his turn, found it pleasant to reply. So that oven before the gossipry news. papers chronicled the fact of Aline Rod- noy's return to her home, Mr. Lane was made cognizant of iv through the medium of the young physician's letters. He was amazed and rather indignant. It was bad enough that sho had so cleverly covered up her traces and stayed away as long as it pleased her, but that sho should come home and keep her secret still was fax worse. He had uo vulgar curiosity over the girl, but he bad a strong professional interest. She had baffled him and damaged his reputation as an invariably successful man. He was distinctly conscious of an inward pique. I should like to shako the naughty littlo run -away 1 What business had sho to outwit me ?" he said to himself. Sometimes he almost made up his mind to run down to Chester and have a look at this girl who could keep a secret so well. She would bewail worth looking at, he fancied, from Dr. Anthony's enthusiastic description of her beauty, Then, too, she must have brains and will besides her beauty, or she could not have kept bor secret against the odds that had been brought to bear against her. Decidedly he meant to see her. But steady business kept him rather against his will in New York. He put off hie trip from time to time waiting for a convenient season. So the autumn months waned and winter was upon him before he had given himself the promised visit. At Christmas he re- ceived ono of Dr. Anthony's pleasant friendly letters. It contained amongits closing messages an invitation to 1V Ir. Lane to be present at his friend's mar- riage on tho 1st of January in theprotty little Qlothic church the Rodnoys at. tended in Chesters. CHAPTER XXX. Marriages were not much in Mr. Lane's line. Ho was forty and a con- firmed old bachelor—at' least that is what his friends said and what he aald himself. He had never put his nock under the galling yoke of matrimony He rather pitied Dr. Anthony's weak.. mindedness in that respect, but he con- sidered if there was any excuse for him it was .Effie Ilodney'a grate and beauty. These were certainly tempting enough to an ordinary, susceptible man. But Mr. Lane didnot feel sufficient romantic interest in the union of the lovers to make a point of witnessing the marriage. Ho was about to decline, ou the plea of urgent business, when a Sud= den thought arrested him with the .ink yet wet on the pen, Why not make an opportunity for seeing Aline Rodney by accepting Dr. Anthony's cordial invi- tation ? Ho changed the contemplated No to Yes., adding a single proviso. He would come if Dr. Anthony would guarantee that,Aline should not know THE BRUSSELS POST that ho was a detective, and that he had vainly tried to trace hor in her myste. rious absence, He fancied that the young lady might conceive an antipathy to him, and vaguely suspect ulterior de- signs from his presence at Chester, Dr, Anthony replied on the part of himself and the ltoduoya, that Aline should be kept in entire ignoramus of Mr. Lane's profession, and look on 1,im monely as the friend of the physician. Receiving title asanramao, the detect- ive decided to attend the nuptials of his friend, arriving in Cheater on the day provions to the happy event. Dr,Authony took him that evening to call on the Itodnoys, "I have told Aline that I expect a friend from Now York," lio said. "Sho is prepared to hoot you and suspects nothing." Mr. Lane thanked his friend for re- specting his scruples. "I have a fancy to study the young lady with the advantage on my side. Perhaps t may get at the bottom of the mystery yet. It has become more in- comprobonsiblo than over since the story of the little fortune offered and refused." "It is most romantic," answered Dr. Anthony, "and the strangest part of it all is that I believe Aline would be to confess the whole truth were she restrained by her vow of silence. "How does she bear the auspi and scorn of those who wore ono friends ?" "She is crushed by it. One can that she is almost heart.broken. Sb pale and sad. She shrinks sensitiv from observation. She can acarcoly persuaded to go outside the door." "Will she be present at the marri ceremony in the church ?" "Yes, by Effie's earnest wish a prayer. My darling has very sole ideas connected with marriage. S believes that the sacred right sho always bo celebrated in church where possible. Aline, by Ef&e's earnest tui will accompany her to the altar." "I am most curious to meet young lady," said the detective. "You will bo quite sure to adm her," said Aline's prospective broth in-law. "She is very beautiful." Mr. Lane had heard this so often th ho only smiled. It occurred to hi however, that if she were prettier th Effie she would have to bo very pre indeed. 1 shall take you to call at the cotta this evening," said Dr. Anthony. "Y will then have an opportunity of mea ing Aline The rest of the family y have mot already." They wont, and although Mr. Lan bad expected to moot a very pretty gi indeed, he was surprised and amaze when he saw Aline Rodney. Ho saw a tall, graceful figure, quisitely molded in the delicate, Bp=trical curves of early womanhood, Sh wore a simple dark -blue cashmere dyes and the round, white throat rose from with a certain stately grace and prid that was vory excusable, seeing what beautiful face shone above it like peerless flower upon its stem. Sho wa pale, but her skin was like the cream white petals of a toserose. Icor hal was darkest brown and loosely curling her features were exquisite ; her oye were large and of the rare violet ting so much admired, so seldom met; he brows were slender and black, and th long, ringed Iashes were black, too, an made her oyos appear black in thei shadow. Mr. Lane was as much streck b Aline's bearing and manner as he wa by her beauty. She had no awkward self-consciousness or awkwardness. He bearing was easy, graceful, and even distinguished. It was natural, not ac- quired, for sho had never mingled in society, and had had but few advantages of travel and oul,lture. Ho wondered at that even more than at hor beauty. It did not ocear to him that the heavy cross that had fallen on her life had had the effect to intensify her natural grace into a grave., proud dignity, that in its silent way seemed like a mute protest against the wrongs she had sustained. The girl had budded into the woman, forced into premature maturity and gravity by the refining power of sorrow. She was very quiet. Sho did not speak to Mr. Lane unless he pointedly addressed her. Sho rarely mot any strangers, and when she did, sho sup- posed that they know her strange story, and despised her. Sho remembered always that glad not 0704 her see o ely bo age 1,d m0 he uld yet' sh, the ire at II prat ge ou t. on 0 rl d ex- 0- e 5, it e a a 9 r s or 0 1 r y a r '•Ono venomod word 11 That stroelc its coward, poisoned blots, In 0100011 whisper, bushed and low—. And yet the wide world heard.. Mr. Lane could talk- very woll when ho would, It pleased him to converse with Aline Rodney. Re was very gra- cious and affable with her, giving hor no smallest hint or sign that ho knew hor strange story. While Dille touched the piano -keys with soft, lingering chords of music, and her lover hung eh. raptured over her, the detective sat apart and bent himself to the task of amusing Aline. Ile did not find ib very easy at first. She was shy and cold ; she seemed to take no interest in his words. Shekopt thinking, morbidly, to herself : "Flo knows my story, and he accord• ingly despises mei" But, as he continued to talk to her pleasantly, unmindful of her quiet re. servo, a now thought came to hor "This good-looking, agreeable friend of Dr. Anthony is from New York, It is not possible that the story of my trouble has reached the great city. Perhaps he docs not know," There was inexpressible comfort and relief in the thought. Unconsciously the tense bands about her heart began to loosen, It was pleasant to meet any one, even a stranger, who did not dis- trust and suspect hor. Sho ventured to lift the frank, blue oyes to his face, and (TO BD OONTINU.C1).) 1',CBAY1 1) FROM' 'TIIP P1iI' lkf. A faux of Ilan undersigned, lot 0 eon, 1, 0 toy, 011 or ahem slay 10. a 00,8 end white heifer, 2 yours old, and 1 yea tibia naives, 21,1 the 111 are Itelaria fawnd n, bleep, ore nue teen Lred nd amid erotic anil r a bleak, art•. apeotly(ly. Anylefo,9ualinrl1,1).1,g t, their recovery will be thaolifully received, Wal. 11011AIUUt1101d„ lelf Jelu0ntnu'n 1'. O. -.j.iGV88f: a LIME WORKS s:CJ.1,1:7,:1711E 1), T1,,,ontam'50,,50 3,4)40 11,1, uppnrinui ty of re- turning thanks to the inhabitants of llrnsaels and vlulnily for post patronage, and bog 1u state that bur1111; 1.11010 e0v0r10 lhlprlye111onta 111 Unit hila a 1,d 111000 1/1 burning, l bey aro now in a batter position 3111111 0000 before to supply the Public with first -Class Lime. This being trio twelfth sonena 01 0110 ),11/i1- 110 ssll 1 e,1 $011 lnetlauss 1 far, t11401115 e j nbile can 00. 1y "1. receiving,,, e, tract Lash t and a Il nit -class article troth us.1')rst•C9uts 1 nue at 13 cants at the litre. W e Alam burn a Sea Burn or plastering at ilio 01unO 1111U1 • Item°tuber tau spot—nru0sel, Lime Works, 42 TOWN £ SON. ALLAN LINE. LOYAL t ll[t1IL S'T'EAINISI-I TP$. TO LIVERPOOL, LONDONDERRY, GLASGOW, LONDON, Ere, ,oatooragr., 090.00, TAvnrbocl, Londonderry, Quotans Low", (.latgnw, or Belfast to tlu0bee and a1wit) a 11.11011, as by tui) aret-chin•, laic. tS'L1\Ilr1;I1 AIUL,3 COIrii1;N•r, 1886. Tbel'loal and 'Quebec ,S'crrirc. From Liver)1ool, Prom onebac Friday, Apr. 21,. Cireausi0n 101May May 14 Thu rail's', Ap. 29. Polynesfeu, Thu rs,l'y May 20, Friday, billy 14. 51 0 Sero than ilLri 11il1ridl y Juno 3. Tburtday, tiny 20. Sardinian 'Sim el's- Jun.10. b ri day , ilia), 28. Circassian Friday Jobe 18. Titured'y, Jun, a. Vol mca,nu Thurs'dy J Int. 24. Tburtd'y Jnu, 10, Mr! Thurs,1'y Jul'y 1, Flun.StnaJuly 1'hursay,J24. Sardinian Turod Pi y yb, The last train ono!method with the rWainer usQuiioa isrors01lelsStJi1i.it01111 leave Wednesdays edI 11.10, also, null eenneet rllth the eteamar at Portland every 'Thursday 111111) opening c1 navigation at Quoin oh 14111 of May, at same rates. Soo cat On, sheep or pigs are aarrlad au the aYlnl] etunw Ora' 1 1110 AWL,. 01lu, Tor tickets end lleruhn and every informa- tion apply to .Y. It. G s•rlaxt, AGENT, At tho Post 011ie,', Brussels, WATO I UAKI Cf. The, undersigned talars plensare in in £ormilig the people of Mlle] and 100000,11 ing country that he has opened n shop whore he is prepared to attend to the re. pairing of Watches, Clocks, Jewelry, 71tc., In a manner that 35111 give the best ofsatie- faction. All work guaranteed to be done in a satisfactory maunel or no charge made. A call solicited; Shop opposi to Robertsons Ilotel,P thol.� Wm, Doig. WHY The Columbus Watch CS THE t84.;er„ 7 d�.�ii���t��`: �C•ra •nEMJB i i 2122L.Y:'01912S7.111715M511 irdc`jGPGi�x --ae.,l"�.�:.r'63'r,.�.a3:1G1 x._,•�_n_' 11 =EC0 :NT o III- - =rte Undertaker & Funeral Di recto 10 Would intimate to the public generally that he has completed his Nnw HLAnsr, which is one of the finest outside the cities, and is prepared to Furnish Funerals 00 the Shortest Notice, Coffins, Caskets, Robes, &c., Kept Constantly on Hand. Residence Upstairs over Shop, where Orders may be loft either Day or Night. J''qE,n, - EMS/P•33Y,id-'raiA1 RTISTIC IT.IRNITURE In Ancient and Modern • Styles, Made to Order. A Complete Stock of Furniture ALWAYS ON HAND. R. MALCOM, PROPRIET(II, HARAE Q HA1ARELfi � ' 4 GRANT & Co. are to the front with a Full Assortment of EVE YTH NG IN THEM LINE and are Offering Special Inducements to the Public. JUST RECEIVED Lawn Mowers, Wire Cloth for Screens, A full lineof Beady Mixed Paints, Lyman Barbed and Plain Fence Wire, Bar Iron, Steel, and Carriage Good;. Arriving in a Few Days. 1 Car Load of Double and Siegle Window Glass. iWo make It Spec- ialty of Building Hardware,) Binding Twine, Calcined Plaster land Cement. 11 'Hl Main Spring 111310el it completely 1 coveted, milking it mere Nearly dust proof than guy otter, Oar Regulator is nearly double the length of nrothers, rwulotzami '� e Our a�'vest Tools, ing 130cat0 regilintion n veryrysimple 201,1-. ter, 'l'o roplaro a broken Main Spring the Barrel can bo removed without removing Finest ire he ,E aor,.5i , the Balance or interfering with alto ranula- `1 Ff1'� kG�: tion. Our flair spring Stud is so formed that two or more coils of Spring cannot each in tho Regulator Pins and canoe the Watch to either stop or gain luno a1 an ern—emu rate. The Balance eemee under We have nOW ell bond, from A. Farris, Son & Co.. Brantford, a the round, or edge, the strongest part of the edge, 1108 0a in all °there, in the centro Slid ender it•' ariclltcst part. q.'htst bio it , improvCdlanr la that meant b0 olttimorl hay , L h "' any other maenftioturors, There aro other 41 ii , ; Vljtt ke advautagrs which the watehulalrer can readily extplein, and onto seen, all mu..t' for their' Self Binder's Mowers and Reapers. agree wits us in saying that ice have too 1 strongest and best watch in the world to In buying tun) carrying n Ooltntlbue Watch you will save 1 he limo of on ordi- nary watch It, a few years in repairs alone, to any nothing of tho ineenveniou,e and d0. lay of repairs. FOR 83LE A'11 T. Fletcher's, Er ussels. ' 0o11m.e in and Get Prices. GRANT & CO.