Page:The Social War.djvu/51

Rh Lucinda modestly bowed her head and said: "This, truly, is the happiest moment of my life."

Instantly Victor drew her toward him and kissed her affectionately, after which he said:

"My darling, I should be pleased now to listen to 'the horrible things' of which you spoke."

"I will tell you, but hope you will see the necessity of keeping the whole matter a sacred secret, otherwise ruination might befall us both," said she.

"No, darling, have more faith in my Cupid God; but let me not interrupt you any more," responded Victor. "Well, my noble friend, you will see the good of being cautious about making known my visit, disguise and story," said Lucinda.

"Of course, sweet love, I shall be perfectly silent, especially as you desire it, even if I saw it was better to make it public," ejaculated Victor.

"Thanks, blessed Victor. But to the point; I have a faithful servant at home, who has overheard a secret plot to murder you, and that by people whom you have never injured, and of whom you would not think that they could be guilty of such dark deeds," said Lucinda.

Victor interrupted her, and said: "My darling, allow me to ask who these parties are, and whether your servant really is reliable?"

"Yes, good Victor, my servant is reliable; moreover, there are a train of circumstances, of which I know, that convince me of the existence of such a plot; and, further, when I tell you all, you may be able to conjure up some matters that happened in this chamber, by which you also will know the truth of what I shall relate.

"My father is a good, honest man, and a great admirer of yourself; I make this remark because, when I tell you my story, you might conceive the matter in such a manner as to cause an impression on your mind that dear father had something to do with this vile work; because, you certainly must know that Dr. Toy Fancy was employed by father and myself," said Lucinda.