The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1874-05-02

The Colonel placed his hand upon the
purse. a. if TO retain it.
81 win do a. you wish, " was the hasty
response Benedicto ETC., and the mum
meriss were said which bore little or no
significance to Mr. Markham, only ensured
the safety Of fellow creature, and that
person q woman in distress.
The woman retained hin hand, crying,
until they reached Lorio. The diligence
stopped, and the trio dismounted-
"Where shall we take her 7" querried
one Of the soldiers of the leader, a the
lady alighted.
Mr.. Markham placed his arm around
her waist protectingly, and faced the sol
diers.
Lay not finger upon her, he ejacu-
lated more excitedly than was his wont.
"What do you mean !" demanded the
leader dra wing his sword, and advancing a
step.
"Renounce your touch from daughter
of the church"
81 mean that this lady is my wife, was
the firm reply. THAT no power legal,
my side"
ne le80eF QFoW D8CA y bsop WV
with smothered oath.
1T is 81 he says" said the priest, |
married them in the diligence less than an
hour since"
"Then our works over" laughed the
soldier. II had q mission to execute, you
have placed it beyond my jurisdiction to
accomplish. My congratulations, slr !"
he said, politely to Mr. Markham.
The Colonel bowed, and, Offering his
arm to his newly made wife, moved toward
the door Of the little inn.
lone momel.t," she faltered, as the
light shone full upon his face, and she
started with low moan Of pain or sur
prise, which he construed into The farmer.
81 am affected by the excifcsnent o. tins
past half hour, let me rest for moment.
He allowed her to seat herself on the
bench outside the door.
"You will soon feel better, be said,
soothingly. "Have you any definite plans
ss to your future co urse r.
''None, that can interest you. l shall
keep my pledged word to you, and shall
make no claim upon you a. wife. What
you have done was only an act Of pure
humanity. You shall hear from me soon
as it is, it is perhaps better that you
should not even know me.
Something in the woman's manner
something which reminded him of the grace
of one long gone from his sight, but still
dear to his heart, drew him towards the
yelled creature beside him, with warm pity
and sympathy.
But, if desire that you should re-
main with me, that you should receive my
aid and protection-at least, until you
leave this troublesome country y he
said, hesitatingly.
at must not be, was the response in
faint, agitated tones" Give me your sd-
dress, and when have fulfilled the slight
mission have to execute, will communi-
cate with you, and do all in my power 70
enable you to nullify our hasty, though
necessary to my welfare, union
"Oh, sir !" she exclaimed impassionate-
ly, "you can never know how deeply l
am grateful to your generous conduct.
Words cannot express my gratitude but
. lifetime of such respect and esteem a.
fewwomen feel for man, shall attest that
your noble action is at least rewarded in
my heart of hearts"
&C. feel the delicacy of our situation, F."
he said, quietly. 81 will at least have a
room prepared for you would you prefer
sitting here for few moments."
She acquiesced with q slight inclination
of her head.
He arose to 90. With a deprecatory
movement of her hand, she detained him.
Zone moment" she said, lifting her
veil unwittingly, and disclosing face sad,
pale, and careworn, with eyes that struck
n thrill to her companions heart, let me
know your name.
: :" Ny God - he exclaimed, almost be-
fore the words had left her lips, and a she
hastily dr0ppt1 Ac- veil. And then, a. IL
himself from some foolish fancy,
or imagined resemhlanee, which had caused
the exclamation :" he said, - he turned 10
enter the inn" Raleigh Markham"
He did not hear the faint moan that is
sued from the lips of the woman he had
so strangely made his wife, nor the sudden
gesture of mingled astOnishment, horror,
and wild wonderment which followed 1t.
And five minutes later when he entered,
she was gone.
Gone and where
Search and inquiry elected no clue to
her sudden mysterious disappearance.
Whether she had vanished by the mount
ain path, or had flown through the air.
he could as easily have OWNED, as how she
had 30 magically left him. Not surely by
the air, for she was of the earth, earthly
nor taken by the soldiers, for they were all
in the inn, if by the mountain path, her
fight had been sudden and effectual, for
an hours search proved unavailable toward
regaining her.
And 80, Raleigh Markham, for the third
time, lost bride by fight. He knew
nothing of this woman. Only some fan
cied resemblance to the woman of his early
choice, the mother of Claribel some soft
accent in her voice which touched . vibrant
chord in his memory of blighted past,
and wasted dream Of happiness, caused
him to think fondly on the one glimpse Of
the fair sweet face both fair and sweet
despite the rsvages Of care, and sorrow,
and suffering-and TO bow his head upon
his hands, and weep over the memories
which this woman had awakened in his in
mOa& aoul