Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1889-08-09

can't understand how I feeI-tbat is faa-
possibIei Of course, the repetition 0E the
ceremony viii not make me more truly
your wife, but shall feel that it has, and
that is enough. You know am DulCle-
poor, miserable Dulcisi Because Of the
past and all / have suffered, I entreat
you to cOnsenti"
She looked so sweet, so sad SO Winsome,
her pretty childish face uplifted, her red
lips twitching and quivering, her big blue
eyes lustEOUs with unshed tears, the slen-
der little hands clutching pathetically to-
gsther. Philips heart smOte him, and all
his doubts and fears suddenly gave way.
Il am a brute, he cried, remOrsefulIy,
holding her close for a moment. Yes,
darling, it shall be as you wish.
He kissed her with trembling lips, then
strobe away.
The clergyman was still in the house.
Five minutes later Philip returned with
him, bringing two of the servants for wit
nesses. Clasping TOinette's cold little
hand, he led her before the man of God,
and the solemn marriage service began.
This time it went on without Interrupt
ton to the end.
There was only slight pause when the
Wedding ring was wanted. Philip looked
in vain Tor the valuable diamond he lad
placed on DuIcie's hand, and missed itfOr
the first time.
There was a mOmentary pang of disap-
pointment. It would have been so much
more appropriate to use it again! But, as
it was not available, he took a plain gold
ring from his own finger and placed it on
that Of the trembling bride.
Il have complied with your wish, dar-
ling, he whispered, when all was over.
Now, smile and be happy again"
Was it the strange expression Of her
face, or the exultant Joy in her eyes that
| caused him to fall back and eZclaim.
"My Godl You have deceived me! You
are not Dulcie, but TOinette!"
A chill of siCkening terror shot through
/ the impOstOr's heart at this sudden accu-
sation. She made frantic effort to speak,
! TO utter denial, but her lips moved mute
! ", and she sank into a chair.
Philip bent over her In a state of in
! tense, terrible excitement. He touched
| her tangled curls and looked into her
death-white face.
| Cold white beads gathered thickly upon
! his forehead. The conviction had flashed
] upon his mind with appalling madness
| that he had been deceived, and in mo-
ment it took full possession Of him.
! Heaven pity me. This is terribIe!" he
! cried, in hOarse, shaken voice. What
! is the truth? Oh, to doubt, when doubt
stahs me to the heart!"
Just then a cold hand cIutched his arm,
and Mrs. RUsk painted close behind him.
Master, master, what have you done!
! Married that girl after the warning you
had just received? Oh, God, be mercltu-
to US all! You Will surely rue i'll"
The hOusekeeper's own doubts of Toll
/ nette had deepened into conviction before
! Major Villars and Guy left the house. II
had not entered her thoughts that PhlIlE
would we'd the impOstOr after that Ano
| now, while she was OFF guardfO moment
the fatal deed had been done.
God be merciful!" she cried again.
Philip wheeled around and glared at her
an awful Wilderness creeping over his face
why do you say that? What do yoJ
mean?"
Eve been watching the girl, and sht
isn't in the least like my sweet mistress
I can detect difference If you do not
It's my belief, sir, that Major Yillars
strange story is not without foundation.
You, too?" Philip brushed his hanC
over his wet forehead. What has LEI
you to suspect her? Speak out!"
I scarcely know. A thousand nameIes
little things"
Mrs. Rusk took quick step toward tn
limp figure sunken in the deep arm chat
and touched the slender finger on Whicl
the golden circlet, placed there but few
moments before, shone softly in the sun
light.
Where is the pretty diamond ring Dull
Gle always wore? What has become of it
if this girl is really your runaway wife,"
Philip felt himself grow cold again from
head to foot. Evidence against the i'm
pOstOr was rapidly multiplying. His owl
heart told him she could not be DuIC e
He was half mad with distrust and pei
plexity.
The startled clergyman was summaril
dismissed and restOratives applied. A
} length Toinette breathed long, strug
CLING sigh, and opened her eyes.
Philip" she groaned, holding out he
hands piteously, love and trust me now
or I shall surely die"
He fell back beyond her reach, Utterin
a smOthered cry of pain.
"My heart is with Dulcie, my only tru
wife, wherever she may be-"
: 81 am Dulcie. Have I not sworn 1t
You are cruel, cruel, to distrUst me ate
| all that has passed.
Where is the diamond ring I placed o.
Dulcie's finger in the old chapel?"
Toinette was not wholly unprepared 70
, the question after what Mrs. Rusk ha
said to her the morning subsequent to he
t arrival at Highlands.
@I have left the ring in safe hands, " sh
answered, forcing a pleading smile to he
. lips. 1T was too valuable to be WOr
among strangers. Be patient, Philip.
will soon be restored to its place"
Every well. When 1 see you wear
again viii acknowledge you as my wife,
/ With these words he abruptly left he.
CHAPTER XIV.
? A TERRIBLE ALTERNATIVE.