The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1893-05-31
SET, PA, WEDNESDAY, MAY 81, 1898.

for long while remained plunged in
thought.
The girls startling proposal haunted
him in spite Of all his efforts to dismiss it
from his mind.
Ten thousand pounds was no small
sum to be lightly rejected. He was
young, poor and ambitious. Gold was
the magic wand which would beat down
the barrier that now stood between him
and success. Gold would buy him infiu-
ence and friends and open the way to
the realization of his dearest hopes.
Why should he not accept the tempt
ing offer? He was heart whole and not
averse to settling down into contented
baehelorship, and as long as she did not
mind entering into the strange compact,
why should he?
These and similar thoughts agitated
him for the next two days, and when on
Thursday the beautiful stranger again
stood before him, he had firmly decided
what to do.
"well?" she exclaimed, looking at
him eagerly.
AZ accept your Offer" he answered,
with an intense gravity in his voice,
"and hope we shall neither Of US regret
it, Now, may ask you one or two ques-
tions ?"
Certainly"
"Do you mind telling me your name ?'
"Nita-Nita Sinclair" she responded,
smiling.
"And may know why you want me
to marry you?"
She looked embarrassed for an instant,
then said slowly:
81 cannot tell you at present. After
you have rendered me the service | shall
ssk, will give you a complete explana-
tion. Until then will you not trust me p
Her large, soft eyes were gazing stead
fastly into his, and sweet half tremu-
lous smile parted her red lips.
For a second Frank, who, in spite Of a
certain amount of rough knocking about
the world, was sufficiently romantic and
mpressionable, completely lost his head,
and, seizing her hand, he carried it TO his
lips, as he fervently exclaimed
Il will trust you Yes. Only tell me
what can do to serve you, and your or
ders shall be blindly and implicitly obey
ed"
Two weeks later, as Frank Tremayne
sat in his office indulging in happy day
dreams for the future, Dick suddenly en-
tered and laid small, blue tinted note
on the table before him.
Frank opened it hurriedly, recognizing
the delicate handwriting.
When he had mastered the contents,
he pondered for a minute or two, a
thoughtful look on his brow.
Tomorrow l am to be at st. James
church, she says" he muttered at last,
"and act as my heart and honor prompt
me. Well, It's queer command alto
gether, and singular place Of rendez-
vous, but as have promised to obey l
must keep my word. l shall be glad
| when the business is over, and the ten
thou mine. and yet
He broke off with sigh as before him
rose the vision of a lovely dusky face and
two tender dark eyes. Then forced
laugh escaped him, and he brushed his
hand across his brow.
bah. believe 1 am getting senti-
mental," he exclaimed half eontemptu-
ously.
The next morning at the hour indi-
Gated Frank entered the church Nita had
mentioned in her letter.
An unusual stir about it and the large
number of fashionably dressed people as
sembled betrayed that something of in
terest WAS about to take place. The flow
ems and the red cloth that reached from
the alter steps to the gate outside con-
vinced Frank that the something" was
a wedding.
He took his place in one of the pews
and waited, curious, excited sensation
thrilling him.
He looked at the bridegroom elect,
who was already standing near the altar,
handsome man in the prime of life,
with dark, naughty face, and cold, gilt
tering eyes.
A movement behind made Frank turn,
and he gazed rather curiously at the
white draped form slowly approaching.
As the bride, leaning on the arm of an
elderly man, passed the pew where he
sat she raised her head, and her eyes met
his-a brief glance, but which neverthe-
less sent an electric thrill running
through him.
"Nita, he scarcely breathed, and like
one under the influence of spell watch
ed the strange and unreal scene.
At first he saw without hearing, but
presently the clergyman's voice fell dis
tinctly on his ears, and the words ne ut
tered made Frank rise to his feet and
move mechanically up to the altar.
forbid this marriage" he said loud
ly and imperiously, and se;ring Nita's
hand held it fast.
The bridegroom grew crimson, and
sinister light sprsng 10 his eyes. He glanc-
ed from Franks calm face to Nita's, and
something in her eyes-a glow Of secret
exultation-roused a sudden, wild suspi-
cion in his breast.
"Whoare you, sir ?" he hissed. By
what right do you forbid this MARRIAGE"
By the greatest of all rights. This
lady is my wife, and while l live she can
marry no other man."
at is lie," the bridegroom almost
shouted, while lady whose resemblance
to him proclaimed her to be his mother,
moved to his side, her face deathly white.
"Your proof" she gasped.
Frank drew the certificate of marriage
from his breast and held it before their
eyes. Then as both fell back, bailied and
speechless, he smiled coldly and turning
to Nita said
"S5all take you from here ?"
In silence she laid her hand on his
arm. and together they passed from the