The herald., 1893-05-04

the magic wand which would beat down
the barrier that now stood between him
and success. Gold would buy him in
fuence 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. .ant not
averse to settling down into cont led
hachelorslip, and as long as she ii not
mind entering into the strange cor ct,
why should he?
These and similar thoughts agitated
him for the next two days, and when on
the Thursday the beautiful stranger
again stood before him he had frnlly
decided what to do.
"WellP" she exclaimed, looking al him
eagerly.
81 accept your OFFER" he answered,
with an intense gravity in his voice,
land ! hope we shall neither of us regret
it. Now, may / ask you one or two
questions?"
Certainly"
3 "Do you mind telling me your name?'
"Nita-Nita Sinclair" she responded,
smiling.
"And may know why you Wet me
to marry your
She looked embarrassed for an instant,
then said slowly:
Il cannot tell you at present. After
you have rendered me the service I shall
ask, will give you a complete explana-
tion. Until then will you not trust me?"
Her large, soft eyes were, gazing stead
fastly into his, and a sweet, half tremu-
lous smile parted her red lips.
For second Frank, who, in spite Of a
certain amount OF rough knocking about
the world, was sufficiently romantic and
impressionable, completely lost his head,
and seizing her hand he carried it to his
lips as he fervently exclaimed:
Il will trust you'll Yes. Only tell me
what l can do to serve you, and your
orders shall be blindly and implicitly
obeyed.
Two weeks later, as Frank Tremayne
sat in his office indulging in happy day
dreams for the future, Dick suddenly en-
tered and laid a small, blue tinted note
on the table before him.
Frank opened it hurriedly, recogniz-
ing the delicate handwriting.
When he had mastered the contents,
he pondered for a minute or two, a
thoughtful look on his brow.
Tomorrow 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 o 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 yeti
He broke off with sigh as before
him rose the vision of lovely dusky
face and two tender dark eyes. Then
forced laugh escaped him, and he brushed
his hand across his brow.
"Bahl / believe | am getting senti-
mental" he exclaimed half contemp-
tuously.
The next morning at the hour indicat-
ed Frank entered the church Nita had
mentioned in her letter.
An unusual stir about it and the large
number of fasfrionabiy dressed people
assembled betrayed that something of
interest was about to take place. The
flowers and the red cloth that reached
from the altar steps to the gate outside
convinced 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
a dark, naughty face and cold, glittering
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 eunder the influence of a spell watched
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 he ut
tered made Frank rise to his feet and
move mechanically up to the altar.
II forbid this marriage, hesaid loudly
and imperiously, and seizing Nita's hand
held it fast.
The bridegroom grew crimson, and
sinister light sprang to his eyes. He
glanced from Franks calm face to Nita's,
and something in her eyes-a glow Of So
cret exultation--roused a sudden, wild
suspicion in bis breast.
"Who are you, sirY' he hissed. ''By
what right do you forbid this marriage?'
''By the greatest of all rights. This
lady is my wife, and while live she can
marry no other man."
"It is a liel" the bridegroom almost
shouted, while a lady whose resemblance
to him proclaimed her to be his mother,
moved to his side, her face deathlJs white.
"Your proofsl" she gasped.
Frank drew the certificate Of marriage
from his breast and held it before their
eyes. Then as both fell back, baffied
and speechless, he smiled coldly and
turning to Nita said:
'Shall take you from here?"
In silence she laid her hand on his arm,
and together they passed from the
church.
AS they entered the waiting carriage
Nita gave quick order to the groom
which Frank did not catch, but when
IL 1.fA Il. q I. =. 4 s