The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1895-09-19
IMPERIAL MILLIONS
b. JULIAN HAWTHORNE.

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| tion.1
"Oh, beg your pardon for being d
fool" returned the artist, inconsequent-
ly."
Olympia stood silent a moment 81
didn't think you could be so absurdr'
she remarked, at length, and turned
away.
"Wait" said Darke. in an imperious
tone. She faced him again with flush
ON her cheeks. 81 have been absurd" he
went on, ''but now I'm done with it,
If you had told me whom you were to
marry, l should never have begun it."
81 to marry!' repeated Olympia, lift
ing her head.
"My dear, l am afraid Mr.. Darke is
not himself; we had better Co." inter-
posed Mrs. Raven, shifting from one
foot to the other in a kind of subdued
dance of anxiety.
"Oh, it's no secret. You are to be
Mrs. Harry Trent. Yes, have it on the
best authority" Here he dropped his
sarcastic tone and spoke with passion
"What have done that you should hui
initiate Inc? Do you think it a joke that
a man like me should love you? Well, a
woman may insult man, but if
'Mr. Darke, it is all a mistake" she
interrupted. 81 have no intention of
marrying my cousin-I never had. Who
ever told you so said what was untrue.
could not know you loved me until
you said so yourself; but if had known
it should not consider it "a joke, but
an honor-one"-
"Olympia!" cried Darke, with a vibra-
tion of the voice. The expression of his
face was entirely changed; it seemed to
radiate light and fervor. The whole
man heightened and expanded. She
met his eyes, blushing deeply. He came
step nearer and held out his hands,
Don't let me be mistaken again!" he
said, below his breath.
Our unprecedented acts are incal-
culable. Olympia did not know how it
happened; still less did she hear her
mothers dismayed expostulation, She
only knew that she was in Keppel Darke's
arms and that he had kissed her. Had
any one told her ten minutes before that
such thing could occur she would have
been indignant. AS it was she found it
strangely agreeable.
But after a few moments she extri-
Gated herself and caught her breath.
"Who told you that story about me?' she
asked.
Your Cousin Harry himselfr' he re-
piled. 81 saw him last night and asked
him whether | might tell you that !
loved you. He said that it would be
better not, for he intended marrying you
himself. Twas SO angry that could
have killed him, and ever since them
"Pardon me-" said a strange voice,
proceeding from q broad shouldered,
bluff featured man in the doorway. ''Is
this Mr.. Darke's studio"
Eyes; but it's not open to visitors at
this hour" returned Keppel, throwing
out his arm. Come some other time, if
you please. fm engaged!' AS he ut
tered the last word he glanced at Olym-
pia, and they both smiled with secret
happiness.
"Very sorry; but are your Mr.. Darke
-Keppel Darker" persisted the stranger,
advancing a step or two into the room.
Il am; what do you want!" said the
artist, also advancing. with a frown
"Ive told you that I'm busy. Isn't that
enough"
I'm afraid that won't do in the pres
ent case, Mr.. Darke," answered the
other, standing now within arms length.
Fact is, have some very particular
business with you," he added, lowering
his voice. perhaps you'd better ask the
ladies to step out; it might not be pleas
ant for them-you understands
II don't understand at all!' exclaimed
Keppel. "But suspect you have made
some everlasting blunder. I've nothing
to conceal from these ladies or from
anybody. What do you want? Speak
out!"
"Just as you please, Mr.. Darke," said
the other, drawing paper from his
pocket. 81 have warrant here for
your arrest"
'Dear met" calculated Mrs. Raven.
"Olympia, we really must
Keppel lifted his chin and laughed
my arrest!" he repeated. "You have
come to the wrong place. owe nobody
anything. You owe me an apologyr'
''This isn't an action for debt, Mr..
Darke," returned the stranger gravely
"It's serious thing, sir; couldn't we'll
be more so. You're acquainted with
Mr.. Harry Trent, aren't you?'
"Yes"
''Seen him lately, haven't you?'
81 saw him last night at his new
house. What of it,"
The stranger fixed his eyes upon him.
.'Mr. Trent was found dead in his study
this morning." he said, speaking slowly.
There was knife through his heart-a
Japanese dagger with a carved handle.
And it is my duty to arrest you ON sus-
picion of numbering him."
Darke closed his lips, and his chest
heaved. His face, after a moments pal
lor, flushed red. The officer watched him
narrowly, and now second officer ap-
peared in the doorway. In the rear of
the studio Mrs. Raven had dropped into
chair and was emitting hysteric cries.
Darke slowly turned until his eyes rest
ed upon Olympia, who had remained mo-
tionless and mute.
''Do you believe it?'' he said to her.
"No!' she answered in whispered
voice, drawing in her breath.
'sThen no matter for the rest. l am
innocent. Take your mother home"