Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-02-03

similar enc occurred between the same
young lady and Mr.. Thauret. He had
called one afternoon, when Dora was
alone, and SO had the field to himself.
He spoke TO her of all those things which
he had found most interesting to her,
and she was enjoying his society very
much. when suddenly, as twilight ap-
preached and the room grew slightly
darkered, he began TO touch upon a
more tender theme. He spoke of him
self, of the wandering life that he had
led, of the fact that he was alone in the
world without living relative. He
mentioned, as though it were Of no i'm
portance, that he was of noble blood.
Then he drew touching picture of a
man who, while really Of a most affec-
tionate nature, was compelled to live a
loveless life because there was mono to
whom he could turn for that sort of
comfort. Then he asked her gently, very
gently, whether she had ever thought
upon the subject herself, and whether
she had felt yearning for the compan-
lOnship Of one who would be all i'll all
to her. His pleading was very pretty to
listen to, and sine heard him as though
much impressed, hut her reply was not
exactly what he evidently hoped it
would have been.
"Oh, yes" said she, 81 have thought
of all that in vague sort of way. But,
you see, have been i'll love with my
beautiful Queen for SO long that can
not imagine life without her. And
yet"-there was tremor in her voice
II am going to lose her soon. She
will go away for awhile, and then l
fancy l shall feel that loneliness of
which you speak. So if you want to
hear my real ideas upon that subject,
you must wait till after the wedding"
She said this last with tone of deep
meaning, and Mr.. Thauret seemed to
accept her remark as hint, for he
changed the subject. Shortly afterward
he went away. As he walked down the
avenue there was almost triumphant
smile upon his face. This, however, was
not reported to Mr.. Barnes, for the spy
was behind and could not see his face.
1t was only a few nights after this
that Mr.. Mitchell was walking home
from the club, accompanied by Mr.. Than
ret, when the latter turned the CONVEX
sation upon the Miss Remsens.
"They certainly are charming girls, {"
said he, ''but enc would need to be rich
to afford the luxury Of marrying one of
them. l suppose they have nothing I'M
til the death Of the MOTHER
Mr.. Mitchell thought that he under
stood the object of the question, and for
reasons Of his own was glad to reply
to it.
"Oh, not at ALL" said he. "The IA
Their left each of them handsome sum
$50, 600, in fact-which they are to re-
ceive as soon rs married. Tho bulk Of
the money, Of course, went to the wild
ow, but her interest is only for life, and
then it is to be equally divided between
the girls. think it is somewhere near
$500. OOO.''
lyon are a fortunate fellow. Iwish
I had your luck
My dear Thauret, can a man of your
intelligence believe in such a stupid
thing as luck? 1t no more exists than
its antithesis, i'll luck. Every man sue
ceeds or not. according to his own skill
in guiding his life. Now you envy me
my marriage to Emily, when certainly
her sister Dora is just as charming and
richer too
Miss Dora is charming, true, but
that does not make me q successful suit
Or. But what do you mean by saying
| that she is richer?''
why, you see, her sister is devoted
to her and has promised her q gift of
$4,000 the day she marries, upon one
condition.
And that condition is?''
THAT the husband shall be satisfac-
tory TO her.
There was silence for several min
utes, finally broken by Mr.. Thauret:
well, in the light of your approach
ing marriage, which will make you the
only man in the family, presume your
Influence would count. If I should wish
to marry Miss Dora, I suppose you
would favor my suit:''
That is not new idea to me, I as
s1i-e you. All I need say is that when
you gain Dora's consent you shall have
| mine.''
AA"nh yUu. MI. IAdur6t said this
with suppressed emotion, and after that
neither man spoke until they said good
! hight at MI. Mitchel's hotel. Mr.. THAI.
ret, upon reaching his own room, snok.
ed cigar and blew little ringlets owe,
his head, thus occupying himself till
long after midnight He seemed to be
building castles, and from the satisfied
expression on his face they must have
been grand ones.
Thus matters stood when the day
dawned upon which the marriage was
to occur. Everything was hustle and
confusion at the homo of the Remsens.
The bridesmaids arrived early, helped
to deck the bride, and then stood around
IN Delighted admiration. Dora was in
ecstasies. Two magnificent bouquets
had been sent to her, one entirely Of
carnation pinks, from Mr.. Randolph
and the other a fine assortment of cut
flowers, among which were three beau.
tiful Gala lilies, tied with long white
satin ribbons. These were the gift OF
Mr.. Thauret. She stood ad,niring the
flowers for few moments, then tender.
y united the piDke, and. taking few
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