The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-09-14

"Yott're deUtltsh clever aDona1rs"
wished to see me, and I have understood
from my friends that that person is a
foreign musician who wishes to interest
me in some musical scheme. When !
heard you were here, concluded that
that was now your object, and 7 came
at once to see if could help you. But
it seems have been mistaken, and you
have found your way into my house to
offer me some kind of insult I wish
you to understand, sir, that I am here
in my own home, surrounded by my
own servants, who will know how to
treat the man who insults their mis-
tress."
She looked at him with resolute def
ance.
He started as she spoke and looked
first angry and then amused.
"Devilish good, no doubt, but not
good enough" he said, with an oath
and laugh. Zone might think that
you and had never met before-on the
DEVILS rock, for instance"
"You are apparently under some
strange delusion. I have never seen
you before in my life" she said firmly,
land so long as you hold to any delu.
sion to the contrary I decline absolute
ly to speak to you"
"You are magnificent liar" he ex-
claimed, land know what You mean.
l don't consent. want my wife, and
I'll claim her."
II know nothing about your wife. no
more than about you. If that Is all you
have to rave about, You will please not
to come here again, or my servants will
refuse you admission by my express Or
ders If, on the contrary, there is any
business can help you with. I shall be
ready to do what lies in my power. -
do you mean that you dare to deny
you are my wife?'
Absolutely. You are mad to think
Of it. am Lady Walcote, the wife Of
Sir Jaffray Walcote and though I have
heard Of you as fiddler spoke
the word oontemptuously-"and may
have had q lesson or two from you in
singing or music, in any real sense
have never seen you before in my life"
Tho splendid audacity of her manner
almost took away his breath. He was
prepared for any other reception than
this.
"You are q devill' be exclaimed in
French. Then he added in English, "Do
you mean that you were not married to
me in Montreux four years ago and that
you haven't travelled half over the CON-
tinent with me as my wife?"
"That is precisely what I mean" re-
turned Lola coldly, firmly and deliber-
ately. Precisely. 1t is quite ten years
since was in Montreux, and travelled
with my poor dear father alone up to
the time Of his death in Neufohatel, two
years ago. Obviously you have made
some surprising mistake
"You are madf" he cried. "You
can't set me at defiance. have proofs
ample, undeniable, complete-that
you are my wife"
"Proofsp on WHAT" she answered
more quickly. proofs that you married
some one else in my name, maybe.
Bring the priest who ever made me your
wife and then talk of proofs"
''You devil, you know he's dead, but
can bring a thousand people to swear
to you. Beauty like yours. my girl,
can't hide itself or be forgotten. But
what better proof Is wanting than this
that you stand hero bandying words
with mo over a matter Of this kindp"
"You recall me to myself. have
been too indulgent to one who, was
led to believe, is mentally afflicted. I
will listen no longer. If you repeat the
slanderous tale that you have told, will
have You pitched neck and crop out of
the house and Kicked down the drive.
Do you understand me? Now, what do
you say?'
"You are my wife, and I have como
to claim you." was the reply, sullenly
and doggedly spoken.
lyon make your own choice. In one
minute after ring that bell the servant
will be here. and il you have not re.
tracted that Islander before he comes
will order him to turn you out Of the
house"
"You are my wits," he answered be-
tween his clinohed teeth.
Lola crossed the room in silence and
pulled the bell vigorously.
Then she turned toward her compan-
ion, with resolution in every line of her
beautiful face. She eaid not another
word, but watched him closely.
The color wared gradually from his
face, and he moved restlessly once or
twice. Then he bit his lip and then his
nails and eyed the girl angrily.
"What terms do yoa Offer?" he said.
II make - tssras with slanderers,
she answered steadily in the same de.
Mberate, half contemptuous tone in
which she had spoken before, though a,
feeling Of intensa relief and joy shot
into her heart az she saw that she was
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