Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1897-05-13

but how else can ! save you =
asked, helplessly
Il do not know. she replied will
a sudden calmnezs that suggested
despair. .But UNLESS you find som,
way to succor me I shalI take m,
own life.'
There was no doubt, from tn,
expression OF her low, earnest voic,
that she meanb -. and, fillet
with consternation at the thought
] racked my brain for some way t.
preserve both her life and happi
ness.
At last an idea came to me, buI
| trembled at my own presumption
as suggested it.
'Mademoiselle,' said, baltingly,
Il see but one alternative. You
must marry me-
The violet eyes opened wide in
surprise. Marry you, monsieur 2
Then pursuit would be useless.
Being my wife, you would escape
this william who insists upon wed.
ding you. | am free and able to
give you all that would add to your
happiness, and shall learn to love
you very dearly. 1t is true that
am a stranger to you, but l sssure
yea that | am in all ways worthy
to seek both your heart and your
hand
She gazed with earnestness into
my face for a moment, aud then
replied slowly:
Il think | shall trust you, mon
sieu:, indeed, | cannot help myself.
| will be your wife,
There WAS no coyness in her
answer, no blush tinted the pale,
beautiful face, simple dignity that
commanded my respect and admi-
ration.
Then come | said eagerly; I'VE
must lose no time. Ii will be mid
night before we can hope to reach
Danvers.'
Not Danvers,' she replied, shrink
ing back as | sought to take her
hand; 'let us go to Tregonne; there
is notary there who will marry us,
and we are far safer from pursuit. ,
Very WE'LL answered, "let us
be off,
Refusing my proffered assistance
Mile. de Boursons walked to the
carriage and sprang lightly to the
back seat. Rather awkardly l took
my place in front. gathered up the
reins and drove off as swiftly as /
could induce the ancient steed to
move.
Mademoiselle drew her mantle
closely over her head and shoulders,
and but once during the long drive
did she speak. Then it was to di-
rect me to the Tregonne road.
With ample time for reflection,
my adventure now began to seem
rather queer and uncanny, and by
the time we discovered the lights
OF Tregonne twinkling before us
had come to donbt the perfect wis.,
dom of my perfect course.
But it was too late to draw back
now-and the girl was very beauti-
full.
This is the notary's,' said my
companion, in her low, sweet voice,
indicating by a gesture a rambling
structure from whose windows
CLEANED a single light.
l leaped out, found the door at
the end of long pathway, and
knocked upon it loudly.
A tall, thin man, beyond the
middle age, holding tallow can.
die high above his head, answered
my call.
you are the notary" ] asked,
briefly. He hooded assent.
i wish to DO married.
Married ? he echoed in surprise
'but when, monsieur"
Now; at once.'
But the bride, monsieur?
Il will fetch the bride. She il
waiting without
l thought he intended to protest
so | left him abruptly and returned
for the lady: She was already com
ing toward the house. and as | me
her she motioned me 10 60 before
while she followed silently up tn,
pathway.
The notary admitted rs withou
any ceremony, aud we entered
small, dimly-lighted room that ap
peared to be q study.
Nv cnmnanion at once seate,