Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1901-10-30

On her entrance all eyes were fixed
upon the newly made countess. She
had come without her lord! Was this
part of the secret-a secret known to
all the world-or was his lordship, be-
fore the whole company, about to lead
his bride to the first place, as became
her newly acquired rank? Some of the
ladies regarded her with looks of ha-
tired, the successors of the looks of
scorn with which they had first vel.
coined her. Most Of them, however,
were kindly. A tale of love always
meets with a friendly reception. Not
q woman in the place but would have
taken her place with joy unmeasured.
AS no other woman could, they were
ready to accept their fate and to make
friends with the successful and the
fortunate winner of SO great prize.
Il was a great prize. indeed, IL they
only knew.
The minuets We're over and the coun-
try dance was about to begin when
Lord Fylingdale arrived, followed, as
usual. by his secretary. He stood at
the door; he looked around. Then.
with the cold pride which never failed
him, he stepped across the room and
5owed low to Molly. Madam" he
said, with your permission, we will
dance this country dance together be-
tore I take you away with me-"
Ny lord" replied Molly aloud, SO
that the whole company heard and
trembled, 81 shall not dance with you
srnis evening nor on any other even
ing"
.She will never again dance with
you. my lord. Nor will she hold any
discourse with you. Nor will she will
ingly admit you to her presence" It
was the vicar who spoke, because the
mnn and the occasion proved too much
for the good old captain, who could
only roll thunderously between his
teeth things more fitted for the quell-
ing of mutiny than for dealing with
such man as his lordship.
"Pray, sir" said Lord Fylingdale,
stepping back, "what is the meaning
of this? Pray, madam"-he turned to
Molly-"what is the meaning of this
sudden change? Captain Crowle, have
/ or have I not the right to claim my
wife?"
The vicar stepped forward and con-
fronted him. His tall, thin figure, his
long cassock. his thin and ascetic face,
contrasted with the overhaughtiness
Of his adversary.
my lord" he asked, chow long has
this lady been your wife2"
we were married." he said, "at g
O'clock this morning by the Rev. Mr..
Benjamin Purden, who is here to bear
witness to the fact. The wedding was
private at my request, because, us you
may perhaps believe, was not anx-
ious to Join in the wedding feast with
q company Of Doors, pumpkins and
sailors"
Ladies and gentlemen"-t vicar
raised his voice and by gesture 81
fenced the orchestra-'I have to lay
before you conspiracy which l be-
lieve is unparalleled in any history.
You are aware that Lord Fylingdale,
who stands before you, came to the
spa a few weeks ago for purposes best
known to himself. You will also doubt
-'less remember that certain persons
who arrived before him were loud in
his praises. He was said by them to
be model of all the virtues. 1 will
not repeat the things that were said"
seAll this" said Lord Fylingdale, ais
beside the mark. come to claim my
wife,"
sAmong those who accepted these
statements for gospel was Captain
Crowle, the guardian of the young lady
beside me. 1t was to him great hon.
or to be admitted to converse with so
distinguished q nobleman and to be
permitted to consult with him as to the
affairs of his ward. He even informed
his lordship of the extent of the lady's
fortune, which is far greater than was
generally understood. Thereupon his
lordship began to pay attention Of q
marked character. You have all, be-
heye, remarked these attentions. Then
came the attempted abduction and the
lady's rescue by Lord Fylingdale. Aft
4 er this he formally offered his hand
and his rank to the lady. The honor
seemed very great. he was accepted
he then engaged the lady to undertake
private marriage without festivities,
to which she consented. She promised,
In fact, to be married ut st. Nicholas
church this very morning ut o'clock"
'.All this" said Lord Fylingdale cold
~, us quite true, yet why you detain
the company to the narrative do moi
understand. The lady kept her prom.
Use. met her at the place and time
appointed. We were married. Once
more, Captain Crowle, claim my
wife,"
Ladies' and gentlemen" the vical
continued, there is but one reply tt
the last statement, for the lady did moi
keep her engagement"
"Sir"-his lordship advanced q step
fare you aware of the meaning OF
words? Do you assert that was mo-
married at that time and In that place 2
The Rev. Benjamin Purden adyanc
ed. "sir," he addressed the vicar, elk,
his lordship, I am amazed ut these
words. Why, sir, myself myself
at 6 o'clock this morning performed
the marriage service as prescribed by
the church for the right honorable til,
Earl Of Fylingdale and Miss Mary Nil
ler."
CHAPTER XVII.
CAT YOUR PERIL"
- Y this time the compa