Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-04-24

would be anything but an amiable
companion these days, and the couple.
never, having had genuine love for
each other, would drift further apart
This would be his opportunity-th
glitter Of his unlimited wealth, to-
gether with the strange hold he had
upon Fedora. by reason of her old.
time love. though she herself might not
know the real cause--these two com.
bined should tempt her to leave the
falling fortunes of the captain and
seek happiness with the man who con-
trolled her will.
1t was fiendish revenge and many
times the marquis cursed himself for
entertaining it; yet the memory of his
dreadful sufferings drove him back
again with renewed zeal to pick up the
threads of fate where he had dropped
them and go on with feverish eager
ness.
1t was only when he thought of
Mazette that he WINGED and grew con-
fused-not for worlds would he ever
have her know what wicked thoughts
struggled with his better nature, and
usually gained the mastery.
One day the marquis. still pursuing
the one object of his presence in Lon
don at this questionable season of
the year, dropped in at the establish
ment of Captain Livermore, resolved
to play his cards to advantage, since
a crisis was near.
His quick eye noted signs OF con
fusion, and he knew disaster had at
last fallen upon the captain, who must
seek a cheaper home--yes, evidently
move was contemplated-his sturdy
blows were beginning to tell, and he
should feel glow of satisfaction in
the region of his heart.
The occasion would be propitious
for his master stroke-surely he
should be able to win her consent
what had she TO consider but ruined
home and husband whom she had
welded while loving another?
He offered her unlimited wealth, be-
yond the dream of the human mind,
love, and all the attractions the world
can bestow.
Yes, she would yield-he knew how
weak her nature was-had she not
shown 1t when throwing him over for
fortunes es?-she had no anchor
such as the safeguard of a husbands
love would throw around her-he felt
assured of this as he did of anything
in his whole life.
When the marquis entered the house
it was with the confident air of one
who has abundant faith to believe in
the positive success awaiting him--not
over-confidence such as loses battles,
but the quiet assurance that springs
from a thorough knowledge of the
powers he controls.
1t CHANGED. however. that there was
one thing he had not counted on, a
matter that might seem of small con-
sequence. and yet which must burst
upon him with appalling force.
AS he sat and waited sounds of a
commotion were heard, such as caused
the marquis to start, turn deadly pale
and tremble as he had never done
when bodily danger menaced him
then through the open door came
dashing two little tots, one golden
haired angel of three, the other a
sturdy, black-eyed English lad of four
across the floor they scampered,
straight to where the American ma
bob sat gripping the sides of his chair,
and with the assurance some children
possess, forthwith climbed directly
upon his knees and took possession.
At that moment the fort was nearer
being carried by assault than since
the day its steel buttressed walls had
been first barricaded against the
forces of sentiment and the holier pas
sions that come from above; for up
to this hour this stern man, bent upon
righting his wrongs OF the past, had.
never once suspected that Fedora was
a mother. and the knowledge came
upon him like a thunderbolt from a
clear sky.
1t would be almost impossible to
adequately measure the surprise and
CONSERVATION that overwhelmed the
MARQUIS as ne sat tnere ana teit the
rnuppy arms VI euora ii''ie uar-
mss ANU. n,s ne1n
this new and astounding element had
upon nini nc was qui.e us
ainieu 'hose enuopy hahus upon
MS race 'he ii''ie COOLING voice.
as trusting eyes iooheu up
ih'o nis own eAciainiiis Douo
io'e % man mus. nave coiuer
plooa IN ms VEINS .iiah 'ne MARQUIS 70
endure TINS am AZ .he same moment
pian ues'rue''oh " 'ie ii''ie niaiuen
pa,e" -.
uah, such - had navar dawnos ~
him he,ora
I. ~.