The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1902-04-25

Twice the Marquis had called upon
Fedora, and on each occasion exerted
himself to fascinate as he had never
before done in all his life.
Affairs were in this state, and the
Marquis could see the possible tragic
outcome of his systematic assault all
along the line, unless his nerve failed,
or something occurred to break the
stern resolution by which he had
bound himself.
A few more visits, he believed, would
complete the fascination of Fedora
harassed by accommodating debts and
made boprish by his troubles, 1t might
be readily assumed that the captain
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-the
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
draoHftt1 inf n Irnua him hQnlx
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-
last fallen upon the captain, who must
seek 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 a 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
fortunes smiles ?-she had no anchor
such as the safeguard of 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,
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
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
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 it's 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
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
measure the surprise and
that overwhelmed the
marquis as he sat there and felt the
chubby arms of Fedora's little dar-
lings about his neck.
1t was wonderful what an influence
this new and astounding element had
upon him he was quite dis
armed - those chubby hands upon
his face. the little cooling voice,