Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1902-04-01
CHAPTER Ky

The following morning Irene sent
note to the duke by one OF the attend
ants. saying that before she gave de-
cided answer TO his question she would
like an hours conversation with him
The duke sent a most rapturous reply,
saying that he thanked her a thousand
times. She found him impatiently pac-
ing up and down the velvet greensward,
where fountains played aud he tame
doves came to drink the pure water. He
went to meet her, his face beaming with
delight.
How she managed to tell him her sad
story she could NOT afferward guy. but tell
HIM she did without hiding anything ex-
cept the name Of the man VINO had de-
ceived her. He listened 20 her with
shocked attention and then followed 81
lence, every moment of which seemed like
an hour to Irene.
He was the first to speak, and she
hardly knew whether his words were a
burden OF a relief. a pain or a pleasure.
"My dearest Irene" he said, Il have
listened TO your story; need l say that l
believe every word, and that l most hon
cstly believe l express the opinion that
everyone in this world would give when
| say that you are rs innocent as when
you were a child mt your fathers knee"
In surprise at the words, which she had
not quite expected. she raised his hand
to her lips and kissed it. That kiss sealed
her fate and hiss for after it the duke
could no more haze given her up than he
could have flown
Il love. revere Snd respect you as much
as | did before heard your story; for |
do not see how blame could be attached
10 you. Unwittingly, and through no
fault OF your own. you have lost your
way in life: now.le me help you to re-
tract your steps. let my love shield you,
let my name shelter you. let me give you
position unaSSGilable. As for myself.
the confidence you have reposed in me
will never be misplaced or abused; your
secret viii die with me. and it viii never
cross my lips. Now. Irene. viii Yen be
my wifeT~
She laid her hand in his as she an
swerei:
From my heari I thank you for your
love. yoer trust. Sour goodness: from nly
heart. say. Yes, | viii be your wife f"
lie was silent 3or few minutes. and
then ne said:
Before We close this subject forever.
Irene, will you tell me the name OF the
man who practiced this fraud upon you.'
Her face paled
Il gould noe 90 that" she said. Il
have made ms vAw concerning him. and
l shall keep il; ! could not tell you his
name"
A hot flush rose to the fine old face,
and the dukes strong. white myers were
/ cliached. as he answered:
Il should ike to know his name. be-
casse | should ike to ind the man; aad.
having found him. would crush his face
with my heel. Now. yoa know. Irene.
why | would Ike 10 hear his name
Vengeance is mine | have sworn to
pas il. aud l will" she replied. No
/ enc eau do il for me. and no one shall"
] The week thai the Duke OF Bayard
spent at the palace was one long act OF
devotion TO Irene The grand old city
was ra1sacked % find presents for her
the most exquisite canoes. the dasst
pearls. The dnSe ordered velvet from
Genoa. lace from Milan. silk from lyons.
| furs from Russia. One huge packet at
ter another arrived. until Santoa Darcy
was amused. and told his daughter that
il was easy TO SEE that she was the az
hanced Of a millionaire. The 6ESe urged
that the marriage should take place AZ
the British embassy ar sris. he could
not endUre that il sh n Rome,