Rocky Ford enterprise., 1902-06-06

complete the fascination OF Fedora
harassed by accumulating debts and
made boorish by his troubles. II might
be readily assumed that the captain
would be anything but an amiabie
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.
scther with the strange hold he had
upon Fedora. by reason Of her old
time love. though she herself might not
know the real eause-these two com
bined should tempt her to leave the
falling fortunes of the captain and
seek happiness with the man who con
troiied her will.
IL was hend'sh revenge. and many
times the marquis cursed himself for
entertaining II: yet the memory OF his
dreadful sufferinss drove him back
again with renewed zeal to pick up the
threads OF fate where he had dropped
them and go on with fcyerish eager
ness.
II was only when he thought of
Maxette that he WINGED and grew con-
fuscd-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 unfashionabic season OF
the year. dropped In at the establish
mcnt OF Captain Livermorc. resolved
to play his cards to advantage. sine.
n crisis was near.
His quick eye noted signs OF con-
fusion. and he knew disaster had Mt
last fallen upon the captain. who must
seek a cheaper home-ycs. evidently
n move was contcmplatcd-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 strok--sureiy he
shouid be able to win her consent
what had she to consider but n ruined
home and n husband whom she had
welded while loving another!
He offered her unlimited wealth. be-
yond the dream OF tho human mind.
love. and all the attractions the world
can bcs,ow.
Yes. she would yicid-hc knew how
weak her nature was-hnd she not
shown II when throwing him over for
fortunes smiics.-shc had no anchor
such as the safeguard OF husbands
assured of this m ho did OF anything
In his whole life.
When the marquis entered the house
IL was with the confident air of one
who has abundant faith TO believe In
the positive success awaiting him-noi
oycr-coniidcncc such ns loses battles.
but the quiet assurance that springs
from n thorough knowledge OF the
powers he controls.
II chnnccd. however. that there was
one thing he had not counted on. n
matter that might nccm of small con-
sequence. and yet which must burst
upon him with appalling force.
As he sat and waited sounds of n
commotion were heard. such as caused
the marquis to start. turn deadly pale
and trcmbic rs he had never done
when bodily danger menaccd him
then through the open door came
dashing two little tots. one n golden
haired angel of three. the other n
sturdy. black-cycd English lad of four
across the floor they scampcrcd.
straight to where the American na-
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 60 buttrcsscd walls had
been first barricaded against the
forces of sentiment and the holicr 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
n mother. and the knowledge came
upon him like ihunderbolt from n
clear sky.
1t would be almost impossible to
adequately measure the surprise and
CONSERVATION that overwhelmed the
marquis as he sat there and felt the
chubby arms of Fedora's little dar-
lings about his neck.
II was wonderful what an influence
this new and astounding element had
upon him II he was quite dis
armed - those chubby hands upon
his face. the little cooling voice,
as trusting eyes looked up
into his own. exclaiming: 'Dodo
love oo''-a man must have colder
blood in his veins tran the marquis to
endure this and at the same moment
plan destruction to the little maiden's
parents.
In that short time he saw n great
light. such as had never dawned on
him before.
True. It might die out again, over
whelmed by the darkness OF passions
sway; but the influence of his associa-
ton with those innocents would have
n decided bearing upon his future.
Thus Fedora found them when she
came in, and greatly she marveled at
the sudden fancy her little darlings
had taken for the mysterious marquis.
or course. their nurse was sum-
moned and they were banished from
the scene; but the retreat was con-
Quoted with much reluctance, especi-
| ally Dp thp Dnrt of Miss Dorotby who