The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1903-09-18
Major Coventry"

Major Coventry
"Your lordship is master here. 1
obey" answered the Irishman, shrug-
ging his shoulders, and, drawing his
sword, he rendered it to Major Coyen-
try, who stepped forward reluctantly
to receive it.
Father" he said respectfully, 80
far as my knowledge goes Captain
Jones is certainly a gentleman. Had
it not been for his magnanimity and
that of my friend-I may still call you
that. sir?"
81 am vastly honored, sir, l am
sure"
my friend, the Marquis de Richie
mont. you would be childless to-day.
Had it not been for the courage of this
gentleman, Lady Elizabeth here
ooh, SIR" cried Elizabeth impetu-
ously, they are men of honor pray
you, release this officer and let him
go free. Nay, never shake your head;
l ask it as wedding gift to me, sir"
MY liberty your wedding gift, made
moiselle? Neverw interrupted O'Neill
firmly.
Say no more, either of you" said
the admiral decisively. You, sir, came
here as an enemy, a spy"
mot so, sir. came here in the uni
form of French officer"
"But that is not the uniform of the
flag under which you now serve" con-
tinued the admiral keenly. You may
coo,,ro coroo non cid tinp bpwaror OF
my hands as representing his majesty
the king, God bless him! by revealing
the circumstances and plans and the
ultimate purpose Of your rebellious
captain"
Clearly an impossible proposition"
said O'Neill, bowling.
"But stopv' said the admiral. Now
that recall it, you gave me your word
of honor that you came here to see
this lady"
"And that is true, sir. I might have
escaped to my ship with ease, in pos
session of the information l desired
to get, but came up to the castle to
see her.
"a most foolish excursion, sir, and
why, pray?"
Because love her." said O'Neill
calmly.
"Whatw cried Coventry, in great
kurprise and dismay. Did you know
this, Elizabeth"
"Is woman ever ignorant OF the
feelings she eXcites in a lovers breast,
sir?" O'Neill answered for her.
"And have you-did you"-continued
Coventry, looking still at Elizabeth.
LADY Elizabeth has done nothing,
sir. No word of affection has ever
crossed her lips, to me at least" again
replied O'Neill. .'She would not even
wait"
ooh, but she did," interrupted Gov
entry jealously-'a year-six months
she tried to postpone her wedding for
stand"
"Peace, Edwardr' said Elizabeth,
trembling violently. ''The Marquis de
Richemont isis nothing to me-can
never be anything to me, that is. The
wedding shall proceed at the appoint
was the wish of my mother, the wish
Of the admiral, your wish
"And yours also, dearest Elizabeth,
is it notT' said Coventry, taking her
hand entreatingly. She hesitated and
stood silent.
mercy and pity" said O'Neill to the
admiral. LET it be now-the sooner
the better. This 1 cannot stand. TITS
too much"
mot so," replied the admiral grave
ly. 81 will consider the matter fur
Their and consult with you again.
Meanwhile if you will give me your
parole will allow you the freedom of
the castle"
"Parole! 'Tis given, sir. Faith,
hardly think you could drive me
away"
"Thats WELL" returned the admiral,
Sergeant, call my steward and have
him assign chambers to the Marquis
de Richemont. Coventry, l presume
you will place your wardrobe at his
disposal in case he needs anything.
Now the marquis will doubtless wish
to retire. We will see him in the
morning. Come. Elizabeth. Good
night, sir. The sergeant will attend
you"
"Lord Westbrooke, thank you. Ma
jor Coventry, your servant. Lady
Elizabeth, l wish you joy on your wed
ding. Good night" replied the young
man. bowling to them all in succession
ITO be Continued.)