Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-10-13

into my face for a moment and then
replied slowly:
II think I shall trust you, monsieur.
Indeed, cannot help myself. I will
be your wife,"
There was no coyness IN her answer,
sno blush tinted the pale, beautiful facet
but she drew herself up with an ais Of
simple dignity that commanded my ~
spect and admiration.
"Then come" said eagerly. I'VE
must lose no time. It will be mid
night before we can hope to reach Dan
vers."
mot Danvers," she replied, shrink
ing back as I sought to take her hand.
LET US 60 to Tregonne. There is q
notary there who will marry us, and
we are far safer from pursuit"
every WELL" I answered. "Let US be
off,"
Refusing my proffered assistance,
Mile. de BoursOns walked to the car.
riage and sprang lightly to the back
seat. Rather awkwardly took my
place in front, gathered up the reins
and drove of as swiftly as 1 could in
duce the ancient steed to move.
MademoiseLe drew her mantle close
ly over her head and shoulders, and
only once during the long drive did she
speak. Then 1t was to direct me to the
Tregonne road.
With ample time for reflection my
adventure now began to seem rather
queer and uncanny. and by the time VIC
discovered the lights of Tregonne twin.
king before US l had come to doubt
the perfect wisdom of my present
course.
But It was too late to draw back
now, and the girl was very beautiful.
"This is the notary's," said my com.
panion In her low, sweet voice, indicat-
ing by a gesture q rambling structure
from whose windows cleaned single
light.
I leaped out, found the door ut the
end of long pathway and knocked up.
on it loudly.
A tall, thin man beyond the middle
age, holding a tallow candle high above
his head, answered my call.
"You are the notary?" asked briefly.
He nodded assent.
II wish to be married"
"Marriedp he echoed in surprise. "But
when, monsieur|
"Now; at once"
"But the bride, monsieur"
II will fetch the bride. She is wait
ing without"
thought he intended to protest. so l
left him abruptly and returned for the
lady. She was already coming toward
the house, and as met her she motion
ed me to 60 before, while she followed
silently up the pathway.
The notary admitted US without cere
mony, and we entered small, dimly
lighted room that appeared to be a
study.
My companion at once seated herself
In an armchair, but without removing
the mutllings from her face.
The notary snuffed the candle, ar
ranged his books and, turning to me
with penetrating look, said:
II must know your rame. monsieur"
"Richard Harrington"
"Your residence"
~ am an American"
He wrote the answers In his book.
Then, glancing toward the armchair.
be continued:
"The lady's name?"
waited for her to reply, but as she
remained silent answered:
"Amelie de Boursons."
"WhoW cried the notary in O loud
voice, springing to his feet, while look
Of fear and CONSERVATION spread over
his wrinkled face.
"Amelie de Boursons," repeated
slowly, infected by the mans agitation
in spite Of myself.
The notary stared wildly at the muf
fed form Of the lady. Then he drew out
his handkerchief and wiped the beads
of perspiration from his forehead.
what does this mean. monsieur"
demanded angrily.
The man needed me not the slightest;
but, clutching the edge Of the table to
steady himself and extending his long:
bony finger toward the girl. he ex.
claimed:
"Are you Amelie de Boursons"
Slowly, with admirable grace and
dignity, the lady threw back her man
tie, and her marvellous beauty was
again revealed.
The notary, with distended eyes fixed
upon the vision, sank back In his chair
with q low moan.
"This must be explained, monsieur"
l cried, striding to his side and grasp
Ing his shoulder. "Is there any reason
why should not marry Mile. de Bour-
sons?"
"Allle. de Boursons," returned the
notary, still regarding her with horror,
"has been dead these forty years."
. "DeadW echoed, staring first at the
notary and then at the girl, while a
sense of bewilderment overcame me.
Mile de Boursons arose with q
charming smile and came to my side
"See, monsieur she exclaimed mock |
ingly and giving me her hand. DO
you also think me dead?"
The hand was as cold as ice, but Its
touch sent strange thrill through my
body.
"Come, monsieur" l said to the no
tary, who watched the scene in amaze
ment. "Rcad the ceremony at once
We are in haste"
Slowly and with trembling voice the
notary obeyed, the girl at my side re-
turning the answers in sweet, collect |
ed voice that disarmed my fears and
calmed to some extent the notary him.
self.
SC0TT'S
FIN TIL. SION