New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-19
XXXvI (Concluded

I rose, to begin another long day Of waiting
The fog still held The house was dark and
gloomy 1 neither worked nor read to divert my
| thoughts had none. Ny mind was worn out
seeking a solution to my problem. 7 let it rest;
forced it no longer. was not thinking woman:
why strive to change my nature? At the last
/ might know what TO do-not until then.
little after noon. weary OF my own room.
1 went downstairs. Francois reading a news
paper near the front door. rose. and bowed low
as he said
AT present the library is in use. Mademoi-
selle. but 1 may enter if book is desired"
Who is there. Francois?" I asked. idly
/ what did any household arrangement really
matter to me? But his answer set my pulses
throbblng:
Monsieur Randall st. John"
| was saved! With a prayer OF thanksgiving
| filling my heart to bursting 1 turned to seek
| the help I felt of receiving Francois
| stopped me.
zone moment. Mademoisele, Monsieur st.
| John is in communication with NJ. Errantii
| They speak together through the telephone
remarkable instrument. n'est-ce pas? If Made
moisene desire 1 will inform Monsieur St. John
| Of her wish to speak with him.?
FRANCOIS. then. willing to aid me through
| another!
| Yes. please. Francois" I said. gratefully.
He knocked at the closed door and gave my
| message while 1. my heart beating so violently
| that 1 could scarcely breathe. sank upon divan
/ opposite and waited. Randall did not keep
| waiting long 1 heard him laugh. heard him
| call out to some one he opened the door:
| "Tat's over thank the Lord!'
| saw Cray hurry past the large hall window.
then Randall appeared. crossed the hall to me.
| 1 rose. going swiftly to meet him.
| Randall 1 cried. under my breath. calling
| him by his first name without knowing. Ran
| dal, Thank God. you have come in timei"
| How are you?" ne said, gayly; but needn't
ask-aIways as beautiful as a dream. May
| be the first TO offer congratulations. dear Mrs
| Erranti?''
He held out his hand. smiling His cheeks
| were flushed he was excited. 1 thought he had
| been drinking.
We stood by the statue of Fortune. Fran
| co.'s had disappeared. We quite alone.
and could speak without fear Of being over
heard yet 1 was SILENT strangely sinister was
Randals expression. unfriendly his cruel
smile
I've just done much TO earn your thanks.
dear lady" he continued. las much as II I'd
been matchmaking mamma! For I have
married you. beautiful we'll born, but PENN
/ less girl to a rich man who adores your
In my establishment found my voice, and.
| interrupting him. begged he would cease jest
| ing.
! Il am in very great trouble. prisoner
here. Mr. Erranti won't let go-and threat
ems me Oh. Randall! 1 saved your hfe-now
save mine
| laid my hand appealingly on his arm His
! ugly smile deepened.
why. I've already done better for you than
you did for me, You merely pulled me out OF
/ the bounding billow. and I-have put money IN
your purse Come sit down. and I'll tell you
all about it,"
l did not move-my agitation over. I
would take whatever was coming standing
I've played the part of heavy father as well
as matchmaking mamma-and that Of witness
into the bargain, I'm like the chap in Thing
UNI bob's poem:
For L. quoth he. am captain bold
And the mate Of the Nancy brig
but 1 see I'm boring you. I'll come to the point
lie smiled again. He enjoying himself.
Il went to town with your husband this mOrp-
ing. The poor old chap awfuIIy upset over
the affair-didn't say much, but any one could
see he was worried no end. hated to force your
inclinations.' To speak. and so on. Remem-
bering that you were 10 have married my
cousin" affecting to feel deeply moved "and.
as YOU just kindly reminded me. that you had
once saved my life. naturally felt inclined 70
do YOU a good turn. as well to help Erranti
out of hole-kiling two birds with one stone.
SO l made "a rather clever suggestion. which.
If properly carried out, would make you rich
and Erranti happy without any unpleasant fuss.
l hate So back came and with Cray
at nv elbow stationed myself at the telephone
Erranti got a clergyman and two lawyers for
witnesses-bound to have law on his side-and