Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-07-06

But you're free at last"
Her heart was beating unanimously,
her white bosom rose and fell stormlly
to the stress within. She was doubly
beautiful in her distress, and he longed
above all things to take her into his
arms and comfort her there. If she would
only give him the right to do that
'I meant very we'll by you" he went
on. humbly, land surely you will not
blame me for the wrong 1 unwittingly
did. Since the very first day 1 saw you
I have had no peace of mind, and-and
I didn't know then who you were. 1t is
for yourself that I love you, and, If you
think as I DO we'll keep our hands clean,
let my uncles millions go hang. Tell me
what you would have me do? Let me
stand between you and further harm. You
are alone here in Paris. There's trouble
of all sorts ahead. You need some one
TO see you through. Why not take me
-now-for what l am worth, If you WIFI
This notary, scoundrel though he is, may
legally marry us. The papers are all
prepared in nay rightful name. All 1
ask till you're willing to give me more,
is the privilege of protecting you. Say
something Dagmar, but-for Gods sake,
don't say no!'
She had moved a little apart from him
timidly. What he asked of her seemed
so absolutely impossible then-and under
such circumstances. But his eyes still
held hers mistakenly, and what he saw
in them she had no strength to with
stand.
Her eyelids dropped to hide the sign
of surrender. The way had been long and
weary but here at last was the haven
which she had missed. What the world
would say mattered nothing while they
two
you know-all?'' she asked, hurriedly.
ct am Duchesse des Reeves in name only,
and'-she glanced very wistfully up at
him-"and a pauper in my own right"
II am not altogether a pauper," he
answered gladly, "but-had you been a
princess, sweetheart, I might not have
been so Gbold. And-you'n agree? I'm
mediately after twelve.
Amy time after twelve" she assent
ed in a low whisper, and he gathered
her into his strong arms, kissed her
unkissed lips. clasped her close to him,
regardless Of those looking on.
The clock in the corner chimed II,
and Notre Dame echoed the hour of
with a little frightened smile. A
stifled groan came from the other end
Of the room.
Were all ready now" Quaintance
called across. Tell that lawyer ras-
cal to step forward and marry U.S."
Maitre Georges stepped forward SUBJ
missively, and they two faced him, the
duchesse still in her robe Of state,
like some beautiful, slender lily, the
lamplight warm on her ivory arms and
shoulders. Quaintance, tall and straight
in a suit of serge, at her side, his thin,
sun-tanned face At foil to her shape
ly fairness. Behind stood Fanchette,
with claspej hands, her worn features
working. And, from opposite Seager
and Arendsen looked on, impotent at
the simple ceremony while their two
guards, revolver in hand, kept watch
and ward over all.
Maitre Georges performed his part
most decorously, and in the shortest
possible space OF time the widowed
Duchesse des Reeves was the lawful
wife Of Stephen Quaintance, some time
known as A. Newman; all as set forth,
signed, sealed and witnessed, with AN
exact note Of the day and hour, drawn
up by the notary under that gentle
mans personal provision.
Which done. Quaintance drew his
wife's arm through his.
And now we'll face the music to-
gether sweetheart" said he resolute-
", IF you'll send Fanchette down TO
fetch in the police"