Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1909-08-12
Continued.

longer: we must decide, you ana !, /
and tonight"
why tonight?' she demanded, al |
most piteously. Give me little
longer"
Tonight" he repeated. do not
think me hard consider how much
have OF stake-all my earthly happi-
ness! An, Lucille, if you knew now
fully / have acted up to my promise
Even now | am keeping to my share
of the compact. Today | have heard
that the police"
Hush" she painted, putting her
hand upon his arm and looking round
fearfully. For Heavens sake be
careful! Some one may hear; there
were men below there, just now. An,
be CAREFUL"
He smiled inwardly at her alarm.
II will be careful. No one can
hear"
We'll, go on, go on!' she said fe-
yerishly. What have you heard?
Il have intelligence that the police
can put their hands upon"
No name, no name!" she gasped,
with a terrified glance round her.
Upon the person whom we know!"
he said, darkly.
"Then-then you have set the po-
lice upon his track" she said in a
low voice.
Il have kept myself acquainted
with his movements yes" he as
sented.
She chung to the balustrade, and
her proud head dropped.
For my own sake l have done
this!" he murmured. do not be hard
upon me, Lucille! See how loath you
are to keep your part of the bargain!
Was / not right to act for my own
projections"
She hid her face in her hands.
"A word from me and he will be
arrested!" he whispered, arkly. 1t
is for you to decide whether that
word shall be uttered!"
She remained silent, motionless.
Il see!" he said. There is no
hope for me! You will break our com
pact! Well, at any rate, shall have
the satisfaction of bringing a scoun-
drel to Justice!" and with a deep
sigh he took a step or two from her.
She sprang up and caught his arm.
"Stop-wait!" she painted, her
white face working piteously, des-
pairingly. You must not do that!
No! / will keep to the agreement! l
will" she stopped, and put her
hand to her throat; the words could
not be got out. try as she would.
You will marry mel" he whis-
pered. You will be my wtfe!" and
he caught her hand.
She let her hand remain in his, but
he could feel the shudder that ran
through her.
Yes" she said, hoarsely," l will
be you wife Lord Merle-I will be
your wife On one Ondition-that-
that you will take the police"-she
shuddered again-"off his track, and
never mention his name to me again!'
Never again!" he responded, fer
vently. He is as far from me as
II he were dead, now! You will be my
wife! All, Lucille!" and he tried to
draw her toward him, but she shrank
back, white to the lips.
Not now, she muttered, hoarse-
ly; II am tired-ill! Let me go.
You-yOu have my promise" and with
weak, uncertain steps she drew away
from him, and entered the house by
lower window.
Yes, l have your promises" he
repeated to himself.
"Well?" said a voice at his elbow.
He turned and confronted Marie
Werner, with a glow of victory on
his face.
"Wer?" he echoed, triumphantly.
why do you ask. You have been lis
tening?"
No" she said, slowly. 4 met her
going through the corridor, that is
ALL"
That is ALL" he said, exultingly.
We'll, | have won, my friend-won.
The Lady of Darracourt has promised
to be my wife!"
"At last" she said, quietly.
AT last" he repeated. 1T has been
q long business, but is over-the
prize is mine!"
Thanks to me- she said.
Thanks to you," he assented, hur-
riedly. "Oh, I do not, shall not for
get you, my friend!" His tone was
patronizing already, and a smile crept
over her thin lips as she heard him.
''T OOly :" he sail crashing her
arm, and pointing to the wide expanse
Of field and world stretching before
them-"look!" he said, exultingly,
all mine, all mine! 1t should have
been all mine by right, but we lost
il. Now l have got it back! have
looked at it with longing, thirsty eyes
for years. and now it has come back
it is all mine!"
And he swept his hand toward the
great house, with its blazing, lighted
windows.
He seemed almost beside himself
with gloating and exultation.
The Court, the old home OF the
Merles, Is our own again, and won
by me-by mel"
With my help she said. You
will not forget that again, my lord?"
mo, no! You shall be rewarded!
You have acted your part-er!-
nobly. You have proved yourself
true friend!"
Thank you" she murmured, softly.
Such words amply repay men for any
thing TnaU havp dopn Yes We have