Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1909-08-04

and he stretched out his thin, wasted
hands and shook them feebly in the
night air.
Sinclair nodded soothingly, as if he
were quite convinced that the knowl
edge was sufficient.
Eyes, yes!'' he said; you are quite
right! We'd better go now; It's get
ting late, and we must catch the last
train Come on,'' and he drew the old
mans arm through his and led him
away, with careful tenderness that
was quite filial and touching.
Marie Werner waited until they had
gone out of sight, then rose from her
hiding place, and leaned against the
seat.
The Importance of the revelation
overwhelmed her. She felt dizzy and
bewildered. Harry Herne the real
Marquis of Merle, the Court and the
estate not Lucille's, and his! And she,
she-Marie Verner-alone knew the
secret besides these two men! She
put her hands to her forehead, and
clasped it tightly.
"If ever l had any brains, now is
the time to use Them she muttered.
NOW is the time!
While she stood revolving the great
undertaking she had set herself TO-,
the marquis finished his cigar, and
had come strolling to the terrac his
hands folded behind him, hii head
lowered thoughtfully.
She waited until he came within
reach of her, then touched him upon
the arm. He started, and muttered an
oath.
"Who is it? All, you!"
"Hush!" she said in whisper. DO
not wait any longer. Get her to give
you your promise tonight. She was
here on the terrace little while ago,
and alone have reasons for advising
you to lose no more time. Goodnight"
And she glided past him.
The marquis went musingly up the
siers. He had resolved before she
had spoken to play his last card that
night, and her words encouraged him.
The sound of music came through the
half-opened windows, and he stood
and he stood and looked within at
the magnificent room. Lucille was
seated almost within reach of him,
and quietly opening the window, he
bent and whispered her name
She started and turned her face up
to him with an involuntary express
sion of fear and dread that would have
discouraged the most ardent lover.
"Will you come outside a moment?"
he said. 81 have something wish to
tell YOU"
She rose and stepped out, and he
closed the window behind them. She
shranls little at the action, but he
drew near to her with his insidious
air of respect and devotion.
Are you cold? Shall | get you
something warmer than that shawl?"
mo; I am hot-burning hot!' she
replied with forced laugh.
cat least let me draw the shawl
round you!" and he attempted to do
so, but she threw it round her Shout
ders with a quick, nervous gesture.
Lucille, are you afraid of me?" he
murmured reproachfully, his voice
sank to soft whisper.
mo oh, moi" she answered quickly
'What is it you wish to say to me?'
Something l have scarcely the
courage to utter,' he replied. when
ones heart is set so upon a thing
that it beats one long throb of desire,
it is so difficult to speak. All, Lucille!
have you forgotten our compact"
Compact she echoed, YEARLY,
apprehensively.
YES he murmured; "our compact.
If you have forgotten it, I have not
have thought of it, day and night,
since we made it. 1t has become my
most precious possession; it repre-
sents my only hope of happiness, now
and to come. Lucille, you know that l
love you'll"
She shuddered and drew back a
little, but he followed her with a
stealthy, almost impreceptible step,
his eyes fixed on her face, watching
its every expression.
RI love you, Lucille, passiOnately,
devotedly. l have loved you since |
first saw you'll think you know that.
You are the only woman that has
stirred the pulse of my heart
He was going on with the speech
he had rehearsed over his cigar, glib
ly, smoothly, but she stopped him
with a gesture.
mot now-not now she said brok-
emily; some other time. Do not
piteously-"do not ask me now. 1t
is so short time since"
"Since we met! All, it seems an
age to me- Lucille, an age of mingled
torture and delight! Do not be hard
with me! Be my wife, Lucille; give
me your promise here, tonight"
mo, nor she painted. mot now!
Give me time" His face darkened.
"You have, indeed, forgotten!" he
said, significantly.