The Democratic advocate., 1909-10-01
"A viii and
a Way
The Mysterious Woman Who
Could Neither Read Nor Write
BY BELLE MANDATES
By BELLE nANIATEs
Copyright. 1903, by Associated Lit
erary Press.

DEATH" remarked Jules Lorme whim
sically as he learned the contents Of
his fathers will from his fathers law
yer. HE knew that would not com
ply with the terms Of so atrocious q
will to marry a woman who could
neither read nor write"
You have year of grace" remind.
ed Coyle.
A year later Jules appeared at the
Office of the family lawyer.
my lease is up. Coyle," he reminded
"And l think | have found a way by
which you can fulfill all conditions
and still retain your freedom. You
can marry woman who can neither
read nor write, and Immediately after
the ceremony you can go abroad. At
the expiration of two years she can
quietly secure a divorce. You can
spare a generous alimony. / have met
good, conscientious girl who is per
fectly willing"
"Is she a domesticY
mo; believe she does needlework. !"
IT'S odd in these days Of schools
and truant officers that she escaped
the alphabet at least"
"She says she never has had the op-
portunity nor the desire to learn. /
will arrange all details for you"
After some further discussion Jules
acceded TO the proposition, and at dusk
Of the appointed day he rang for ad-
mission to Coyle's residence. The law
yer met him In the hall and ushered
him into a dimly lighted library where
minister and Henry Phillips, Jules
next friend, were In waiting. They all
went into the reading room adjoining.
Near the doorway Jules paused and
looked into the room, which was 10
total darkness.
With an odd sinking OF the heart
jules took his position beside the shad-
owy form Of woman. He made the
responses In n quick. Jerky way. anx-
ious to end the affair. The woman at
his side spoke In nearly inAudlble
tones.
When the sentence OF man and wife
was pronounced Jules returned to the
library and hastily signed some papers
Coyle gave him.
Where Is my wifeY" be then asked.
"She remained In the reading room"
The young bridegroom hesitated
Then resolutely he turned aud went
back into the reading room. His eyes,
now accustomed TO the gloom. discern
cd her at the end OF the room She
was sitting on a couch. her face buried
10 the cushions One arm hung list
lessly over the edge.
"aiay l speak with your he asked
courteously.
She did not lift her head from the
pillow.
II want TO thank you" he continued
"for the service you have rendered
me-"
She murmured disclaimer OF his
thanks. He took her hand IL was
still cold and trembling. His grasp
firm and sustaining. frightened.
II am sorry" he said firmly, that
you will not see me, but want you to
promise me that II you ever need help
or advice you will come 10 me-"
II will" she said softly.
'Lorme," called the warning voice
OF Coyle from the doorway.
II must go now. Good night"
He went TO his lodgings and tried TO
smoke away the burden Of his
thoughts. The shadowy outlines Of
the tall. dropping figure and the low
tones in which she had spoken haunt
ed him all night
II suppose her motive was as mer-
cenary as my own, so don't need TO
reproach myself"
The next day be was leaning against
the railing of the steamer. idly watch
ing the scenes upon the wharf, when
he saw Phillips making his way to-
ward young girl who was daintily
petite In form and lovely of face and
feature She was accompanied by n
middle aged woman.
you must look after Miss Derring
ton. Jules" cautioned Phillips as he
was taking leave of them all a few
moments later Her aunt has the
stateroom habit. she tells me-"
Jules scarcely heard him. He was
looking into the wonderful eyes OF the
young girl An hour later Mrs. Mar
shall had fulfilled the prophecy re-
gardlng the stateroom and Jules had
joined Salome on deck.
you don't seem a stranger TO INC"
she said. II have come to know you
through your books"
There followed long and animated
discussion Of books and authors until
dinner time.
"She Is a darling" Jules told him
self as he lay in his berth listening to
the rhythmic measures OF the engines
that night.
The voyage passed in a succession
Of days Of sparkling sunshine. Mrs
Marshall remained perforce In soli-
tary confinement, and Jules was con-
stantly with Salome. who grew fairly
radiant with happiness. He came to
have an odd feeling at times. as II in
some pre-existence she had belonged
to him. Then his new fancy would
be succeeded by the mystic charm of
the other
Early In the morning Of the last day
Of their voyage he came out on the
afterdeck. Salome was already there
As she turned to him he saw a snad-
ow of sadness In her eyes.
This is our last day." she said I'm
low tone.
"Yes, and am sorry" he replied
simply.
Il wish you were coming with us