Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1909-08-25
Love $ Conquest
By CHARLES GARVICE

By CHARLES GARVICE

"Ah." said the marquis, land his
nostrils dilated. Then there are
two.''
mo-" said Mr. Sinclair, quietly !;
there is only one to deal with, mar
quis. The old man died three days
ago; I waited until then
The marquis stood with folded
arms.
"Only you You forget there lis
the register at the church
who ever opens it., or examines
it?" he said. Thirty years ago!
Besides, it can be got at. There is
only mel"
The marquis raised his head.
How much do you want?" he ask
ed, calmly, quietly, with nothing OF
what he felt showing, save in the
dilation of his nostrils and the ex-
treme pallor of his face.
Mf. Sinclair opened his lips.
give and tweny thousand pounds!
he said
The marquis emitted hollow
laugh.
Give and twenty-it is ridiculous
-madness!"
when you have hundreds of thou
sands?" said Mr.. Sinclair.
The marquis shook his head.
IT nave nothing" he said; al
most nothing!"
.'Well, the marchioness-at least,
your wife hast is all the same"
The marquis shook his head again.
"Oh, yes it isl" repeated Mr.. Sim
clair. Whats five and tweny thou
sand to her? Why, l might have
asked for half your fortune! You
couldn't refuse"
Gould l not?" said the marquis,
with an icy smile Suppose re-
fuse to give you anything?"
Mr.. Sinclair reached for his hat.
"Then 1 go to the Marquis of
Merle" he said. eff it's worth five
ind twenty thousand to you, it's
worth that and more to him. mean
the Marquis of Merle-Harry Herne,
mister
A tremor ran through the mar
quis' frame, and CLEAN of hate
shone in his eyes. He was about
to speak when the door opened and
vision, as it seemed to Mr.. Sin
clair, stood in the opening. It was
Lucille.
Dinner has been announced!
she said; then, as she saw the
strange figure she broke off. II beg
your pardon; l thought you were
alone"
Yes; it is of no consequence,
said the marquis. "a man of bust
Mr.. Sinclair plucked up courage,
and, rising, made a theatrical bow
to Lucille.
IAN old friend of your husbands,
my lady," he said, with an insinu-
ating smile.
Lucille's lovely eyes rested on
him with faint surprise This man
q friend of her husbands the fas-
tidious marquis! But she inclined
- head slightly.
Il shall be ready in a moment or
two," said the marquis, and he went
10 open the door for her
Lucille glanced at him, and then
at the man, bowed again slightly,
and went away.
The marquis stood, white and mo-
|. 'onless drops of sweat upon his
brow.
Mr.. Sinclair ehuckled.
Rather tough upon her ladyship,
he said This little slip robs you
Of your title and her of all her mon
ey-every penny of it. marquis!"
The marquis stared at him va
cantly. Then he came and stood op-
posite Mr.. Sinclair.
Five and twenty thousand" he
said. 1T is enormous; a fortune"
"A mere slice out of your cake"
said Mr.. Sinclair
Blu, you shall have it, continued
the marquis.
Right. cried Mr.. Sinclair. Give
us your check"
The marquis shook his head.
Not now. | have not got the
money"
ooh comet expostulated Mr.. Sin
clair.
The marquis eyes grew steely
and flashed.
Il have not the money" he said;
but will get it."
sAll right +" said Mr.. Sinclair, ami
ably. I'm in no hurry for day,
Or a week or two. Meanwhile, mar
quis, you won't mind my keeping an
eye on you? Men in hole like this
you're in, are apt to give one the
slip. You won't mind my giving
you look in now and again."
The marquis was silent--a crush
ing weight seemed to have fallen
upon him
s.I,Il took IN. now and again in a