Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1909-09-09

which rang through his brain, You
are not the Marquis OF MeTle.' would
prevent him from exercising his usual
skill.
AS he entered the drawing-room OF
his suite at the hotel the first thing
he saw was 1Ir. Sinclair. That gen
tleman, more deliberately got up II
POSSIBLE than ever, vas Iolling upon
couch, his patent leather boots and
brass jeweIry g-:ttering in the sun
Good morning, marquis" he said,
nodding affably. Been out for
stroll? l just looked in to see how
you were and to know if you've man
aged that little matter"
The marquis stood and eyed him in
silence for a moment, and, if a look
could have killed him, Mr.. Sinclair
would have expired then and there.
Il have not got tba money We he
said. There are arrangements to
| be made
Just, so, exactly said Mr.. Sin
clair, Pickering the dust from his
| boots with a crimson bordered hand
kerchief. It's lot Of money. amt it?
But don't make yourself uneasy! I'm
not in a particular hurry; day Or
| two won't make any difference.
don't want to drive you hard, mar
quis, l only want to keep my hi upon
you. You see I look upon myself as
sort OF man in possession, and
mean to stick to you until we come
to a settlement; and the sooner We do
the better I shall be pleased. Mean
while, what I say is, let's enjoy our
selves!'
The marquis bit his lip urCiI his
keen, sharp teeth left livid indenta-
tons; but what could he say? He
guessed, intuitiVely, that the man was
half monkey, half cat; that if he did
not keep him in good humor, Sinclair
might turn and rend him. The mar
quis was a good judge Of character,
and was quick to detect the COS Sc.
passionate nature under the thick
coating of subserviance and vulgar
ity. 1t would not do to anger Mr..
Sinclair.
q shall be delighted.' he said, with
a cold smile, but I I'm engaged until
dinner time. If you VIII come at half
past eight"
All right, said Mr.. Sinclair, Jump
ing up; I'm your man. And look here,
marquis" he added, turning at the
door; don't you be nervous on my
account; I know how to behave my
self. you've no call to be afraid"
When the marquis entered the
drawing room a little before dinner,
he found Lucille seated waiting for
him She was beautifully dressed, as
usual, but of late her attire had al
most touch of mourning in it. To-
night black lace like Indian inlaid
work of ebony and ivory.
you look almost funeral" he said,
with a pause. Has anyone died?"
No. said Lucille, calmly, listless.
ly; and as the monosyllable
dropped from her lips she mental'y
wished that one were dead-the Mar
cbioness Of Merle!
Il am glad Of that" he said, "for
expect a friend to dinner"
Yes" she responded. q will tell
them!' and she rang the bell.
You don't inquire who it is he
said, when the servant had retired.
who is it,
"A man named Sinclair" he said,
with assumed careIessness. "a good
sort of fellow, but rough. He was at
school with me. I think you saw h5m
here yesterday
Lucille opened her eyes for a nc
ment, with faint wonderment.
That MANI" she said.
Yes, that man! he repeated, ia
ing her, deiantly. q told you he was
TOugh-yOu saw that Tor yourself
but he was at school with me. In fact,
am indebted to him" He paused.
A sudden resolution smote him to tell
her that he was in the mans power,
and the sum that would free him,
but his pride prevented him, and, in
stead, he TUNED to the table. Il oW 9
him my life; he saved it in an acct
dent-a boat accident. I suppose, IN
der those circumstances, you can be
civil to him"
Il should be civil to him under any
circumstances" said Lucille, quietly.
AS she spoke, the footman opened
the door and announced, in a tone
that just indicated his establishment
at the presence of such a guest, on.
Sinclair" and Sinclair entered.
He vas in evening dress, but the
evening dress which the singer at
music hall wears-loud, pronounced
and vulgar in every fold and aspect. A
false diamond shone in his shirt front
and huge pair of brass studs gilt
tered at his wrists, and he was per
fumed with hair oil and patchouli.
Lucille looked up at him with that
calm, cold regard, which from a beau
tiful girl is more trying than a judges
frown.
Mr.. Sinclair, let me introduce you
to my wife, Lady Merle" said the
marquis. I have told her Iadysbip
that you and I are old friends, ard
that owe my life to you. If you were
not skillful swimmer, I should not
be here now"
Mr.. Sinclair bowed. and half
stretched out his hand. but drew it
back.
Proud to make your acquaintance.
my lady, he said. ''8IerIe's told you
the story, has he? Yes, ! was always
a neat hand in the water, Ell, MerIe?'
and he winked at the marquis. Very
'Ot for the time of he YEAR my