The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-05-12
 LADY ATHLYNE
Copyright, 1908, by BRAM STOKER Entered at Stationer's Hall-An rights reserved
(Continued.l


 Just one moment-Daddy!" said Athlyne speaking the familiar name with an effort and looking at Joy as he did so. The approval shining from her beautiful eyes encouraged him and he went on more freely: 'Now that our dear Joy is my care I should like to make a proposition The Sheriff's suggestion is good, and his reading of the law seems as if it were all right; but, after all. there is no accounting for what judges and juries may decide. Now I want-and we all want-that there be no doubt about this maria ge-now or hereafter And I therefore suggest that presently Joy and I shall again exchange Matri- monial Intention and Consent,o or what ever is the strongest way that can be devised to insure a fawless marriage. We can even write this down and both sign it, and you and the Sheriff and Judy shall witness. So that whatever has been before-though this will not disturb twill be made all taut and secure!' Joys comment was: And I shall be married to my hus- band second timer
 ''Yes. darling said Athlyne putting his arm around her and drawing her close to him. She came willingly and put her arms round him. They em- braced and kissed each other and he said:
 Yes darling: but wait a moment. I have further suggestion. In addition to this we can have a regular mar riage to follow these two irregular ones. I shall go to London and get a special license from the Archbishop of Canterbury. who is connection of my own. With this we shall have relfg- ious marriage to supplement the civI ones. We can be married. sir. in your own rooms, or in a church, just as Joy wishes-and.. of course, as her mother and her Daddy wish. We can be mar ried the third time, Joy darling, in NeC in For
 Anywhere you choose-darlingr she spoke the last word shyly twill be what I wish. I, am glad I am to be married three times to you"
 "Why darling?"
 Because darling she spoke the word now without shyness or hesitation. 'I love you enough for three husbands: and now we must have three honey moons," she danced about the room gaily. clapping her hands like a happy child.
 When they were ready to go to breakfast Colonel Ogilvie instinctively sight of Athlyne drew back and mo- tioned to him to take the honorable place. The husband was pleased. but seeing a new opening for conciliation he said heartily:
 "No. no. I hope the time will never come when my wife won't love to go with her fatheri' The old man was pleased and called to his daughter:
 tome, ulClo S1r1, you nave got to take us bothr' She took her husbands S arm as we'll as her fathers: and all three moved towards the door. When they got there, however, some change was necessary, for it was not possible to pass through three abreast. Each of the men was willing to give place to the other; but before either man could move. or indeed before either had his mind made up what to do, the qlIicker-witted woman slipped back be- hind hem. There taking Athlyne's hand in hers she had placed it on her fathers arm. As they both were about to protest against going in front of her she said hastily:
 Please, please Daddy and Husband would really rather you two went first. and arm in arm as father and son should go. For that is what it is to- be from this. on; isn't it? I would rather a thousand times see the two men I love best in all the world going so. than walk in front of them as a Queen.'
 That's very prettily said!'' was the comment of her father. Then with a fond look at her he took the young mans hand from his own arm and placed his own hand on the others arm. That's betteri' he said. ::-Age leaning on Youth, and Beauty smiling on bothi"
 And in this wise they entered the Sheriff's room. in time to see him sit ting at one end of the sofa and Judy sitting at the furthest corner away from hinn-blushing.