The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1910-01-15

III lOrdship after al agitat ted
hour of preparation. ''it's
come to point where something's got
to be done" He got that far and then
turned quite purple. His collar seemed
to be choking him. 'If what Mr.
Chase says is true, we've got pre-
cious short time to live. Well. we've
we've concluded to get all We can
out OF the time that's left, my lord.
SO I've come TO ask If it will be all
right with you and her ladyship sir.
We don't want to do anything that
would seem forward and out Of place,
sir"
ITS very considerate OF you. Saun-
! ing about:"
"Miss-Miss Pelham and ] have de-
cided to get-er-get married before 1t
Is too late
Deppingham stared hard for a mo.
ment and then grinned broadly.
You mean before you die:'
That's it exactly, my lord. Haw.
haw. 1t would be a bit late wouldn't
it. If we waited till afterward. Haw,
haw. Splendid. So l have come to
ask If you think 1T will interfere with
your arrangements Tiff we should be
married tonight:''
I'm sure. Saunders. that it won't
discommode me in the least" said his
lordship genially. by all means
Saunders, let 1t be tonight. for to-
morrow we may die
''Will you kindly speak to her lady
ship, sir"
"Gladly. And I'll take it as an honor
/ If you will permit me to give away
the bride
Thank you. my lord cried Saun-
derS. his face beaming His lOrdShip
shook hands with him. whereupon bis
cup of happiness nverflowed. notwith-
standing the fact that his honeymoon
was likely to he OF scarcely any du-
ration whatsoever
The wedding took place that night in
the little chapel. Chase deliberately
took possession Of the princess after
the hollow wedding supper had come
to an end. Her mood had changed.
Now she was quite at ease with him
The tauntinc gleam in her eyes pre-
saged evil moments for his peace Of
mind.
I'm inspired" he said to her "a
wedding always inspires me-"
Its very strange that you've never
married" she retorted. She was strid-
ing freely by his side. confident in her
power to resist sentiment with mock
cry.
Will you be my wife," he asked
abruptly. She caught her breath be-
fore laughing tolerantly and then look
ed into his eyes with a tantalizing in
genuousness.
by no MEANS" she responded. Il
am not oppressed by the same views
that actuated Miss Pelham. You see
Mr.. Chase, am quite confident that
we are not to die in two weeks
Il could almost wish that we could
| die in that time" he said.
How very diabolical"'
1T may seem odd to you. but I'd
rather see YOU dead than married 70
Prince Karl" She was silent. He
went on. Would you consent to be my
wife if you felt in your heart that we
should never leave this island:'
Il think l shall go in. Mr.. Chase"
she said. with warning shake of her
head
Don't, please, I'm not asking you
to marry me if We should leave the
island, You must give me credit for
that" he argued whimsically.
All l see" she said. apparently very
much relieved. You want NE only
With tho understanding tbat doo, n
should he quite close at hand TO relieve
You. And If / were To become your
wife here and now. and we should be
taken from this dreadful place-what
them"
You probably would have to 60
through a long and miserable career
as plain Goodwife Chase" he eS-
planned.
If it will make you any happier,
she said. with a smile in which there
lurked a touch of miSchievous triumph
Il can say that I might consent to
marry you If l were not SO positive
that | will leave the island soon. You
seem To forget that my uncle's yacht
is to call here, even though your cruis-
ers will not"
I'll risk even that" he maintained
stoutly.
She stopped suddenly, her hand upon
his arm.
DO you really love me-" she de
ma anded earnestly.
With all my soul. l swear TO you.
he replied. staggered by the abrupt
change in her manner.
Then don't make il any harder FOR
me-" she aid. You know that could
not do what you ask Please. please
be fair with me. IL can't even jest
| about it. 1t is too much To ask Of ME. .
! she went On. with a strange frmness
! in her voice. 1t would require cen
turies 10 make me forget that l am 4
princess lust As centuries were taken