The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-03-27

get married. | am afraid that !
must refuse"
D'Este came over to his neph-
ew. Is that your gratitude, aft
er all I've done for you? Please
remem Der that you have not a
cent In the world. On the day of
your marriage, 1t is my intention
to give you an income of $4,000
francs year."
'H-m," Emile said reflective
ly. why are you so anxious for
this marriage?"
1t was some time before the
count answered this question.
Then: you know, do YOU not,
that Grace has been claiming, ev-
er since the death of my wife,
that a large sum of money was
left to herr"
Il have heard you speak of it.
You deny 1t, of course?"
"Assuredly. 1t is an absurd
claim, but there is no knowing
what she or her friends may do"
Il see. 1t is your idea that, IL
she marries me, she will give up
these claims"
Exactly. l should insist upon
that"
"Well-but don't forget that
shall need that $4,000 francs a
year myself"
81 understand that. After we
get her to sign the necessary pa
pars you may do as you please.
But why borrow trouble? The
first thing is to get her consent.
She may refuse altogether.
Suppose she does?" asked the
young man. What them"
Then you'll have to make her
marry you"
Make her? How" Emile's
face was blankly uncomprehend-
ing.
There are several ways. Per-
haps the easiest would be to see
Madame Tissot."
you mean the old girl whom
you had here as nurse when
your wife was ill?"
D'Este glanced cautiously
about the room, then lowered mis-
voice.
"Yes-I have had occasion to use
her more than once, in some little
matters, and found her very re-
liable"
What can she do in this affair.""
I'm tell you. Well get her to
send message to Grace, saying
that she has some knowledge of
this supposed will. The message
will ask Grace to come to her
place, the Rats Hole"
The Rats Hole." Emile began
to look uneasy. whats that?"
"Oh-just a name they give her
lodging house in L'Hirondelle. IL
We can get the girl there. the thing
ought to be easy. You will meet
her; the rest leave to you. II
you cant force her to marry you
under those circumstances, you're
not worth your salt"
Mon Dieu! You mean" The
young man hesitated. The plan
was by no means to his liking.
Il mean that you will have things
your own way. Get in priest.
Madame Tissot will find one for
YOU"
The young man gazed at his
uncle in alarm. He had been quite
we'll aware for some time of the
latter's INSCRIPTIONS nature. This,
however, seemed a dangerous I'M
dertaking. "a nasty business"
Emile grumbled.
isn't it worth $4,000 francs a
year?"
The count looked at his nephew
with an ugly smile.
Where is she now" the latter
asked.
I'm her room. I'll send for her"
He went over to the wall and rang
the electric bell.
Shall | stay?" asked Emile I'M
easily.
mo. I may want to have a talk
with you afterward. Why not wait
in here?"
He went to the door Of the study
and opened 1t. and in a moment
the maid appeared in the doorway.
She seemed much surprised at see-
ing the count. Pardon, monsieur"
she said demurely, and started to
leave the room.
The count eyed her with sus-
picion. What were you doing in
there?"
busting, monsieur"
Name of a pig! Have you been
listening?"
"Oh-monsieur!" cried the girl,
apparently much frightened. For.
give me. I did not listen. The
room-it was full of dust. Only
yesterday you complained"