The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-03-28

L'e Jussdc rdpIurOuSly. 1t Snall never
be DOTTED, save at your orders. Diana
="
"But my aunti' exclaimed Diana
suddenly, her bushes changing to pal
Tor. If"
"She will give US her blessing. In
the morning"
But if she found out how 1t hap
pened !" said Diana in a panic. "And
the time-you do not know how terri
Bile Aunt can be"
"She will not knowl I will put my
self in order-I will propose to you
again in the morning. We will an
nounce it with all formalities." Ber-
trand was alarmed to find her almost
collapslng; he led her to the table and
raised a goblet to her lips. "a little
wine, my ANGEL 1t will revive you'll"
mo, not"
"But yes! You are agitated. Just
one sip!"
1t vas Impossible to deny anything
to the c%onquering Bertrand. Lady Di-
ana permitted herself to imbibe a
little of the wine; 1t restored the color
to her cheeks.
"And now" said the Vicomte ten
derby, Eight of my soul"
A piercing shrek from Diana Jared
painfully on his nerves. Bertrand
started and spun around.
In the doorway stood the unspeak-
able parlor maid, capless, her bronze
hair flowing owe her shoulders. Wick
ed laughter %convulsed her, her eyes
shone with triumph.
BLESS you, my children" said
Aimee. you've made enough row
about it !"
De Jussac started hastily towards
her. Aimee sprang back and closed
the door in his face; the key turned
with a click.
Lady Diana had sunk inert into a
chair.
stop her-make her be quiet p
painted Diana trembling. Bertrand
if my aunt"
"Open!" Kissed Bertrand, rafting
the handle. F..
leave the door alone J" said Aimee's
voice, muffled through the panel. you
can't get out-either of you. Can you
hear meP"
Eyes, yesl Mademoiselle,'.
Listen! Within three feet of me is
a burglar ALARM said the voice, dia-
bolically. I'm going to start it. Be-
fore you can turn yourselves round, the
whole household will be down on you
from Aunt Erythea to the pageboy.
Especially Aunt. I'm going to count
three. When"
."Misericorde !" gasped Bertrand.
"Mademoiselle, 1 implore youl This
is to return evil for good How have
we deserved"
81 have no quarrel with you, vi
comte. You're all right. But I've got
you both. You'll accept my terms"
"Anythingw painted Bertrand dis
tractedly. "Anything@'
Stand away from the door, then.
Get right back"
Eyes, yesr'
Aimee applied her eye to the key
hole to insure that her orders were
obeyed. She opened the door eau
tiously, and regarded the distressed
pair with intense satisfaction.
LET me be the first to congratulate
you!" she said. "Vicomte, 1 don't
grudge my cousin to you. You are
welcome. d." continued Aimee, fixing
Diana with a glittering eye, 81 don't
want your explanation-you can ex-
plain the masquerade to Aunt. But I
shall hold my tongue about you-and
your word of honor. For you daren't
break it !"
"Yes!" gasped Diana feebly. Don't
don't speak so loud, Aimee"
Aimee looked at her, and exploded
with laughter.
Every happiness, dear people!" she
said, and vanished.
Bertrand !" painted Diana, rising
~unsteadily. "Did you know anything
of this? Do you understand? She
is not the parlor maid-she is my
cousin. 1 cannot explain; you must
say nothing about ii. Neither will she
Oh-let me go"
He caught her in his arms before she
could escape.
my angel! In the morning, u love
scene all over again. 1 have your
promise !"
'Yesl" she said. wildly. "Oh, let me
got"
Lady Diana fled from the room and
scuttled upstairs like an agitated rab-
bit. The Vicomte, following, blew her
an impassioned kiss as she passed out
of sight. Returning to the hall, he
tore off his armor in a delirium of joy,
on6 ranlocad it IN tho stand