The American Marquis by Nick Carter — page 79: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE AMERICAN MARQUIS. — 75 vehement earnestness of a moment before was his old time joyous mockery. Not a thought was there in tits mind of initials, or any- thing else unpleasant. As usual he was the life of the party at dinner, and dealt out witticisms lavishly. His spirits were unusually gay, as if taking a holiday from the burden which had just oppressed him. ‘*T say, D’Iberri!”’ It was Alphonse calling after him as he went to his room for the night. ‘‘Much obliged for your handkerchief. Hayen’t seen mine, have you?” cN o,” answered Clinton, his thoughts wholly on Grace. He took the handkerchief and went to his room. He did not light his lamp, but sat by the open window, — . still dreaming of-his love. Little by little, however, freed now from the fascination of her presence, his thoughts reverted to the initials, and again he was a prey to the darkest forebodings. Suddenly the words of Alphonse recurred to him. A laugh of joy broke from him. «<'There,” said he to himself. ‘*‘ How I have worried over that, and here all at once comes an easy solution. For once, Alphonse, I could overcome my dislike for you, and fairly. hug you. So, it was your handkerchief, then? Of course, of course.’ He ere have whistled, danced, shouted, in his’ glee at his discovery. He remembered now that vy had had his handkerchief out of his pocket, and it was evident that an unconscious exchange had been made. He hastily lighted his lamp, and took at the box con- taining the two handkerchiefs. ‘‘ Dear me,” he said. ‘* How could I be so stupid?” He took up the handkerchief belonging to Alphonse. He had tossed it unfolded into the box, and could make no mistake about it.” ««*G. A.’ indeed!” He was very gleeful. ** Why, it’s ‘A. G.’ just as plainly as can be. But that islike me. I go around chasing shadows so much that it’s # wonder I don’t have more scares. Alphonse, the next Eomichbooks co mM