Marion Marlowe's Peril, or, A Mystery Unveiled — page 17: what you’re looking at

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

MY QUEEN. I see you I seem to lose my head entirely. [ must control myself better, for I wuld rather die than offend you.” A deep glow of appreciation shone in the luminous gray eyes as the young girl raised her eyelids and looked at him for a moment. “What have I done to deserve such good friends?” she asked, impulsively. “Surely, no girl ever had such brave, loyal friends as yr “And no girl ever deserved them more,” _ said the physician, promptly, “for no girl ever bore up under such trials and adversities, and no other girl was half so loyal and true to others. Oh, I haven’t forgotten one of your heroic deeds,” he went on rapidly, “I remem- ber how you, an innocent country girl, came to this big city to rescue your sister from danger! I know how you saved Miss Allyn that night of the fire, and then just think how you rescued poor Mary Ray from a grave in Potter’s Field! Why, Marion, dear, you are & a wonderful woman!” “So hush!” cried Marion, who was blush- ing furiously. “You are making too much of _ these things, I assure you!” But the young physician’s eyes were shin- — ing with such admiration that her own lids _ fell and she was obliged to deftly change the _ subject. : _ “Mr. Ray and his sister are in Florida,” she said quickly. “I had a letter yesterday; his health is much better.” E> “Marion!” Dr. Brookes spoke softly, but with an eager’ intonation. | In an instant a rose flush spread over the young girl’s face, for with her extraordinary “inttition she knew what was coming. _ “Marion, dear Marion, do forgive me, Please, but do you love Archie Ray? I know 4 have no right to ask, but believe me, it will eo: irl raised her eyes to his honestly. _ © Archie Ray asked me that question once, aeend I told him I did not know—I must an- _ ewer you the same—I am not sure that I t0ve him.” — ig q But you are not sure that you don’t!’ said ‘a doctor, quickly. ‘Ah! Archie Ray is a 15 lucky man! I envy him that doubt in your heart!” he added slowly. “You are so good—so noble,” whispered the young girl, softly. He raised his head slowly, but with a de- termined air, and there was a light in his eyes which made them wondrously beautiful. “Whoever is blessed with your love is blessed, indeed, Marion,” he said, gently. “Tf it cannot be me, I must bear it like a man. At any rate, [ am proud to be your friend, and | dam that, ‘am 1 sot, Irttle woman ?” 7 They turned toward each other and their hands met involuntarily, but the pledge seemed too trifling for Marion’s impulsive nature, With a quick, graceful movement, she leaned a little nearer, and as he read her glance he kissed her lips—it was the seal of their friendship, pure, loyal and sacred. CHAPTER VIL. THE MEETING WITH MISS EVERETT. Alma Allyn was at home when Marion ar- rived, and as the young girl sprang {rom the doctor’s carriage she came to the door to meet her. “IT was watching for you,” she said, as she nodded to Dr. Brookes. “I rather thought you would come down to the office and _ re- port to Mr. Horton.” “Couldn’t. I didn’t get through in time,” said Marion, as she too nodded ‘“‘good-by” to the doctor, as he drove away, “but come upstairs quick, Alma! I have such news to tell you!” “It doesn’t seem possible!’ was Miss Allyn’s comment, when she heard the tale. “To think that St. Clair had two wives, and neither detectives nor reporters were clever enough to discover it!” “Oh, there’s no detective in the world shrewd enough to catch a loving woman!” said Marion, wisely, “and that Mrs. Dent, as she called herself, did love that rascal, even after he told her that her marriage was a sham. And when she followed him to this country and found him married to another, it was this love alone that kept her silent. ECOMmMIcoookKs (CO) An