Marion Marlowe's Peril, or, A Mystery Unveiled — page 28: what you’re looking at

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26 ten years her senior. I was only a boy, but {T warned her then—I told her he was a man without heart, soul or conscience. His whole aim in life was to paint great pictures; he was a slave to pride, to avarice and ambition! When he finally deserted her I would have followed him, but there was no one left to support her or her baby. When we did come to this country we came together; but we were too late. In his greed he had married a young girl for her money! I have tried to help my poor sister to bear her burden, tut she was proud—so proud that she even refused my money—and she died in poverty. Oh, my poor, poor sister!’ Dr. Brookes rose syenathetieathy and put his hand on the young man’s shoulder. “She made me promise to keep silent,” he muttered savagely, “for the sake of poor Leonie, whom she pitied deeply. For the sake of this poor girl she made me swear not io reveal her secret.” “She was a good woman,” said the doctor, with a heavy sigh. “Few wives and mothers -would make that sacrifice for another.” “She was a poor, weak girl!” cried the young man, hotly. “It was unjust to herself! Cnly God knows how she suffered !” “Well, it is over now, and the day of ret- ribution is at hand,’’ said the doctor, stern- lv, as he went over to his desk and took out the dead woman's papers. “‘You must prove your identity to me first,” he said, kindly, “then we will consult together on what shall be done with the artist.” In a very few moments Mr. Villard proved his assertions, naming the contents of the-cer- tificate; as well as many of the facts con- tained in his sister’s carefully written story. doctor when they had “we will and “Now,” said the concluded their short consultation, only wait for Miss Marlowe to return, then we will put our knowledge before the Mr. Villard gave him a questioning glance, which the doctor at once lenew referred to Miss Marlowe. “She has gone to interview St. Clair, ” he then as he glanced at his watch “Tt’s time she was he said proper authorities.” said, shortly ; he gave a quick whistle. hack! Come, we'll go and meet her!’ abruptly. “I’m as eager as you are to get this matter settled.” ‘each other, then Dr. Brookes gave one glance ae MY QUEEN. “It cannot harm Leonie now,” said young Villard, earnestly, “and my sister’s honor must be vindicated. She has a right to he buried as Vincent St. Clair’s wife—for Donald’s sake, I must insist upon it!” | “Donald is to stay with me, if you have no objections,” said the physician, quickly. Tom Villard turned and held his hand out gratefully. | “TI will relieve you of the responsibility | when you wish it,” he said, “and I thank you | for offering the boy a position.” | | They walked hastily up Fifth avenue in the | direction of the artist’s home, the doctor growing more and more uneasy as he saw | rothing of Marion. As the outlines of the magnificent residence came in view, young Villard’s brow darkened and he ground his teeth angrily. | “The man of all men whom I have most cause to hate,” he said, hoarsely, as he stared up at the studio windows; *‘for he not only wrecked my poor sister’s life, but he has em- bittered mine by-his continued villainy—he has stolen my aweelheara lie woman I loved end had hoped to marry.” “You mean Alice Everett, do you not?” asked the doctor, quickly _ There was just a second before the young man answered, for his gaze was still riveted on the studio window. Suddenly there was a faint crash of glass far above their heads, then something—a goblet, with a paper tied | to it—struck the pavement just ahead of — them. | “My God! It is a message from some one who is imprisoned in that place!” cried Vil- lard. “Is it possible that Leonie, his wronged , wife, is still living!” ’ Dr. Brookes sprang forward and snatched up the note. His face was of ashen hue, and his hands trembled as he opened it. “Onick! Save me! I am imprisoned and | in danger of my life!” it read. “Vincent St. Clair is mad, and T am locked in his studio.” The note was signed by Marion Marlowe, For just a second the two men stared at up at the broken window, “Oh, Marion! Marion!” he muttered under his breath. “Have courage, darling! [ am coming to save you!” CORNICE DOO KS. CON