Part 38 (1/2)

”Coer I sprang in; the door slaether

No, not alone, either The Spencer woman was there with us--before us--all around us ”I a in my brain

Then I felt a soft little hand slip into mine; a perfumed hair tress touched my cheek; and the sweetest voice, to et ht her close--then loosed her sharply and drew back

”God help hed softly, and again she found my hand--and I felt her hair brush ainst my shoulder

”Why, Armand?” she asked ”Why may you not kiss your betrothed?”

”Because,” said I, ”because----”

”Yes, dear, go on,” she whispered

I drew my hand away from hers ”Did you not hear that woman claim me as her husband?” I said

But she only pressed the closer I was in the very corner of the carriage now; I could retreat no farther And, lad I think I was

”But that's no reason,” she insisted ”You are not her husband”

”You believe that, dear?” I cried

She put her arms about my neck and kissed me, almost fiercely, on the lips--then, suddenly, drew back and, with both hands pressed against th

”Believe it?” she said; ”believe it? I never believed anything else”

I took her hands and reverently touched theht

”After all these years, God would not send you to me just to mock my prayers,” she added

”But the certificate!” I objected

”A lie or a forgery,” she said scornfully

I drew her head upon my shoulder ”Sweetheart,” I whispered; ”may I kiss you, now?”

She lifted her dear face and looked up intoeyes, her lips half parted My own eyes, too, et, I think

”Yes, Armand--now and always,” she answered