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276 = WILD =MARGARET.
ior an hour they sat, while with many breaks and much |
faltering, she told the strange story, he listening the while |
in an amazement that almost overwhelmed his joy. .He
forgot Lottie, forgot that the city had awakened into its:
daily life, and above all, he forgot that another woman
claimed to be his wife; that, at no great distance, Violet
Graham was awaiting him.
- It came upon him suddenly, so suddenly that he al-
most sprung to his feet with a ery of terror and agony.
‘‘Qh, Blair, be calm!’ said Margaret, clinging to him,
for she thought that he had suddenly realized who it was
that had wrecked their lives, though she had ‘cautiously |
and cirefully refrained from mentioning Austin Ambrose.
‘* Be calm, dearest. All our trouble is over now. Let him
- go. What does it matter? Promise me, Blair—Blair, my
love, my husband!’
“ He groaned, then he started...
‘**Let himgo! Him? Who?” a oo
_His wildness frightened her, and she would have soothed
him and put the question by, but Lottie was within hear-
. ing, and it was too much for her, —
**Who? Why, Austin Ambrose!” she exclaimed.”
‘‘Hush, hush!” said Margaret, warningly, and she held
up her hand haughtily, for, much as Lottie had done to
restore her to happiness, she could not endure the sight of —
her or the sound of her voice. -
“Hush!” exclaimed Lottie, half indignantly. “What! |
- are you going to let him goon trusting that wolf in sheep’s
clothing any longer? Why, it’s past reason! Give hima
loophole, and he’ll ruin everything yet. I know him and
you don’t, no, neither of you, and Blair—I mean Lord
Ferrers—least of all. Why, my lord, you two would never
have been parted but for Austin Ambrose.”
** Austin! Austin!” echoed Blair. -
Then Lottie poured out the story of her villainy and her
weakness. Out it came, despite Margaret’s commands
and entreaties, and, like a lava torrent, it seared Blair’s
_ heart.
- White and speechless he listened, until, almost breath-
jess, Lottie cried in conclusion:
‘And he is down atthe palace still, and he’)I ruin every-
thing yet if you don’t crush him. Oh! I know what he
is. He is there with her——” |
“Her! Who?” asked Margaret, bewildered. .
Lottie stopped short and looked aghast. She had for-
gotten Violet Graham, the woman who stood before the
world as the Countess of Ferrers, as Blair’s lawful wife.
Blair held up his hand,
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