The American Marquis by Nick Carter — page 18: what you’re looking at

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

(4 s,s THE AMERICAN MARQUIS. my ake se ~ ee HIG. 80. against the creamy stuff of the gown. you I am either princess or beautiful?” came the merry response in a low, silvery tone. «That you are beautiful every throb of my heart and every sense but sight tells me. ‘And you ought to be a princess, 1f you are not.” : At this moment the door at the other end of the chamber opened quickly and an angry exclamation followed. _ The heavy footfalls of a man approached, and the light ones of the woman receded, The two persons met, and a whispered conversation fol- lowed. Clinton strained his ears to catch their words, but was only rewarded by the question and answer: ‘© Why such a dress?” from him, impatiently. **T wish it,” from her, defiantly. _ *€Come, my friends,” ‘said Clinton, finally, ‘‘ don’t forget that I am an eager bridegroom. May I look upon that fairy form, that heavenly © “© Mon Dieu, my friend,” interrupted the man, impa:- tiently, ‘‘do have done with such folly. listen to me. - Have I your promise to comply with whatever conditions we impose. “Yes,” as long as you keep to your part of the contract. Now may I gaze as already mentioned?” * Yes.” Waiting for no second permission, Clinton tore the band- age from his eyes. A murmur of admiration broke from his lips as he He stood at one end of a large saloon, brilliantly lighted ey by scores of candles. The furniture was magnificent, in the massive, antique style. ‘The wainscoting was of dark, time- he stained oak, richly carved. Clinton ‘knew he was in the chateau of some old and noble family. But these details were noticed unconsciously. His eyes were riveted at once on the figure of the female who stood in the middle of the saloon, looking toward him. Her face was covered with a white satin mask. _ Her figure was draped in a simple gown of creamy, cling- ing Japan crape. Arms and neck were bare, and contrasted a glowing white Eomicbooks-co