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THE ATLANTA GEORGIAN AND NEWfS.
THE PARMENTER MILLIONS
A Stirring Novel of Love, Conspiracy and Thrilling Adventure
■ --
Copyright, 1907.
By Arthur W. Marchmont.
j By ARTHUR W. MARCH MONT j
Author of "By Right of Sword,”
“Whon 1 Wo* Czar,” Etc., Etc.
CHAPTER I.
The Heiress to Millions.
I T WOULD have been rtifncult 10
find a happier girl In the whole
county of Oxfordshire, or. Indeed.
in the Who Knithir.ii. th.-ni idlv.-
I’arraenter, the heiress of Gregory Par-
mentor's millions, as she sat In the
rosery of Sllverbeeelt on the morning of
her birthday, a lovely day In June.
She tvas reading a letter from her
lover, and. letting It fall on her lap.
leaned back smiling In response to the
thoughts which tho letter had produced.
Almost everything that a girl could
n Mt for In life was hem. No one ques
tioned her claim to beauty. A little
above the middle height, she had
supple figure of exquisite mould, with
the free carriage of perfsct balance,
every movement and gesture being In
spired by natural grace. Her face was
ns beautiful as her form. Her broad
forehead, white as alabaster, was sur
mounted by a wealth of wavy chestnut
hair; dark, almost black, eyebrows and
lashes shaded eyes of the deepest blue—
a striking contrast! and her features,
although delicately chiselled, were elo
quent of character, aelf-rellance and
strength.
Now and again a troubled expression
flitted across her face and drew her
brows together. This was at the thought
of her one care—her father’s health.
Her mother’s death, some years be
fore. had deeply affected Mr. Par
inenter, and he had brought his wealth
mol only child to England, purchasing
the fine estate of Sllverbeech at Bel-
borough, and seeking to forget his sor
row In the complete change of scene
and life.
But the long, strenuous life In a hot
climate spent In amassing his large for.
tune had told on a none too robust con
stitution. and the blow of his wife’s
death was one from which he had never
entirely recovered. His life was now
i centered In Olive, whom he-loved pas
sionately, a love which ahe returned
with her whole heart; but he knew that
his days were numbered, and his one
great desire was to see her happily
married before the end came.
And that desire was now close to
realisation. ,
During the previous year the doctors
had nent him to Nauheim on account of
bis heart trouble, and, disliking every
thing that savored of ostentation, he
had scrupulously refrained from letting
the fact of Ms enormous wealth be
known. At the same hotel was staying
h young soldier. Lieutenant John Fen
wick. who had been Invalided home
from the South African war and was
recruiting his health before taking a
position at the foreign office. The two
young people were thrown much to
gether, and were In love with each other
before the handsome young soldier
know that Olive was the only* child of
the millionaire owner of Sllverbeech
and Olive learned that Jack was the
son and heir of Lord Belborougb, whose
castle and lands lay so close to her
home.
It was a love match In the fullest
.sense, and Mr. Pnrmenter had gladly
■Ink tits rsmsent But some .difficul
ties had come from the other side; and
now. on her birthday. Jack had written
to say that he was coming over with
great and glad news.
Sim guessed what It was and her
heart warmed and her cheeks flushed
with delightful anticipation.
"Jack has won over his mother at
last." she told herself, her very veins
ami shs picked up the letter
for the twentieth time when a footstep
on the path near broke In upon her
reverie.
She glanced around and rote with an
Instinctive shudder of dislike as a man
of about SO years of nge, with dark,
handsome, strong features and bold,
compelling brown eyes, raised his hat
•nd bowed, saying with a confident
smile:
"I wished to be first with my greet
In cl. Miss Parmenter, and when I saw
you In the rosery I ventured to come
straight here Instead of going llrst to
the bouse. May I wish you many,
many Imppy returns of the day.”
"Thank you. Sir. Merridew.” she re
plied. giving him her hand and with
drawing It Inatuntly. "My father ’-
In the house.”
"I came to see you, please. I wish
you to do me a great service.’
"Yes?” She did not resums her seat,
but stood as If expecting him to leave
hi
I have something of great Impor
tance to say to you. Please sit down
again."
After a moment’s hesitation she did
, as be asked, and he drew a garden chair
‘ close to hers and took a case out of
Ills pocket.
I "First I wish you to allow me to of-j
| for von a slight birthday tribute of my
—my regard. This little trinket,” and
he took out a costly and beautiful
I brooch of brilliants.
"Thank you very much for your kind
; thought, but really I could not accept
, it.” she said firmly, with a very de-
• elded shake of the head. ”1 could not.”
He frowned and his eyes showed an
ger "Why not?”
"It Is Impossible. Mr. Merridew, re
ally. I could not think of It.”
: -you must take It,” he eatd. fixing
his keen, audacious eyes on her, ’’or 1
Shall think I have offended you—and I
would not do that for the whole world,”
he added In a low earnest voice.
She both disliked and distrusted him.
lie had come quite recently to Belbor-
ough nnd having rendered a slight
-ervice to her father when he had been
taken til during a drive, had been asked
t oSilverbeech, where he had given It
to be understood that he was a wealthy
Amerlcnn. He had since pestered Olive
w ith attention! which were profoundly
unwelcome, hut had never before ta
ken such a liberty as this.
"I can give you no other answer,
Mr. Merridew,” she said, and rose.
"In America such offerings are quite
usual. Miss Parmenter.” he persisted,
rising also.
-Wo are not In America. But In any
case I could not think of It.”
lie laid the case down. "Don’t go,
please, and please listen to me a min
ute. Miss Parmenter—Olive—I wish to
have the right to give you such things,”
he Mild, lie aitoko In a deep, vibrating
tone, and fixed on her a Iqpk of In-
u-n.te feeling.
.She paused and bit her lip and then
■net iile SSH frankly.
“I won’t affect to misunderstand you.
Sir. Merridew, but—”
He took her hand nnd Interrupted
l.er, speaking passionately. "I can not
keep silent any longer. I love you,
Olive. I want you for my wife. I can
not live without you.”
"Let me go at once. If you pleafte,
Mr. Merridew," she cried quickly, try
ing to withdraw her band from hli
"Not until you have heard me," he
answered doggedly. "You must see for
yourself how 1 love you. It Is the one
■ •asetou of my life; the love of a man
look Into a woman’* eye*. You must be
iny wife.” . „
“Will vou release me or must I call
for Uclpr . , . „
"For God’s sake!” he cried. H
released her hand then, and the stren
uous pressure of hi* Angers had left Its
mark on- her white flesh.
She drew away and stood a moment
nursing the hand he had gripped so
violently. "I am sorry this has oc
curred. Mr. Merridew; but you must
never again even hint at such a thing.
Although you have not been here long,
you must know that I am about en
gaged to Mr. Fenwick.”-
"The heir to a peerage!” he exclalm-
ed -with a curl of the lip and a shrug
of anger.
"The man I love, Mr. Merridew,” an
swered Olive proudly. "Will you please
spare me the pain of prolonging this
scene?"
"He Is little more than a boy. What
can he know of Move?” he burst nut.
"I would lay down my life for you, and
I will not see you sacriflced. You ought
to know that only your money will In
duce his family to countenance such a
marriage.”
’’You forget yourself. I am going to
the house," said Olive curtiy, and
turned away.
But he seized her hand again nnd
poke with mounting vehemence.
What chance of happiness will you
have with his faintly? His fancy will
pass In a month; your wealth will have
redeemed their pawned estates, and
then you will be a mere thing of suf
ferance with them. It Is only your
money they seek. HI* mother. Lady
Bclborough, has said ns much. You
are buying a title. That’s all."
Olive’s fare was set and a flush of
anger mounted to her cheeks. "Do you
nlaan to forca mo to call the m i - .un
to protect me from your Ineults nnd
violenceV she asked.
"Every word I say Is true. Trample
on my love if you wilt, but you shall
not bo tricked for want of a word of
warning from me. I am willing to meet
Lady Bclborough and repeat to her face
what I have Just said to you.”
For a moment the two stood staring
fixedly Into each other's eyes, -nnd then
her nnme was called. "Olive! Olive!"
"I am here. Jack, the rosery," she
called In answer. Then to her compan
ion: "You will have an opportunity
now. Hore I* Mr. Fenwick himself.”
He frowned and'let her hand fall as
a tall, upstanding young fellow, with
fair, frank, handsome features, came
hurrying up. He took Olive’s hand
with a bright smile, and .gave her com
panion a curt, unfriendly nod.
”1 thought you were hiding from me,
Olive.” he said with a smile.
Mr. Merridew was detaining me.
Jack. Now. elr," she added, with a
note of challenge In her voice.
Merridew had no lack of courage, and
took up the challenge Instantly. "I wns
telling Miss Parmenter. Mr. Fenwick,
that I heard your mother say In regard
to her that she was only to bo tolerated
as a possible wife for you because of
her father’! millions.”
Jack aturted as If he had been struck.
"I* this fellow trying to part ue. Olive?"
Merridew answered for himself. , "I
asked Mtsi Parmenter to honor me
with her hand, ami when ehe refused I
thought she ought to know the truth
about your mother's feelings In the
tn.it If! I mu willing 1,1 rc|ien l li lu
Lady Belborough's presence If you
wish.”
That object was to secure Mr. Par
menter’s millions; and the first nnd
obvious course had been to attempt to
gain Olive's band In marriage. Rut he
clenching Ids flats. Then he checked
himself. • Hadn’t you better cleor out?"
ho said. W «
"You cah not deny what I have said."
"It li too contemptible to need de
nial, Jack!” cried Olive hastily.
"Your loyalty does you honor. Miss
Parmenter,” sneered Merridew. "And
that loyalty will bo put to a severe test
r, that you
Selborough
‘•You are gotttng on my nerve*.'' de-
dared Jack. "Go before I lose my tom
per."
“Please go. Mr. Merridew,"
"Ye*. I will go. If I have caused you
offence, Mies Parmenter, at least be
lieve I had no motive but your welfare.
When you and others know what I
know already, you will understand that,
and will perhape heed my warning. For
myself I shall novsr rease to hope for n
different answer from that which you
gave me Just now;’’ and with that ho
raised his hat and left them.
"I always did hat* that fellow!" ex
claimed Jack with a breath of relief.
"And you really mean he had the cheek
lo ask you to many him? Tho brute."
But Olive looked very thoughtful nnd
shuddered. "I am not afraid of much.
Jack, but I do believe I could bo afraid
of Gilbert Merridew. What do you sup.
pose he meant?”
“Nothing. But I could almost wish It
were true. People would then have no
excuse for chattering about my marry,
Ing you for your money."
"Jack!" protested Olive, laying her
hand on hie arm.
'Td Ilk* a teat of tho sort. Do you
know whst I'd do? I'd cut tho foreign
office and chuck the title and every
thing and Just carry you off to some
where where I could work for you as
you deserve. Where love and honesty
and work are not bound round by these
beastly conventionalities; where they
reckon a nun for what he la and does,
and not by the miserable handle to his
name.”
And then came lovers' talk. Jack
told his great news, which was what
Olive anticipated—-that the engagement
was sanctioned. He brought out the
ring and placed It on her linger, and
for a Iona time the world was forgot
ten by them both In that wondrous
harmony of young love which no man
or woman has ever yst understood or
can ever recall without a thrill of emo,
lion.
Then together they went to tell Mr.
Parmenter the nows. And when he
heard It he brought a deeper tint to
Olive's cheeks and delighted Jack when
with a smile he declared, "There
only one thing now. I shall consent
only on one condition—that the mar
riage take place within a month.’’
Olivo cried out In dismayed protest;
but he would take no refusal. "A
month at the outside or never.” he
threatened laughingly, and Jack gladly
Joined In urging her. Olive at llrst
broke away, declaring in flaming pro
test that It was impossible; but turned
again, and with hei iiMi l la her eyes sa
she looked at her lover nodded her head
In agreement, and then buried her face
on her father’s neck.
And thus It was settled that they
should be man and wife within the
month.
before cared even to view.
CHAPTER II.
"The “Honorable" Mre. Taunton.
Gilbert Merridew was by no means
downcast over his refusal by Olive. He
had not anticipated any other reeult;
and he had made the proposal only as
one step toward the object be bad in
wns not a man to be daunted by dlfll
cullies or stayed by siu'h a < lir-clt; and
he had other nnd Infinitely more pow
erful wenpons with which to contlnu-
the attack.
As soon ns he had heard of. OH
love for Jack Fenwick, lie knew that
his suit w-as certain to fall, and that
the lover must first be removed fro
Ills path.
He hnd already made one attempt to
do tills; nnd although that had failed
for the lime, he was quite eonflflent ,,f
ultimate success In that direction at
Knowing that Lady Belborotigh dlsllk
ed Olive, ho had maneuvered so that
a very pretty nnd attractive American
woman, known as tho Hon. Mrs. Taun
ton, tvho wnn reputed to be nn enor
mously wealthy widow, but was,
reality, a confederate of his own and
decoy In ft. number of disreputable
schemes, should Ingratiate herself
the castlo people nnd affect to bo In
love with Jack.
The scheme had succeeded to a point
Istdy Belborough, dazzled by
puted millions nnd fascinated by the
promise of the fortune which she de
clared she could make for the cnstl
people, had Influenced her husbnnd to
withhold consent to tho marriage with
Olivo and hnd done her utmost to fn-
duco her son to,propose lo the widow.
But Jaek'H determination hml lieate
her: nnd at length she had been com
pelled to yield. And It was when ho
heard of this that - Merridew had re
solved on his proposAl.
Dejected though he was, he believed
that he Imd nevertheless succeeded, by
his statement of-wlmf Lady Belborougb
had said. In Inflicting a wound in
Olive's pride which would rankle and
help him much la hts later schemes^
He returned to his hotel and wrote a
letter to Olivo In which he apologized
for his brusqueness, reiterated his love
and desire to serve her, and'repeated
the statement against the mistress ol
the castle.
That done, he had gone off to London
to put In operation the other and
stronger means by which he Intended to
achieve his object. He had strong enrds
and was Just the man to play them
boldly.
HI* first step on the following morn
ing was a cable to New York.
"To Rachel Merridew, No. 21 'West
Thirty-flfth street, New York city.
Marriage plan failed. Compulsion the
only alternative. Come ovor Immedi
ately. Gilbert.”
As soon as that had been dispatched,
he hailed a hansom and told the man
to drive him to Markham street, May-
fair.
It was here that tho "Hon.” Mrs.
Taunton lived In a residence, all the
appointments of which were suggestive
of great wealth. The furniture was
luxurious, the servants numerous, and
the Whole establishment In keeping
with the lady’* reputation as tho pos
sessor of millions of dollars.
The greeting between them was more
than cordial. A* much as Gilbert Mer-
rldow could care for any on* but hlm-
•elf. he loved her; and site returned
his love. They were tacitly engaged
married; and some day they
would be man and wife;.but they both
understood that that day coold not
dawn until they had made the fortune
which would give them In reality the
wetlth which at present they only ap
peared to possess. They both loved the
gootl tilings of tho world too much to
sacrifice them by marriage.
. Th , n f. ,le . have attempted to
win Olive for his wife had been part of
their plans, for, although It wns not
admitted In so many worffs. they htul
both understood that, had he been sue-'
cessful, Olive would not have lived long
os an obstacle between them.
•T know all about It, Gilbert,'' said
Mr*. Taunton, with a smile. ”1 had a
letter from Lady llelborough this
morning telling me she had been forced
to agree to tho son's marriage with
Olivo Parmenter. She It full of re
gret*. What are you going to do?"
"I made the plunge yesterday; acted
the Impulsive lover: proposed; and was
rejected. I am going to try the other
move now, and have cabled to my
mother to come over at onde and bold
ly claim her position,”
"I did all I could with the boy. He
is a nice boy. Gilbert; hut dreadfully
in love with that girl. All my glances
and ogling* and sighs were wasted on
him. He simply wouldn't give me a
thought.”
"She’s In much tho same state: and
but for one stroke, the time spent
down there would have been all
wasted. J got on the right side of the
old man one day, and, when we were
talking about some of hla American
Investments, I found out where he kept
his will, of course, I made sure "of
that."
"Will that do any- good?”
"We shall eee when my mother
conies. Meanwhile, wo must deal with
that young bantam. Fenwick."
"We shall manage that." she replied,
with a smile. "HI* position at the
foreign office can be turned to excel
lent use at the same time. 1 am glad
you arrived this morning. The Baron
Is to call-
As aha spoke a servant entered and
announced that Baron Felskov desired
to see Mrs. Taunton. She told the
man to bring'hlm up.
"You can remain behind the screen
there, Gilbert. Ho had better not see
you.”
When the visitor entered, he found
Mrs. Taunton writing busily at a
table. She rose and ofTered him her
hand. He affected not to see It, how
ever. and merely bowed.
"We are alone, madams?’’ he asked.
"Assuredly,'' Baron.”
"Then I will not faate your time,
but get at once to business. You
have had the communication from my
chief and are willing to accept the-
tho commission to which It refersT’
”1 am certain of being able to-suc
ceed In Iti otherwise I should nut
hare troubled you to make this visit.
I have a young friend In the foreign of
fice who will do anything—of course,
for payment."
‘The document of which w* must
v* either the original or a
secret treaty between the British
government and Persia, which gravely
affects the Interests of our government,
can you get It?”
Mrs. Taunton affected to think.
”Ysa; but It will take a little time and
will lie expensive. Such a thing will
be closely guarded."
"It will be worth ten thousand
pounds to us, madame,” said the Rus
sian deliberately.
Mrs. Taunton shook hee pretty head
id smiled.
"It wit) cost me twice that sum to
obtain it, Baron. And I must have at
least live thousand pounds In advance.
There are many people to be paid.”
(Continued in Tomorrow’s Georgian.)
H
O
ere's a “Handkerchief Shower
Interest—N ot
Alone; hut
for Ordinary Mortals,
Including Men
f
f
Splendid
r Brides
your mind
of Hand-
No particular impression would be produced upon
if we announced that we have “the largest and hest line
kerchiefs in Atlanta." So trite, so commonplace, so overdone are
superlatives. So prone are advertisements to blind you with
bigness.
And so, wanting to convey to you tbe distinct fact tbat
nothing in tbe way of Handkerchiefs is missing from our stock and
tbat tbe values, tbe styles, tbe qualities, tbe quantities are incom
parably good—how shall we do it without superlatives? A diffi
cult task, surely!
Well put it this way: ’
All Atlanta knows what our Handkerchief Department has
in point of excellence. Now add to its previous excellence
and efficiency a wealth of new ideas, a richness of stock bought in
ample time to get the pick of the market and imported especially
for us—and you have some notion of current conditions
Handkerchief Department. Could superlatives say more?
>een
m our
But here is some definite Handkerchief news for you. Of course, to ap
preciate the extent and variety of the stuff, you 11 have to see for yourself. Your*
cordially urged to do so.
Ladies' Handkerchief*
Ladies’ sheer hemstitched Shamrock Handker
chiefs, with hand-embroidered initial, 6 for $1.00
Ladies’ sheer hemstitched Shamrock Initial
Handkerchiefs, each 15c
Ladies’ sheer Shamrock hemstitched hand-em
broidered Initial Handkerchiefs, with wreath
around initial, hand-embroidered in three dif
ferent patterns, each 25c
Ladies’ sheer Shamrock hemstitched, crossbar
Handkerchiefs, with initial and wreath, hand
done, each 25c
Ladies’ sheer hemstitched embroidered Initial
Handkerchiefs 50c
Ladies’ sheer all-linen hand-embroidered Initial
Handkerchiefs, each $1.50
Ladies’ sheer hemstitched, crossbar Handker
chiefs, each — . 15c to 25c
Ladies’ plain hemstitched linen Handkerchiefs,
each 10c to 50c
Ladies’ embroidered Handkerchiefs, in many
different patterns, each 15c, 25c, 50c, 75c
Ladies’ French hand-embroidered Handker
chiefs, each $1.00 up to $12.50
Ladies’ mourning Handkerchiefs, with plain
hemstitched hem, each 15c, 25c, 50c
Ladies’ colored Handkerchiefs,
each 25c to 50c
Ladies' tape border hemstitched Handkerchiefs,
each 25c
Mens Handkerc kiefs
Men’s all-linen hemstitched Handkerchiefs, 6
for ....$1.00
(This is a remarkable value. Make a note of it
for your buying.)
Men’s all-linen hemstitched
plain, each
Handkerchiefs,
10c to $1.50
Men’s Initial Handkerchiefs, all-linen, tape bor
der, each 25c
Men’s plain all-linen Initial Handkerchiefs,
each ; 25c
Men’s crossbar, ali-linen Initial Handkerchiefs,
each 50c
Men’s plain all-linen Initial Handkerchiefs. .50c
Men’s tape border and crossbar, all-linen Hand
kerchiefs 25c to $1.00
Mothers will find here some splendid values in School Children's Handker-
:hiefs. Neat, inexpensive and §tyl ish patterns in plenty.