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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.