Chapter XVIII

THE BRIDAL.

The day appointed for the marriage had at length arrived, and Lena Van Hoosen was about as miserable a girl as there was to be found in New York city.

With Lord Maltravers she could never be happy. But she thought it her duty to sacrifice herself in deference to the wishes of her mother.

The marriage was arranged to take place in Mrs. Van Hoosen's house, at five o'clock in the afternoon.

Only a few intimate friends of the family and some relatives had been invited.

Alfred Van Hoosen at first refused to attend, but Lena begged him not to keep away, and very reluctantly he consented to be on hand.

At half-past five Lord Maltravers arrived and apologized for the marks on his face by saying that his horse had run away with him and that he had been thrown in Central Park.

Lena paid very little attention to him, as he presented her with some magnificent diamonds which her mother placed around her neck and wrists, but not even a smile illumined her countenance, which was as pale as death.

At length the clergyman arrived, and as the clock softly tinkled the hour of five, the couple took their position, in front of him, and with open book he commenced the ceremony.

Mrs. Van Hoosen was delighted, for her ambitious schemes now seemed on the verge of being realized.

Indeed she was the only person in the room, except the guests, who seemed at all happy.

Lord Maltravers was restless and uneasy, looking constantly toward the door, as if he feared some interruption to the ceremony.

Alfred bit his lip and frowned, as he regarded Maltravers with anything but a friendly air.

Scarcely had the clergyman read half a dozen lines when there was a loud ring at the bell.

Maltravers started and Lena flushed visibly as if she hoped against hope that something might happen to interfere with this hateful marriage.

The minister went on with the ceremony.

Suddenly there was a commotion in the hall, the sound of footsteps was heard on the stairs, and Jack Harkaway, hat in hand, appeared in the doorway.

Halting on the threshold he said: "Pardon my intrusion, ladies and gentlemen."

Lord Maltravers bridled up.

"You are an uninvited guest, sir," he replied.

"I have taken the liberty of coming here to interrupt this marriage."

Maltravers grew deathly pale.

"Are you aware, my good fellow," he exclaimed insolently, "that you have rendered yourself liable to be removed by the police?"

"Try it," answered Jack.

"Fortunately I provided against a contingency of this kind and have a policeman stationed in the adjoining apartment. If you do not instantly quit the house, I shall—with Mrs. Van Hoosen's permission—tell the officer to do his duty."

Mrs. Van Hoosen bowed her acquiescence.

"Allow me to ask the minister one question," said Jack.

"What is it?" inquired the minister.

"Is it lawful for a man to have two wives?"

"Certainly not."

"Then I forbid this marriage to proceed, for Lord Maltravers has a wife living."

"It is false," cried Maltravers.

"What proofs have you of this allegation?" inquired the minister.

"The lady herself."

The next moment Harvey, with a lady leaning on his arm, made his appearance.

The lady was Adéle Bellefontaine.

"Here is your wife, my lord," exclaimed Jack.

Adéle no sooner saw Maltravers than, clouded though her intellect was, she recognized him.

Rushing forward she fell on her knees and grasped his unwilling hand.

"Oh! do not spurn me from you," she cried. "I am your wife in the sight of God and man and Heaven knows I have always loved you dearly."

"You are an impostor," replied Maltravers.

"No, no. You cared for me once."

"Away!"

"I will not. This time you shall not drive me from you."

Harkaway stepped forward.

"Will you call your policeman now?" he asked.

His lordship glared at him with bloodshot eyes.

"Who killed Bambino?" persisted Jack.

Maltravers staggered as if he had been shot.

"My lord," said Jack, "Bambino has spoken! His confession and accusation against you were taken down by a judge. A warrant is already out for your arrest on the charge of murder, for he died this afternoon."

Suddenly Maltravers drew a pistol from his pocket. "Stand back," he exclaimed. "I will not be taken alive."

He attempted to gain the door, but Adéle clung to his hand. "Do not leave me," she plead.

Depressing the muzzle of his pistol he placed it near her head.

In the struggle that ensued, the pistol exploded, and Adéle fell to the floor, shot dead.

Maltravers ran from the room and by his knowledge of the premises succeeded in making an effective escape. The police quickly came, but they were wholly baffled, and though every step was taken to catch the murderer and impostor he disappeared as utterly as if no such man had existed.

It was a sad release from life for the poor, neglected wife, but, better that than the misery of living as she had been. She was buried by kindly hands and sympathetic tears were shed at her grave.

Lena, under the inspiration of Jack's presence, soon recovered her good spirits and in due time became a willing bride and the most loved of wives.

And so Jack Harkaway's career in New York culminated in Jack Harkaway's happiness.

THE END