till laughing.

At that moment there was a light rap at the library door, followed by the
entrance of a footman who placed a small, twisted note in the hands of
Miss Levison. She opened it and read:

"MY DEAR CHILD: It is after ten o'clock. We go to church at
eleven. Sir Lemuel has not yet rung his bell. His valet having received
his orders last night not to call him this morning, has declined to do
so. What is to be done under these circumstances? Send me a verbal
message by the bearer. Your loving Aunt,

"SOPHIE BELGRADE."

"My father not yet risen!" exclaimed Salome in surprise. "He must have
overslept himself with fatigue. Tell Lady Belgrade, with my thanks, that
I will go to my father's room and waken him," she added, turning to the
footman, who bowed and went to deliver his message.

"I hope Sir Lemuel is quite well?" said the young marquis, earnestly.

"He is quite well. My father regulates his habits so well as to live in
perfect harmony with the laws of life and health. If he fatigues himself
over night, he always takes a compensating rest in the morning. That is
what he is doing now. But I think he is sleeping even longer than he
intended to do, so I really must arouse him now, if we are to keep our
appointment with the minister. Good-by, until we meet at the church, Lord
Arondelle," she said, as she floated from the room in her bridal robe,
and vail.

"Who says that she is not beautiful, belies her? She is lovely in person
and in spirit," murmured the young marquis, as he took up his hat to
leave the house.

CHAPTER VIII.

A HORRIBLE DISCOVERY.

In order not to attract the attention of the crowds of people who swarmed
in the village, on the bridge, and on the island, Lord Arondelle had
driven over to the castle in a closed cab that now waited at the gates
to take him back again.

He left the library and went out into the great hall.

The hall porter, an elderly, stout, and important-looking functionary,
slowly arose from his chair to honor the young marquis by opening the
doors with his own official hands instead of leaving that duty to the
footman.

And Lord Arondelle was just in the act of passing out when his steps were
suddenly arrested.

A WILD AND PIERCING SHRIEK RANG THROUGH THE HOUSE, STARTLING ALL ITS
ECHOES!

It was followed by a dead silence, and then by the sound of many hurrying
feet and terrified exclamations.

"Salome! my bride! Oh, what has happened!" thought the