CHAPTER XLVIII.—FROM THE BRINK OF DEATH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11917, 15 December 1900, Page 5

CHAPTER XLVIII.—FROM THE BRINK OF DEATH.

She was paler than the veil which fell over her brow : but was smiling, bowever—a forced smile, in final concession to her father's will—while on her maiden's robe, by a strange whim which no one, however, noticed, she wore the necklace of amber beads which Zilla had given her, and from time to time her fingers were closed on the poisoned beasl, through which she was soon to sue for safety and death.

It had been her desire to delay the fulfilment of her intention to the very last moment, for her conscience bade her live as long us it was' possible that chance, or, rather, Providence, might intervene to sonif purpose in her destiny. The Marquis drew near to her, and, openiii" his arms, murmured. "My daughter! My child!"

And this father, who, although taking a step that was hateful to Gilberte, in thus giving her bond to Roland, had a tear of tender emotion to shed at the moment of that separation, which his child's determination was preparing to render eternal.

Gilberte looked at the Marquis sadly

" Poor father," she mused, "he does not know what he is doing. May God forgive him!"

The bells had stopped ringing. " They are going to start," said Paquette :o Gilberte in a low voice.

" Yes," whispered the maiden, trembling " all is over."

Almost immediately a footman made his appearance in the salon, and, bowing to the Marquis, announced that the carriages were ready.

" Come, gentlemen," said the father, at the same. time offering to take Gilberte's

She reeled, and. sinking into a chair, murmured, " Oh, I cannot!"

Paquette, at a word from Gilberte, had left the salon, and returned .carrying a glass of water on a silver tray.

" Compose yourself," said Roland ,to his betrothed; " compose yourself. I will await your wishes."

" You shall not wait for long, monsieur." She took the glass, put her lips to it. and, shielding it carefully with one hand. dropped the poisoned bead, which shehhr«!.r«! just torn from her necklace, into the water.

As Zilla had stated, the bead dissolved almost immediately, .without affecting the clearness of the water.

Gilberte's lips moved slightly. She wa~ doubtless praying. Then she slowly raised the glass.

As she was about to drink, having cast around her one last glance of regret or of hope, the door of the salon wa.s opened hastily, and a footmrra broke the general silence with these words:

" Count Ludovie de Lcmbrot! M. Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac!"