CHAPTER XVIII.
THE BRIDAL.
The day appointed for the marriage had at length arrived, and Lena VanHoosen was about as miserable a girl as there was to be found in NewYork city.
With Lord Maltravers she could never be happy. But she thought it herduty to sacrifice herself in deference to the wishes of her mother.
The marriage was arranged to take place in Mrs. Van Hoosen's house, atfive o'clock in the afternoon.
Only a few intimate friends of the family and some relatives had beeninvited.
Alfred Van Hoosen at first refused to attend, but Lena begged him notto keep away, and very reluctantly he consented to be on hand.
At half-past five Lord Maltravers arrived and apologized for the markson his face by saying that his horse had run away with him and that hehad been thrown in Central Park.
Lena paid very little attention to him, as he presented her with somemagnificent diamonds which her mother placed around her neck andwrists, but not even a smile illumined her countenance, which was aspale as death.
At length the clergyman arrived, and as the clock softly tinkled thehour of five, the couple took their position, in front of him, and withopen book he commenced the ceremony.
Mrs. Van Hoosen was delighted, for her ambitious schemes now seemed onthe verge of being realized.
Indeed she was the only person in the room, except the guests, whoseemed at all happy.
Lord Maltravers was restless and uneasy, looking constantly toward thedoor, as if he feared some interruption to the ceremony.
Alfred bit his lip and frowned, as he regarded Maltravers with anythingbut a friendly air.
Scarcely had the clergyman read half a dozen lines when there was aloud ring at the bell.
Maltravers started and Lena flushed visibly as if she hoped againsthope that something might happen to interfere with this hatefulmarriage.
The minister went on with the ceremony.
Suddenly there was a commotion in the hall, the sound of footsteps washeard on the stairs, and Jack Harkaway, hat in hand, appeared in thedoorway.
Halting on the threshold he said: "Pardon my intrusion, ladies andgentlemen."
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 youhave rendered yourself liable to be removed by the police?"
"Try it," answered Jack.
"Fortunately I provided against a contingency of this kind and have apoliceman stationed in the adjoining apartment. If you do not instantlyquit the house, I shall--with Mrs. Van Hoosen's permission--tell theofficer 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 wifeliving."
"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 hisappearance.
The lady was Adele Bellefontaine.
"Here is your wife, my lord," exclaimed Jack.
Adele 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 sightof 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 andaccusation against you were taken down by a judge. A warrant isalready out for your arrest on the charge of murder, for he died thisafternoon."
Suddenly Maltravers drew a pistol from his pocket. "Stand back," heexclaimed. "I will not be taken alive."
He attempted to gain the door, but Adele clung to his hand. "Do notleave me," she plead.
Depressing the muzzle of his pistol he placed it near her head.
In the struggle that ensued, the pistol exploded, and Adele fell to thefloor, shot dead.
Maltravers ran from the room and by his knowledge of the premisessucceeded in making an effective escape. The police quickly came, butthey were wholly baffled, and though every step was taken to catch themurderer and impostor he disappeared as utterly as if no such man hadexisted.
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 buriedby kindly hands and sympathetic tears were shed at her grave.
Lena, under the inspiration of Jack's presence, soon recovered her goodspirits and in due time became a willing bride and the most loved ofwives.
And so Jack Harkaway's career in New York culminated in Jack Harkaway'shappiness.
THE END