the front hall, and entered the drawing room on the right hand side.

Dr. Peters arose and advanced to meet them.

"Good-morning, reverend sir; I am glad to see you. In one word, now: Have
you an answer to your telegram?"

"Yes."

"And what is it?"

"The marriage certificate shown you is genuine. It corresponds in every
particular with the entry of the same date in the parish register of the
church of St. Sebastian where the ceremony was performed."

"Thank Heaven! then my daughter is free!" exclaimed Abel Force.

"Here is the telegram--a very lengthy but quite satisfactory one," said
the rector, drawing from his pocket a large coil of what looked like white
measuring tape.

Abel Force took it and read it aloud. It need not be repeated here. Enough
to say that it was conclusive.

"And the scoundrel knew that he had a living wife, when he led my daughter
to the altar! Reverend sir, what should a father, in his righteous wrath,
do with such a man?" demanded Abel Force, livid with rage.

"Leave him to the divine Providence," reverently replied the rector.

Abel Force ground his teeth; he felt more like becoming a volunteer
instrument of the vengeance of divine Providence.

"A Christian would curb his passion and let the evildoer go his way,"
continued the rector.

"Then I am a sinner!" exclaimed Le, who had been turning red and white
with every ebb and flow of emotion.

"A yielding to anger always tends to make bad worse," said Dr. Peters.

"Uncle," said Le--who always, it will be remembered, addressed his
relative by this title--"have you any more commands for me?"

"No, my boy; I only wished you to stay to hear this telegram, if it should
come. You have heard it, and now I will relieve you."

"Yes, I have heard it! I have heard it! Good-day, uncle! Good-day, Dr.
Peters!" said the young man, rising.

"When will you be back, Le?" inquired Mr. Force.

"Some time this evening, I hope, sir; but don't wait for me," replied the
midshipman, and, with another bow, he left the room.

"What is that lad thinking of?" anxiously inquired the rector.

"Nothing unworthy of my ward, or your pupil, reverend sir, we may be sure
of that!" replied the squire.

"Young blood is hot and hasty!" sighed the good man.

As he spoke, the door opened, and Mrs. Force entered.

"Good-morning, Dr. Peters! I have just met Leonidas Force, who told me of
your arrival, as he hurried from the house, but told me no more. I could
n