Page:"A modern Hercules", the tale of a sculptress (IA amodernherculest00wins).pdf/74

68 "It is entirely immaterial to me," said Mr. Connors "what she may have been. I know only this, that, in my judgment, she is today the grandest artist of the modern world, and as such, is entitled to my homage. As far as this marriage is concerned, she is her own mistress. She can marry whomsoever she fancies. There are many men in New York today, who would sell their souls for her."

"Are you one of them?" said Olivia.

"I decline to answer so leading a question," said Mr. Connors, but not ungraciously.

"I received my summons so hastily," said Olivia, "that I am entirely ignorant of particulars. Where will the ceremony take place, and who will tie the knot?"

"Dr. Nugent," answered Marie, "and at the church around the corner."

"I thought," said Olivia, "that Dr. Nugent had quit the ministry?"

"No," said Mr. Connors, "but almost the same. He has resigned from the pulpit of the First Church."

"I have understood," said Salmon, "that he promised to wed them at the request of Ouida."

Connors, joining in again at this time, said that he had heard, that at one time Dr. Nugent had fallen a victim to the fascinating charms of the sculptress.

"Some of the blackmailing sheets so reported," chipped in Olivia, "but no reputable journal fathered such a libel. One thing is true, this wedding will eclipse all sensations of the year."

"I wonder how Doane will take it?" said Connors.

"Badly, I think," said Olivia. "He was hit hard in that direction. Ouida's is the only picture I have ever seen grace his sanctum."