Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-03-19

have done and will do under the circum-
stances.
"All right, Milly, to please you--ooly a
drop, you know, as you say its's very weak, "
aud be took her arm.
At that moment, now that she had won
her battle, she did not consider what wrong
she might be doing.
As they went up to the wine table, Ralph
saw Captain Denver there. He took Milly
to the farthest corner, saying:
why not wait till VIC are alone7"
Don't be silly, dear Ralph" she whis.
pered, and like a willing captive as he was,
she led him TO the table.
Captain Denver put down the glass he
was about to raise ~ his mouth, as he saw
them approach With his sweetest smile,
he said
Just in time, Mr.. Bertrand Let US
wish the queen Of the feast many happy re-
turns Of the evening" Aud as he spoke he
filed two glasses for the new comers.
Being gent eman, Ralph could not tod
any fault with this attempt at recouciia-
ton.
Milly only touched the wine with her
lips, as she bowed to the profuse compli-
meLts from the captain, and the few NUT
tered words Of Ralph.
Then somehow the captain would have
Ralph take another glass the occasion
didn't often happen, you know, so the cap
tain said. Milly was all smiles, aud Ralph
why should the captain be wishing all the
JOY p found himself taking second glass.
Temperate as he had been up to that hour,
the wine proved very strong to him. After
that second glass, Ralph never knew what
followed.
The captain saw his look Of abandon,
while Milly turned away 10 disgust, as be
informed her that her friend was only lit
tie mellow" and he sneered.
Ralph was just gone far enough to catch
the sneer, with feeling of revenge. Liquor
it would seem, made him quarrelsome.
As for the captain it took good deal to
affect him.
"Mellow, d-did you say ?" Ralph asked,
little thickly, as he strobe up to the
smiling captain.
"Well, that is ouly the French Of it, out
Of compliment to our hostess. If you
want me to speak palmer, I'll allow that
you're drunk
Milly was attracted by the low laugh of
the captain only mocking to the man beside
him.
"Your gentleman friend is slightly gone
under, Miss West" be said, as be drank
another glass of wine
Mily had barred Raj lphs way and with
faint feeling coming over her, prayed in
wardly for the appearance Of her brother
and father. Unfortunately they were not
there, and in the parlors they were dane
log away, unmindful Of them.
"G-get out Of my way, M-Milly. |
want to show that fellow that he's no gen.
tlcman, and he pushed her out Of the way,
almost throwing her down.
She gave terrible scream, but they heed.
ed it not amid the loud clang OF the mu.
sic.
Don't be afraid, Miss West He's
too drunk to Go any harm So"
But the sert nee was never finished
There was heavy thud on the floor, and
Milly looked on coyen skull, aud q
body out of which life had fed forever. A
heavy tumbler in the hands Of madmar
; did il ALL
Now that the mischief had been done
the crowd came into the room, attracted
by Milly's cries. A look explained all ts
them
They took Milly to her own room, utter
; ly unconscious. in which condition sh'
awoke in a brain fever. Death almos
claimed her, but youth and good care saveC
her for a more miserable life
With brain very much weakened, sh,
began her weary life again. Not wore
was mentioned Of Ralph, but in the course
Of time, they handed her letter which
was year old. This was what she read !:
" Dear Miiy In my last moments writ
> to you, to let you know Of my miserable end
| never would be hung for that murder 80
fed befUre they had presence Of mind to ne
! cure me. And this is the way our love dream
is to end II in a suicides grave But who's
fault was it ! You knoie. But | feel tn
poison have taken working on me. mus
, hurry and say forgive you In the futur
| you may forget me, and there may he some for
tunate man to call you wife. Keep him from
temptation
Yours, dying,
RALPH"
Bat there was no other man to call he
wife. She died an old maid, and as peopl
hinted little " iaft."
Knowing all that you do, kind reader
can you wonder that 1 call my little stor.
" A Woman's Crime ?"