Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-04-02
An Origiual Sturg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
DESTINY;
HOUNDED DOWN.
RY NELLY MARSHALL McArEE.
CHAPTER XLIII.

1he last apartment lnto "Hien
was ushered, was Gadburys private one
Goodness had characterized the mans every
motion up to the present moment. The room
was lighted by several wax candles in golden
girandoles. Mcdonald was almost agitated
as Gadbury turned toward him.
"You must hear me- before we enter into
any personal explanation!" Mcdonald said,
vehemently son my sacred honor as a gen.
tleman, declare to you that alone am gull
ty. Your wife is innocent. The shadow of
reproach would be an unjust and cruel out
rage, and most deplorable error. on your
part! I went into the library without her
knowledge of my intention to do so! had
not been in the room ten minutes when you
entered. I acknowledge my love fer her
my deathless passion. Necessity compels me
to confess it! Such affection outrages you
have always acknowledged that, and am
willing to make whatever reparation you may
desire. But before I conclude, allow me to
say that your wife is innocent of encouraging
me, and as far from evil.doing as an angel =
The husbands smile was one of mingled
contempt and derison.
"She is guiltless; I tell you the truth" per-
sisted Mcdonald, seeing the doubt in Cad"
bury's eyes "she slighted my passion, was
led away by it. I swore revenge. came
here disguised. She penetrated it and order
ed me away. became angry and remained.
have sought to win her and failed. She re-
NAMED true to you. You went away, and l
was attempting to avail myself Of your ab-
sence. Had you heard our conversation, you
could have doubted her no longer. She could
not prevent my going into her presence. l
did it deliberately, and without her knowledge.
swear this to you"
Gadbury interrupted him coldly-
"You have said enough. Any other man
in your place would do as much. | would
myself. But understand, once and for all
time, what you say in defense of that woman
is useless. Leave her to exculpate herself
At present, we must talk of ourselves"
"But, sir, swear to you, on my honor!
"In like circumstance, if you took false
oath, sir, it would do you honor. [ desire to
say this much: The age of dueling has pass
ed away, and yet this insult you have cast
upon my house can only be wiped out in blood.
Either you or I must die!'
His manner was careless. He was leaning
on the mantel, toying with German lamp,
all bronze and crystal, while he talked in very
deliberate tones.
Mcdonald bowed his head with his old,
inimitable, stately grace, and said as quietly
as if they were engaged in discussing the bo-
quet of Rhine wines
81 have outraged you, and it is for you to
determine what reparation at my hands will
be satisfactory to you"
"You owe me your Ate," said Gadbury,
sternly; "the High God only knows but 1 will
surrender mine to you before it is all over. l
must detain you few moments longer, while
we make arrangements; then you will be at
liberty" So saying, he politely offered a
chair to Mcdonald and took another himself
"Nsed assure you again" said Mcdonald,
with dignity, "that whatever proposition you
make will accede to it ?"
"Then listen to me" said Gadbury, with
hauteur unsurpassable; "a moment since you
spoke of that woman in such manner that l
inferred you would wish anything rather than
that public shame should fall upon her
shame in the face of the whole world, mean.
If I have not mistaken your emotions, you
will, indeed, accede to the proposition shall
make. We must conceal the truth about the
whole matter The honor Of this woman
must not be stained, whatever happens; for
she bears the name of Gadbury, and the es-
cutcheon of our house has never been tar
nished.''
Estate your wishes" "said Mcdonald 81 do
not exactly comprehend your meaning"
Gadbury's tones were cold and deliberate
as ever
"When entered the library and found my
wife in your embrace, had I struck you dead,
then and there, the law would have justified
me in the act"
"Why did you not do it, then ?" said Nc
Donald, stung to desperation by the frigid,
terrible bearing of. his antagonist, and re-
solved, at any cost, to break down his reserve
ooh" said Gadbury, with mistaken i'm
perturbablity, 81 did not do so for two
reasons: First, I had no neat weapon at hand,
such as you wear ornamentally; and the last
best reason was, the body would have been in
my way"
ooh! you could have left it lying in the
woodland, or down among the cliffs" an
swered Mcdonald, with q strange and bitter
smile.
Gadbury regarded the speaker fixedly, and
then resumed in an altered voice.
Through you all earthly happiness for me
has been forever blighted; and yet because I
blame the woman more than I blame you, l
offer you the same chance of living that
take myself. My life you may take-if luck
be on your sde-but Of my honor you cannot
rob me"
cam to understand that you desire the
duel to be private without seconds, I mean !?
Ifso agree to it. believe you will be hon
orable, and I trust you will believe the same
ofme"
Gadbury bowed with cold courtesy and
continued
81 desire even more than that, sir; 1 want
the world to understand that it was o,oing en-
tirely to accident. In no other way can We
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