Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-09-22
MEMPHIS TENN. TUESDAY EVENING. SEPTEMBER %. 1874

Olu anu gOuuBt hutlb AZ mhuBC Duiih
shrine Strange wonder the world said
that all were scorned-not gently and
with words of pity and apology, but
spurned from her very feet with scornful
lips and blazing eyes.
Aye, Madge Smith was an enigma and
mystery to all who knew her No warmer
friend, no brighter companion did those
of her own sex seek for. But never we're
those lips seen to smile, or those wonder
full eyes to soften in response to any
lovers; no glacier was more frigid than
she to all men. All, did | say2 Nay;
Dame Rumor had plenty Of gossip just
now. Only a few weeks since a new
rival appeared on the scene of action.
Neil Rowan, a merchant and million.
aire, entered the list of Madge Smiths
adorers-not for her wealth, surely,
Madame Grundy acknowledged gra-
ciously. He had enough of his own. 1t
was genuine love that this blase man of
society felt for beautiful Madge. And a
wonderful change had come over the
fair lady since his appearance. Bright
before, she was brilliant noY-spark-
ling, witty. bewldering; and the world
looked on in amaze to see the flush stain
her white cheek, and the brighI smile
that lighted her eyes at his approach.
And did he not recognize her, you are
wondering? Nay, how should he?
Sweet Cora Smith, and the summer in
the country, were forgotten things with
this man. He had broken half dozen
silly hearts since then, and left them all
with Time, the great healer. He had
firted with societys queens, and village
maidens innumerable, and left the past
all behind him. And now he came and
laid the first pure, real love of his life
time at this woman's feet. So he told
her one autumn night in the grand par
lor of her stately home.
How her hands trembled and her eyes
shone as she listenedl Wait" she said;
:" / will give my answer o-morrow night;
it is my birthnight and | shall give an
entertainment. You will come; | will
see you then. Be in the library at ten,
and you shall hear my answer"
And the night came, and he was there
waiting. He paced the room impatient
ly. Would she ever come, this girl that
was dearer than mis- life2 Ay, she was
life to him. The world had seemed stale,
aavorless, until he met her, the woman
who, alone of her own sex, had ever
stirred the slumbering passions of his
heart. How bright the future seemed
He was sure of her answer; had not she
given it all but in words2
my beautiful, my queenl" he said
softly And just then he heard the light
ripple of a woman's laugh in the adjOin-
ing room. Her laugh he knew among a
thousand; and her voice; she was speak
ing loud and clear.
" There, Guardie, you must let me go
now, Mr.. Rowan is waiting for me in the
library. You know | am to give him his
answer to- night.
And the guardians voice, speaking
tenderly, said:
"And that answer, can guess it, little
Madge. You are going to marry this
man and leave us all. "
She laughed softly.
Marry him? No, indeed, sirl He
is just the subject for a grand Irritation
and | assure you have acted my part
well; but for anything further--bah. But
he is expecting me, so by,by till / come
again, and she tripped lightly through
the half-ope door ere the amazed guar
dian could utter a syllable.
A white, CHASTITY, shivering figure stood
by the library window.
For Gods sake, Madge Smith, tell
me you were jestingl" he CRIED as brill
liant, glowing, beautiful, she glided into
the room.
Not so, my friend" she answered
lightly, " spoke the truth. you over
heard my words, | need not repeat them,
1t is my answer
But you gave me hope; you led me
on; you have given me reason to think
you loved me, he cried passionately.
1t is the only love of my life | have
centered every hope and thought in you,
Madge Smith, and for my sake, for Gods
sake do not wreck my life
She was very pale now, and her eyes
were black and glistening.
Neil Rowan" she sail, slowly, II
have prayed for this hour eight years,
but never in my widest dreams did |
think my prayer so fully answered.
When saw the hue Of death, the white
agony on my only sisters cheek-when
saw her writhe in speechless agony at
the words she heard eight years ago to-
night, vowed to avenge her, God being
my helper Again when | heard the
thud of the earth on her coffin I vowed
that vow. God has brought it about
even sooner, more complete, than had
thought. If have given you an hour
of such agony as she suffered l am con-
tent. If you could live and suffer it for
countless ages, should be better con.
tented. My work is ended. Good
night"
Two hours afterward the sharp report
of a pistol rang with startling distinct
ness through the crowded drawing room
All sprang to their feet save Madge
Smith Perhaps her cheek paled little
Il cannot tell; but the light of her eye
never changed, her smiling lips never
relaxed, as she gazed upon the blood
stained corpse in the library. Neil
Rowan had taken his own life, and Cora
Smith was avenged.
1900
The Comte de Paris has been engaged |
by the Revue des Deux Mondes to CON