The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1875-06-11
impress about them.

Erminie's promise was realized in
one respect shortly.
} Miss Wheatland left town abruptly,
, and without any ones cognizance,
and society connected her absence
with that of Mr.. Forcyth, who, it was
. discovered, had suddenly left town at
the same time. An elopement was
whispered and gained in public be-
lief.
!; Erminie received letter from Eu-
lalie very soon. It announced with
great surprise and anxiety, the pres
ence Of Mr.. Forcyth, at Wayland.
4 "I tremble with fear lest he discov-
er my secret" she wrote, Though it
is, 1 know, unlikely that he will do
so. It is so strange he should be
here. He has business and acquaint-
ances in the town"
"It works admirably" laughed
Erminie on the receipt of this. She
answered her friends letter with as
surances, and explained to her the
improbability of there being the slight
est ground for her anxiety.
A second letter from Eulalie was in
a different strain.
My heart reproaches me bitterly
for the base deception l was compell-
ed to practice on Hector Devereux.
What must he think of me? He must
see me heartless deceiver, who de-
lights in torturing him. could not
tell him and see his contempt and
scorn. / stole away like coward
and left him to think what he chose.
Can | ever look in his face again?"
There was much more in this vein,
and Erminie Sinclare read it with
new thought in her mind. This let
ter was to her pricelessly precious,
To any one not acquainted with the
truth its expression of self-reproach
fitted the theory that she had eloped
and married Arnold Forcyth, quite
as clearly as though such were the
fact.
"This letter is a powerful ally in
my hand, placed there unconsciously
by you, my dear Eulalie. With it 1
can bring Hector Devereux to my
feet; that accomplished, I will see
that you are informed Of it. That
will give Forcyth the advantage he is
waiting for, and / fancy he will profit
by it, I hope you will be happy. Why
shouldn't you? I am sure Mr.. For
cyth is charming gentlemen"
Erminie Sinclare colloquized in
this way, and built many light structl
ures in the air. Harmless architec-
ture are these "castles in the air."
Without foundation, they are of such
Aimsy material that their fall produ-
ces no shock.
Hector Devereux called upon her
in the course of few days. He was
notieeably in poor spirits.
Hector, l am glad you have come,
she said, frankly. cit is SO long
since you have been to see me-"
"Erminie you must know why I
have remained away" he answered.
"Since the day I confessed to you
change in my feelings to you, / could
hardly think / would be a welcome
visitor. / come now with specific
motive, or l would not have ventured
where l should have believed was
unwelcome.
"You could never be that, Hector.
Though you have wrung my heart,
your presence still gives me pleas
ure, she said, earnestly. but sadly.
"Erminie, l have come to you be-
cause you are Lulalie's friend. 1 am
tortured by her sudden and singular
absen e, and by the horrible rumors
that come to me. You were in her
confidence; do you know anything Of
her whereabouts, or the occasion of
her fight? Tell me has Forcyth any
thing to do with it? I am mad with
suspense and uncert9ntv."
"Hector, do not take on in this
way. | know it is disappointment
to see your idol rudely shattered in
this way: You thought her incapa-
BILE of deceit?"
"You do not tell me this tale is
true?' interrupted Devereux excl
tedly.
Erminie bowed her head in silent
affirmative.
81 cannot-will not believeitl Give
Me the proof"
"Still doubting?" she said with
sarcastic smile.
Erminie Sinclare placed Miss
Wheatland's letter in Devereux'
hand.
He sat down and read it through.
His face flushed hotly as he read its
passionate reproaches upon her con
duct toward him.
Its words had but one meaning to
him. They were confirmation Of his
worst fears. She had eloped with
Forcyth.
"False indeed?' he CALCULATED.
Where is she" Her letter is dated
AT Mrs. Mathews where is that?"
"I am not at liberty TO tell"
''Let me confront herl 1 but de-
sire TO pour forth my contempt for
such matchless treachery."
Hector, be calm, said Erminie.
"You had better see no more Of her.
/ know full well your feelings. The
pain is akin TO that j once suffered
and you inflicted! | am not so de-
monstrative as you, but ! can feell
Hector this is retributionw
He was silent.
"Itis utjustiee thatyoufoundyour
idol clay, She continued, II hesitate
not to speak plainly, for you should
see this in its true light Hector, 1
have loved you through it all. Can
you not renew the old allegiancel
Show that you have spirit, and that
her desertion does not move you. III
humble myself TO say this; but / re-
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