Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1877-05-16
THE MIDNIGHT WORKER.

THE MlDNfGHT WORkEk.
He was my lover, and, without doubt
as his stately mother laughingly avered
a very demi-god in my eyes.
Nevertheless 1 knew he had his
whlms. Among these was the fancy
to play the part princely host.
Every year, at a certain season, the
fashionable world, with its nucleus Of
wit, beauty and genius, became the
recipient of his right royalty dispensed
hospitality. One year this nucleus was
swallowed up in the person of a new
star.
Brilliantly gifted in face, form and
mind, Miss Vivian queened it with
charming grace and power.
Lovely and even envious women were
fascinated into open homage, men into
passionate idolatry, and soon, conspicu.
Gus among these, lowered my demi-god,
my lover, Harold Lorne.
Half wild with grief, Jealousy and de-
spair, taxed him with his faithless-
ness. A light laugh answered me at
first, and then he said:
Nonsense, Lii! Our masculine
hearts must beat wildly under the smiles
of a woman so rarely charming as the
beautiful Vivian. Don't let thought
of her vex your little brain. Remem-
Der that it is modest wildwood flower
1 shall some day claim as mine. But
one thing, Lii, don't tighten the rein
on me; 1 might grow FESTIVE, you
know"
There was singular expression of
menace and repulsion in his eyes as he
uttered these concluding words, but he
kissed me.
II wish she were dead! I could kill
her |" answered passionately, scarcely
knowing what said.
He shrugged his shoulders and yawn-
ed nonchalantly.
Blazing with anger and wounded
love, broke awayssfrom him and rush
ed to my room. A minute later l
heard his step on the terrace, and, 60
ing to the window, l saw him cross the
lawn and join group, of which Miss
Vivian was, as usual, the lovely center.
II will break with him." l cried pas
sionately. The next instant moaning
wildly: II can mott can net; it would
kill me. Oh, Heaven, why must
suffer thus? Why-why did she come?'
| I gazed down upon the dark, brilliant
face, lit by the great, fathomless eyes,
so wonderful soft and bright.
I listened to the ripple of silvery
laughter as it crossed her lips and float
ed sweetly up to my room.
1 looked, listened and thought.
Presently I murmured:
''She is beautiful, she is charming.
she is graceful, but her face is the face
of sphinx. She is living mystery
her eyes proclaim it. Is she good? !
hate her-I don't know. Does she
love Harold? No; she gives Harold
what Harold gives me. Strange world
miserable life! Its horrible mysteries
and miseries who can interpret?"
The hours went by, yet still 1 sal
there-all the evening, deep into the
night and on to the gray dawn.
AT last, worn and feverish, I arose
and, lighting a candle, stole out to gel
a glass Of water.
l went through the main hall tt
another leading to suite of rooms
which, on account of their magnificent
outlook, had been appropriated BY
Harold as private library, reading
room, &c.
My noiseless tread had brought mt
within few PAGES of this suite, wher
my feet were glued to the floor by the
sight of a tall figure, shrouded from
head to foot in loose black robe, issu
ing from the center room.
A close black mask concealed the
face completely, but the CLEAN of the
| fierce, threatening eyes, as we stood
fora moment motionless IN front O.
each other, struck me with indescriba
BILE terror, and in its extremity the
candlestick dropped from my nerveless
fingers to the floor.
A little ray of light streamed from
the dark-lantern carried by my vis-a-yis
but it was instantly extinguished be-
meath the flowing robe, and before
had time to rally my benumbed faculties
there was faint, swift rustic, and the
figure sweptby me with gliding mo
toni knew not whittier.
Hurrying back to my chamber, Sc
toured another light, and in few mo
ments had awakened Charlotte, who
as promptly aroused Harold and tn,
butler.
| In due time the whole house-Gx
lcepting only the occupied guests chain
bers-had been thoroughly searched
land we stood gazing at one another i
Questioning amazement.
I Not trace Of late vis-a-vis could b
found.