The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1878-11-05

a few low words to Alice, and rs he did
so, Madaline scanned the face of Mr.
Lund closely.
"They were friends once sne said
seeing how indifferent he was
He glanced toward them quickly at
this, and then looked inquiringly into
her face. Her words were simple
enough, but they we're weighed down
with meaning. As if annoyed, she
dropped her eyes. and playing with her
bracelet, remarked, in confused, half
troubled way:
Excuse neil suppose you knew
all about their acquaintance, and yet
might have known--ncver mind. Sec
Mr.. Morrison is bidding Mr.. Lund good
night"
He was, indeed But why should Alice
stand blushingly before him2 Arthur
Lund was startled out of his COMPOSING
for moment. He turned to Madame,
She had risen from her chair, and stood
with her beautiful head bent thoughtfully
forward.
/ am quite puzzled" he said. in a
low tone, 81 must hear more of this
he added, quite forgetting himself
This was but the beginning of dis
quiet With Arthur Lund it increased
daily. Between Alice and himself q
strange GOODNESS sprang up, but NADIA
line was everything to him. l do not
say that he was conscious of this, but
doubling his wife. he made her his
friend.
II was so like old times to be with her,
he would say to himself. SO like the
pleasant days Of his youth it seemed
to listen to her sweet. musical voice.
Sometimes he used to wish that she
could not read him quite SO easily; that
she did not know quite SO well of the
little trouble between Alice and him
self. But after awhile he ceased to think
of thisseven, and Alice went further from
him How would it end AS the beau
tiful enchantress willed perhaps. But the
good angels of earth are many. They
watch as well as the bad.
Madaine told Arthur that Mr.. Morri-
son and Alice had been lovers once.
She said this in an artless, innocent way,
as though she did not half comprehend
what she was saying. But she drank in
every word eagerly.
"Why did they not marry p
"There had been a misunderstood.
ing between them-they had not quite
comprehended each other" was the an
sweY
And now?'
"Oh, they could sea how it was, now,
of course. People could always see
| xuln - lata 30 al,
evil"
Yes, yes-but had they loved deep.
The words came with sigh. At that
moment it fell welcomely upon his ears
Madalne had loved him deeply. perhaps,
he thought. Jnvoluntarily he raised her
hand to his lips.
All, Administrations Lund could you
have seen the white face bent towards
you at that moment--could you have
scen the terrible look Of agony that pass
ed over it, you might have stayed your
feet from the path which they were tread
ing The beautiful hand would have
scorchcd your lips like fire!
Softly, noiselessly, Alice stole up the
wide stairway TO her chamber. In the
darkness she fell upon her knes, clasping
| her hands across her forehead. Her
prayer was
BE mercful-merciful, dear God"
"It is so cruel, so miserably cruel!'
SO Hester Lund kept saying to her.
self, as she sat by Alce's bedsipe during
the illness that followed that night. But
Alice did not speak at all, only mutely
with her large brown eyes. She kept her
white face hidden in the pillow, aud
muflled the heavy sobs that broke so con.
stantly upon her lips. At first Arthur
came to see her, but Hester suggested to
him one day, as she saw him nearing his
wifcs chamber, with troubled expires
sion upon his face, his mouth stern and
his brows knit, that it would be better
for him to allow Alice few days of I'M
interrupted quiet. He looked at her
keenly as she spoke. his fine lips curled
into smile.
"Then am trouble to Alice r be
said, in low tone, scarcely above .
whisper.
IL did not say that you were. Bu
something troubles her. | am sure o
that" was the quick answer.
IL do not doubt there is. | have N
pie proof
"And so have | !" retorted Hester, un
der her breath, turning away.
This conversation was in the upper
hall. At the door of her chamber, which
was slightly ajar, Madaline Carter listen
ed to it! Her beautiful face cleaned II
its triumphant joy.
ave will see--we will sec, Alice Lund
who conquers!' She said, clasping he
hands together, and bending her rega
head upon them. ITO fail is to die, ant
that you begin to feel I! But for this lit
tie quick eyed Hester ! must keep a sharl
lookout"
: When Madaline went down to din
, ner that day she wore her sweetes
smiles.
: "How was Mrs. Lund p she asked o
Hester
every WELL" was the cool reply, glvcl
t with a corresponding glance
Nv ould she be down stairs soonv
THAT had not been thought of mucl
yet"
She Madaline) would have visite'
her, but she feared that she might distur
her
, "She most certainly would was til