The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-08-08

when she felt death creeping through her
veins. "He knew his plans, of course.
If my husband married me for love, he
will never take another wife when | am
gone. If he married me for my worldly
possessions, | have way to thwart his
sordid, heartless desires"
And 50 Madeline Heath made just such
a will as rich and aged men often make
who have taken unto themselves very
young, very poor, and very unthinking
wives.
And with this Jealous bitterness in her
soul, she died, leaving to her husband, II
he remained unwedded, the whole of her
fortune; but should he marry again, he
would be penniless as he was the day be
led her to the altar.
Poor Maddie" was the only comment
made by the husband who had faithfully
been fond of her in his way; 81 have
never vet seen woman her peer in beau
ty and goodness"
And for five long years he was the most
inimitable widower who ever wore Grape
on fashionable hat.
He was not gloomy and lugubriously
ngenial-certainly not. The world
thinks no better of us for bearing out our
solemn sorrows, and displaying them
with the purple amarinths pinned on our
velvet iappals.
But Algernon Heath accepted his
wealth and his freedom in an easy way
that seemed selfish, if not enjoyable.
1t was another October day, when the
luscious rosy apples were dropping ripe
from the branches, and the scarlet leaves
were drifting, breeze borne, through the
yellow haze, that he met Susy Wright.
He was out on a lonely hunt for the
sly foxes and wild rabbits which had de-
spoiled his hennery and gardens.
A timid thing, with coat o snowy
fur and scared pink eyes, scsmpered
across his path.
He levelled his gun, with random
aim, and fired.
He fancied he heard a small, human
cry of pain, as he sprang over the green
arbor-vits hedge for his quarry.
| What he saw was like picture from
the fresh canvas of our best living artists.
1t was background of low hill, yelled
in mist; at its base fringe of sweetbrier
and wild rose shrubs, from which the
bloom of snow and pink had fallen and
faded months ago, leaving only the scar
let seed-shels that hung thick in the
shadow of dim dark frs.
Against this background, radiant and
distinct, stood tall and supple form,
robed in a gown as brown as the brown
autumn leaves that chung wreath-like in
her curls of dead-gold hair. Her features
could never have served for the model OF
the modern sculptor-there was some
thing too humanity, wildly expressive in
their irregular unclasAc contour. And
in her bosom she held painting, snow
white, pink eyed rabbit. The little crea-
ture was unhurt; but few drops OF
rudy blood dripping from her torn and
smoking sleeve told the sportsman where
his careless shot had struck.
How could you fire at such harm
les. thinga" she asked, angrily.
Pardon me-" returned Algernon
Heath, with anxiety. II certainly would
not have done so had thought l might
have made you target
"Oh!" said the girl, conscious for the
first time of sting of pain, and, glancing
at her arm through which the random
shot had plouGhed ragged furrow; and
then she turned and sped away, quite as
shy as the scared rabbit she still held.
Algernon Heath was by no means con-
tented until he had ascertained the name
and circumstances of the lovely creature
who had spoiled his cruel sport. These
things were ascertained speedily; Susy
Wright was only the poor dependent of a
small farmer in the neighborhood.
But these facts did not prevent him
from making an apologize call the next
morning, followed by many others. And
these calls were repeated until Susy
| Wright knew that she loved the rich man,
and that the rich man loved her.
And yet Algsrnon Heath said nothing
to bind in betrothal the secret of their
hearts; Susy only knew his affection
from the deep, unwavering tenderness OF
his brown, large eyes, the clinging touch
of his warm, caressing fingers, and the
passionate insidious tones that uttered
those vague, poetic sayings, such as
never can be repeated in sentiment, for a
trusting woman's defense.
He loved her ane bis heart knew it.;
but to marry her, and give up the ease
and luxury that had become part of his
life, was quite another question.
Of course Susy knew nothing OF that
fatal will, nor the equally fatal condi-
lions that held him to his pleasant life
of Incidence and liberty.
His manner towards me is always
full of unspoken passion. He will ask
me to be his wife soon. And what will
sayi He is so rich and manly, and am
so poor" she thought one evening, as she
came down from her room through the
somhre hall attired in a cheap dress Of