The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1878-05-23
withdraw; Dr.. Stone, no doubt, will soon

dI HlHl, tEtIl Stlu- II Is VI uO COliSS-
quence-not the slightest; medical aid
is useless. Still, l thought it right to
send for aid.''
81 understand Mr.. Ashforth died sud-
denly, in fit, an hour ago. Ipresume
you require certificate to that effect,
madam"
"Yes."
DR.. Rowe, uncovering the lamp, ap.
preached the bed. The lady also drew
nearer. There were no evidences of
regret on her wan, placid face.
Drawing bach the covering, the doc
tor leaned over the dead man, while by
his side stood his companion, draped in
her shawl, seeming like the personifica-
ton of night, or death itself. DR.. Rowe
shuddered as he gazed at the distorted
features, observing, calmly, Il entreat
you to be calm, madam; death was the
result of no fit. Your husband has been
poisoned"
"Poisoned!n
She clasped her hands spasmodically
as they rose to her bosom, and the
words came forth with gasp.
Indeed, it is true; can give no GER
tilicate. This is matter that must be
investigated. Did you ever suspect
Mr.. ashforth of having an intention
upon his own life? Or has he any enc
my?n observed Dr. Rowe, solemnly.
There was a pause. Then, abruptly
falling On her knees, the woman ex
claimed: "Mercy-Oh, mercy, DR.. ROwel
Let me entreat you, in charity, do not
make it knoWn!'
"Not make it knOwn?" The doctor
recoiled, as he gazed on the figure at his
feet, adding, Unhappy woman! is it
u0u who poisoned him?'
mo- she answered, rising slowly;
lit was notl lie died by his own hand.
might have stayed him, but did not"
She looked intently at him, as if to read
his thoughts; then said: "You are not
young; you have a kind face. l will
trust you. Judge who is guilty.
Dreading the Responsibility of such a
confidence, DR.. Rowe would have re
fused; but, with imploring looks, she
entreated him.
SIN pity, hear me. You have discOv-
cred the truth; but do not condemn me
without cause. My life is in your
hands"
Leaving the bedside, she approached
the table in the center of the room, her
face partly averted from the light, and
proceeded, in measured tones: ''Six
years ago, the wife of that man
"YOurself?' suggested Dr. Rowe; as
scarcely knowing how to avoid con
fronting her, he leaned on the back Of
a chair.
She made an impatient gesture with
her hand, ant, proceeded.
''Six years ago was one of the hap
piest of girls. People called me beauti-
full. know | had many admirers, and
had not care. | was my poor father S
idol, and my family's spoilt darling"
She stopped to struggle with her emo
tons. In a few seconds, recovering
herself. she continued.
81 was not eighteen when my fathe1
now dead, fell into difficulties, whic
threatened ruin and disgrace. Ills chic
creditor was Samuel Ashforth, whc
pressed him to the uttermost for set
tlement. Ruin was impending, whel
an escape was offered. Samuel Ash
forth promised to cancel the debt on
receiving me as his WIFE My father
refused the sacrifice; but | having over
heard the conversation, frankly ten
dered the hand where | could not give
my heart. Samuel Ashforth, hard and
obdurate, accepted me-"
Mrs. Ashforth paused. The doctor
cast his eyes upon the ground; he could
not bring himself to look in her face
Finding he neither spoke nor gave her
a sympathetic recognition, she went
on.
I'm vain my family eXpostulated.
Samuel Ashforth was as ill-favored in
face as in mind, and over thirty years
my senior. l was frm-I married him
my father was saved"
"a brave deed, but an unhappy one,"
said the listener, touched.
Most unhappy.' proceeded the 9TH
er; for soon my husband grew weary
of the wife he had bought-tired of her
who plainly told him she had no love to
give; and her misery commenced. My
lips clasped her hands in shame
before her face-"can not repeat. even
in self eXtenuation, how he insulted
and degraded me; how, by perpetual
cruelties, he stroye to break my heart:
how, cnraged at any interference of my
family, lie brought me to this gloomy
house, a prisoner-watched, spied upon
by the crone you saw, the only servant
he would allow me.
The doctor averted his face. The
narrative touched him.
But my solitude was nothing COM
pared with the horror of his visits ]
was slave, not wife. No task-mas-
ter was ever more brutal. l prayed for
death-it would not come"
Hiding her face, she wept passion
ately.
Poor thiGg." murmured the doctor
and the wretched widow continued.
Three days ago, Mr.. Ashforth ar
rived from the city. There he passed
for temperate man-here he gave
way to the most degrading mtemper-
ance. He came down earlier than he
intended, he said, because he was i'll
and wanted attention. l nursed him;
but he would not permit me to admins
ter the medicine he brought with him.
There were two bottles, one of which
was labeled poison He limited /
might make a mistake in the draught.
Two hours ago. after drinking deeply,
he arose from his bed to get his draught.
told him it was not time. Lifting his
hand he struck me. He reeled to the
mantelpiece, and took up the phial."
She pointed to the spot alluded to,
and resumed.
Il would have arrested his hand-for
he had taken the wrong bottle. lie