The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-02-24

from its walls, But 1t was comfortably
furnished 1t was In the east and not
in the west wing of the building, and
Valasquez had had it prepared for
the use to which 1t was now being
put.
Barbara threw herself on couch,
trembling and in tears. Oh for what
terrible fate was she reserved
She laid for long time weeping, but
presently she sank into restless, dis
turbed slumber. She was awakened by
the opening of the door of the apart
ment.
Where am ?" she murmured, not
remembering her situation at first.
Then she beheld the cruel face of
Henri Valasquez.
She sprang to her feet in moment.
1t is morning." he said, "and have
come to tell you why 1 brought you
hither."
Barbara clasped her hands across her
bosom and was silent.
"You have chosen to scorn my suit"
Valasquez continued, "but have taken
means to show you that 1 am not to be
trifled with"
He paused to note the effect of his
words Barbara Lindsey was still
silent.
You have scorned my love-" Valas-
quez repeated, "but you are in my pow
er, and shall be my wife yet. You shall
never leave this apartment till you
solemnly swear to wed me, and that you
will not betray me-"
Barbara Lindsey found her speach at
last.
81 will die ere be your wife," she
cried, her eyes flashing in scorn. "Yes,
villain, would rot in cell before L
would wed YOU"
"Beware ~ Missed Valasquez. "Be-
ware, girl, or my love for you will turn
to hate. You will never escape from
here, 1 repeat, and you may live to
repent your utterances."
He colored little, and added
Consider well, Barbara Lindsey,
what have said. L mean in all honor
that when you are willing you shall be
my bride. For the present, the slave
who brought you here will attend to
your wants, bringing you food every
night to last you twenty-four hours. L
hope you will soon relent. shall come
to you occasionally, and ask you for
your answer. But L assure you my
patience will not endure forever"
He went out, taking care to secure the
door.
Yes, / would die thousand times
over ere would be his wife !" sobbed
Barbara.
She found food and drink that had
already been placed on table for her.
After while she partook, k,-sparingly
however. She was not hungry, but she
wished to reserve her strength, for she
could not yet utterly despair of escaping
from her prison, and her escaping
might depend upon her own efforts.
The hours dragged themselves slowly
away.
Late in the afternoon Valasquez came
once more into the prison-room. He
was seemingly in softer mood than in
the morning.
Dear Barbara !" he cried, "I would
not be so cruel, only love you so."
The girl felt that she would prefer his
anger to his declaration of love.
" Remember how strong, how great
my passion for you is" Valasquez con-
tinued, "and be kind to me.'
He had been drinking more wine even
than usual; SO much that it had affected
his brain, and he was partially intoxi-
Gated.
Barbara saw that he was under the
influence of wine, and her heart beat
rapidly In fear.
:" Leave me, Mr.. Cashel," she cried.
"Give me time to consider"
Her words had the effect that she so
much desired.
Ah, ha you are relenting," he
exclaimed. Il am glad to see it. Well,
will leave you for the present, hoping
that by the time come again, my dear
Barbara, my sweet love, you will have
made up your mind to be Mrs. Cashel.n
And he departed from Barbara's pres
ence. She sank upon the couch, pale,
terrified, shuddering. ael ss
''Oh that l had died before fell into
his power" she moaned.
At that moment her fate seemed utter
ly hopeless.