The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-03-02

lie rose, and after Il careful examination
of the crucible, taking his hat, ran, down
stairs.
In the next street was druggist and to
that he directed his steps,
The night was dark, rain was falling, but
Bertrand FermoY was too engrOssed by his
new sorrow to heed it. or that he was being
followed by woman who gidcd over the
pavement after him. She was thiclly
yelled, and dressed in rich but dark attire.
When he entered the shop she watched
him eagerly, almost ncrvously, through the
window.
When he came forth she shrunk quickly
back into dark doorway. Yet, as he h,lr-
ricd past, she half extended her hand, as if
she would have arrested his progress
But her arm fell down to her side again;
she sighed, waited, then fitted away on his
track. Reaching his room, Bertrand Fer
moy, pouring the medicine IN glass, and
knelt down by the little couch. The child
was moaning softly. Tenderly the father,
placing his arm around the tiny form, raised
"Comc, Berthe, my man, "ho said, qnict
ly, ''drink this for papa. BERTHE will then
be BETTER"
The boy opened his large blue eyes with
but partial recognition, swallowed the drug,
and dropped back upon his pillow.
The doctor had been too occupied to note
the sound of a light step ascending, had ho
he would not have connected it with him
self.
But now, as, rising, he turned, he start
ed back with great cry; for there, on the
threshold Of the door he had left aiar, was
the woman who had followed him.
Even while he UoypI 81 ono wi rnro rflu
a spirit, she entered swiftly, and dropping
on her knees, threw back her heavy veil.
The face disclosed was beautiful, but
pale, and the large gray eyes wore full of a
hungcring sorrow.
Extending her hands, she pleaded in
musical tones, ooh, Bertrand, look not on
me thusl | am no spirit, but your foolish
crring wife, who at your feet prays for par
dom"
The words aroused him Indignation
blended with scorn in his expression. Step
ping back he exclaimed, 'Partlon! Hence
woman. Since you left my roof it has been
honest. l will keep it So"
''lIonest!" she repeated her large blue
eyes opening wide. Bertrand, Imay-
nay, Heaven knows have acted foolishly,
wrongfully toward you! But never have l
been unfaithful in my love; never have l
brought disgrace on your name or my
ownl"
He burst into low, hard laugh.
"4our witness, MADAME" he rctortcd,
bitterly. "Would You bring Captain Las
ccllcs as one? Pray have you tired Of him,
or he of you, that you are hcrc?'
"Bertrand!"
She had sprung to ner. feet, as If he had
struck her. Her pale check was flushed, her
eyes frightened; then, III trembling accents,
she added, "Oh, Heaven! truly am | pun
ishod more than l can bear! Bertrand,
Bertrandl' ~ and eagerly she stretched forth
her claspcd hands-''you surely never be-
lieved, have never been living all this while
under that cruel belief of the wife you once
loved. Foolish, selfish have been never
guilty.
He laughed again but his glance waver-
cd The recollection Of his passion for the
woman before him began to surge about
his heart and brain.
Could she who had lain on his brcast-
could that pure face, those clear eyes, meet
ing his in pain, not fear, really belong to
such being as he had imagined her?-
Finding he did not answer, Alice Fer
moy proceeded more firmly: sBcrtmnd,
not out of your love, for that probably is
dead, but out of your justice, I asked, de-
mand OF you to hear me. 1t is not in your
nature to judge me unhcard."
81 would shut my ears, for women have
scrpont tongues as well as hearts," he an
swered with cruel bitterness, that struck
pain into himself. "l}ut you arc here so
speak, must listen."
ooh. Bcrtrand!" she murmurcd plteous-
~, II have deserved much, but not quite
He did not answer, only bowling his head,
for he began TO fear his own weakness, and
dared not look at her.
She went on:
''Bertrand, as you arc aware. rcnounccd
family and home for your love, which
would have satisfied me, had I not been of
a jealous disposition"
"Jcalous!"
Hc threw his head up surprised
eyes; I was jealous of your studying,
your discovery, which took you so much
from me. got fretful in my solitude
misLruslcd this discovery l saw how
much better you might have made our po-
sition had you acted as other doctors. /
believed held but second place in your
heart. The poverty l could have borne
with You by my side became hateful. 1
Dtootcu ultll tIlilcS grew 10 RcrCe SrlcV-
ances. began to think you were mad in
wasting your time; that something should
be done to save you. At this period, when
irritation at your supposed neglect possessed
me, met Captain 1,asocllcs."
Bertrand Femoy leaned quickly for
ward.
'lIe noted the change in my appearance
He offered sympathy. Bllndly accepted
1t. | made him my confidant. found
comfort in having an old friend near mo,
who could talk of my late home and family.
One day, however, Captain Lacoclles threw
Oft the mask. 1t was the last straw on the
camePs back. felt alonc---helpless TO
avoid this man fled from you to my faith
er, for protection. was wrong; but,
Bertrand, were you wholly without blame2"
Hc did not answer; only sharp spasm
contracted his face.
II found the hall closed; my father was
on tho continent followed, and arrived
thore to fall i'll Of fever. On recovery I
told my tale. My father wrote to you.