The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1880-01-17
Select STORY.
THE PRICE OF A SECRET.

"Who is she ?" 1t was the photograph
of fair girlish face, with smiling eyes,
and dimpled chin, and childish mouth. A
woman bent over il, drinking in every
dainty, beautiful feature--a dark woman,
with eyes 10 whose depths there smouldcred
the fire ofrepressed passion woman who
could love devotedly-idolatrously-but
whose hatred was something 70 fear. ~
will know J" she continued "Who is she,
Herbert ?" turning to the man who lounged
on a sofa at her side.
"She? Why, did | never tell you y
She is my ward, Nora Deane."
"Your ward? How is il, Herbert CLAY.
ton, that ], who have been your wife for
nearly year, have never before heard Of
her2'
"Why, Rene, to tell the truth, / did not
think much about it. She has been at
school for several years; but now, having
finished her education, she will remain
with us until her family sends for her.
Nora Deane eame--a sweet-fa faced, laugh
ing girl; she brought sunshine into the
house, aud the silent rooms echoed to the
sound Of musical laughter. But wherever
she went pair of fierce, dark eyes follow
ed her; there was no escaping them, for
Rene Clayton was ever on the watch for
any chance word or action upon which to
feed the jealous FIRE which was consuming
her. Aud so the days flew by. No word
yet of Nora's intended departure, aud in
the meantime Herbert was ever at her side,
attentive to her comfort, while the wife
looked on with clouded brow and com
pressed lip, and uttered no murmur Of
complaint.
But the end came at last.
One night-could she ever forget that
dreadful night?-they were gathered in
the snug little library, when Rene was
called away to attend to some household
care. Returning, an hour later, she was
about to re-enter the room, when her ear
caught, through the door, which stood
slightly njaf, the sound of Nora's voice, in
passionate earnestuess.
These were the words that fell upon the
ears of the wife, and scared and blackened
all hope and trust 10 her breaking heart
"You will care for me just the same,
Herbert ?"
A burst Of tears followed the words.
"Just the same-alwaysr Herbert's
voice replied, in soothing, earnest tones.
Softly pushing open the door Rene
glanced into the room. They did not per.
ceiye her, as she gaEed, aud beheld a scene
which seemed to turn her heart To stone
in her breast
She saw her husband, the man who had
sworn to love aud cherish her ever "till
death do us part" with his arm about the
waist of Nora Deane, and her fair head
resting on his shoulder. Then Rene
closed the door quietly, aud went away.
There was murder in her heart.
That night, at midnight, the door of
Noras sleeping apartment was stealthily,
opened, and woman with wild, staring
eyes, and stern, ghastly face, softly en-
tered the room.
In one hand she held n sponge and a
small vial labeled chiOrotorm. To this day
the smell of that drug has power to de-
prive Rene Clayton for hours at a time of
life aud consciousness.
With her dreadful, burning eyes devour.
ing the fair face Of the sleeping woman
she approached the bedside-and saturat-
ing the sponge with the chloroforn, she
applied it to the postrils Of the sleeper.
When satisfied that the drug had done its
work Of stupefaction, she took from her
pocket small, sharp lancet; then she barred
the arm Of her victim, aud bent closely
over her. One quick, decisive puncture,
and tho warm blood spouted out.
The murderess drew sigh Of relief, and
gazed for moment upon the unconscious
form before her.
sit will be pronounced q suicide" she
whispered, at last, as she turned and glided
from the chamber Of horrors.
But what is that lying upon the carpet,
ut the bedside upon which the pale, still
form is sleepingS Rene Clayton saw it
not In her haste to escape from that dread
ful room Its dreadful occupant.
1t was diamond ring, which shons and
glittered, and scintillated upon the crimson
carpet; it had slipped from her finger IN
noticed, while she was engaged in her fear
ful work.
The morning sun arose, clear and beau
tiiul. The dew sparkled upon the glass
like diamonds; the birds were wild with
song; the lilies at the window dropped with
the weight Of their own fragrance; and
those two-man and wife-stood at bed.
side and gazed upon white, still form.
Down upon his knees Herbert Clayton
fell, and wound his arms about the slender
hgure Of the dead woman. There wes un.
utterable woe in his eyes.
But-what was that-shining and fash
ing at his feetf lie raised L from the
carpet his heart grew cold with horror
he turned to the woman who bo,a b;s
name and held i up before her gaze.
hene' he demanded, sternIy, chow
came this ring here r.
Something in bis eyes warned ba, ,h.,
deception was useless; the farce was =, an
end, the curtain must fall now shs
turned wildly towards him, her eyes flashed
hre; poor creature--pity her, she waa
erazed with her love, and her anguish. asd
her guilt.
Since you suspect me-" she erisd Al
last, moekingly, 81 suppose that conceal.
dered Nora Deane.' o7'
"GTeat Godw
Herbert Clayton sprang to his feet. and
strobe like madman towards the vhrink.
ing, covering creature.
"God forgive you, Rene Clayton % he