Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1880-03-05

he told the story Of his love to Eva.
She was surprised, of course, for
up to the present time she thought
her cousin Lizzie was the OBJ
ject of his affections, but now, in
listening to the burning words of her
lover and the throbbing OF her own
heart, the happy truth flashed upon
her mind, and she gave the response
that was to bind her future for veal or
woe to Josiah Crofts.
The moments spent by the lovers
in happy communion were spent by
Lizzie Elwell in agony. She had seen
Mr.. Crofts approach the cottage-had
heard his message to Eva-and then in
her jealous rage ensconced herself
where she could hear almost every
word they spoke. She kept her posi-
ton in secrecy until the lovers parted,
then she went to her own room, breath
ing dire vengeance upon the woman
who had dared to come between her
and the prize which she had thought
her individual right. Her plans we're
soon matured, and early next morning
she sent a message to a gentleman,
upon whose aid she relied for the sort
of support her schemes needed in this
emergency.
81 know that Jasper will be only
too glad of the opportunity" she said !;
"for Eva Tilted him. and now will
give him chance to have revenge"
Lizzie's plans succeeded, and that
evening, while Mr.. Crofts was quietly
smoking q cigar, noisy individual,
half drunk and very shabbily dressed,
staggered into the hotel, and soon
attracted general. attention. After
while he went over to Mr.. Crofts and
said:
~ believe your name is Crofts, isn't
it?"
"Yes but what particular business
is that of yours?" Mr.. Crofts demand
ed, rather angrily.
"Well, stranger" the ruffian an
swered, ~ may as we'll be plain with
you, and come to the point at once. !
came here to night to give you little
information about the young woman
will wonder how l came to know any.
thing about your affairs at Elwen cot
tage, but that is easily explained. For
years l have been visitor there, and
an accepted sutton of the pretty little
Eva"
At this mention of Eva's name, Mr..
Crofts looked as though he was about
to choke the scoundrel; but he thought
better of it and allowed him to proceed
with the remainder of his story, for it
bore some evidence of truth.
"Well, you see" the man continued,
"things went along very we'll with me
until you made your appearance upon
the scene, but then she thought there
was chance for higher game, and she
threw me overheard. Now, stranger,
don't blame you at all for your part
in this affair, but l thought it only
right to just open your eyes little, so
that you might know exactly what a
heartless little flirt this girl is"
Mr.. Crofts was now fairly livid with
rage. He seized the rufian by the
throat, as he cried:
"PrOof! Give me proof that your
words are true, or will break every
bone in your bodyp
"Hold on, stranger! you are choking
me. One moment, and l will show you
proof"
He put his hand in his pocket and
took out small, velvet-covered case;
then, as he handed it to Mr.. Crofts, he
said:
"Open that, and see for yourself"
The evidence was plain. Here was u
likeness of his betrothed wife in the
hands of this man! He looked at it a
moment to make sure that he was not
dreaming, then returned it, and rushed
out of the hotel, with the intention of
going at once to confront Eva with the
facts of her perfidy.
After going short distance he
stopped suddenly and retraced his steps
back TO the hotel.
Why should I see her again ?" he
said. 1 will leave this cursed place
at once and forever"
The reader may imagine with what
horrible suspense Eva waited day after
day for the appearance of her betrothed
husband, for to her his absence seemed
inexplicable. After few days she
heard that he had left the hotel, but no
one knew where he had gone. She
could not account for his conduct in
any way but one, and that thought al
most killed her. For weeks she lay
lowering between life and death, and
when at last she recovered she seemed
but shadow of her former self.
70 Lizzie Elwell revenge was sweet,
and even the sight of the terrible suffer
ing she had caused did not in any way
make her relent.
Three years have gone by, and again
the inhabitants of c. are surprised
by another visit from Josiah Crofts.
He had gone away with the intention
of never returning, but at last spirit
of restless longing took possession of
him, and he came back to see what had
become of his first love. He felt sure
that Eva had married long ago, and
had left the cottage of her uncle.
As Mr.. Crofts approached the home
of the Elwells. a shudier passed
through his frame, for the cottage
windows were all darkened, and he felt
that some of the inmates must be dead
or dying! Mr.. Elweli opened the door
for him, and, after few moments. told
him OF the terrible blow that had fallen
upon them. His dauphtar bod fallap