The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1881-06-11
LOVES CONQUEST.

her health and her new made husbands haC
just been drank; the bride of little more thar
an hour-whO should have been all smiles anc
happiness, or If in tears, only such as resem
BILE the showers of April-sObbing as though
her heart must surely burst.
She had refused all help, preferring, she
sand, to make what change was necessary in
her toilette alone; but when she had locked
the door to keep out all intruders she threw
herself down rs she was, regardless Of the deli
cate lace veil which, in her abandonment OF
grief and despair was crushed beneath her
regardless OF aught in the world save her own
great misery, and weeping-ah, the pity of II
such sCalding tears as never in her life had
fallen from her eyes before.
But not for long did Muriel give way. She
had some pride, and would not let those who
had assembled to grace her nuptials with
Hugh DENIAL see the traces of her tears.
Quickly she wiped them away, bathed her
swollen eyes, and changed her dress unaided
then, opening door that led to another part
of the house from that wherein the bridal par
ty was assembled stole softly to maze fare.
well tour of the dear, familiar old rooms in
which her happy glrlhood hours had been
spent.
There was one she particularly loved, and
that had always been held sacred to herself
This was a dainty little room on the ground
floor, looking on to the small but perfectly
planned grounds. Here were kept her books
and music, and here the sweetest dreams of
per lite had been entertained.
Naturally, this cherished nook had been re-
served for the last. She had just entered it
when the figure of man rose up before her.
FLUSH, Muriel!" said the intruder quickly,
before she could utter a sound. II knew you
would certainly come here, and was waiting
for a last word"
He was a handsome fellow, with a dark,
flushed face, and eyes tull OF sumbering fire.
The color died quickly from Muriel Denzi's
cheeks as she looked at him.
"You here!n she cried
Don't look at me So | am not very angry
with YOU dear. All is over, and you are an.
other mans wife. II is very hard, but don't
know how you could have helped doing as
you did"
II hope you Will be happy, Muriel,' he
added.
She freed herself quickly from his clasp.
Happy? Do not mock me, Edgar. There
is no use of DISCUSSES between you and me"
THE man you have married loves you dc
votedly. He is rich and talented. What more
could you Ask
An expression of surprise, almost dlsdain,
swept over her lovely face.
How well he bears it for one who pretend.
ed to be dying for me-" she thought, bitterly.
I'VE will not discuss the subject" she SAID,
aloud. ut would be OF no use. | accept my
destiny overwhelmingly. have sold myself
for the luxuries that Mr., Denzil's riches will
procure of the bargain. Let US say-fare-
well"
Goodbye, darling, goodbye"
His voice broke, and he held out his arms
with such despairing gesture that the girls
fortitude gave way. Forgetiul OF all else, she
dropped her head upon his shoulder with a
wild vail of sorrow.
"Iow can | ever leave youy How can ?"
she s0bbed
Poor, poor Muiel! believe you love me
better than ever"
"a thousand times, And now | have lost
you forever. | hate already the vile gold that
has been the means of parting us. But could
not see my mother bcggared In her old age.
1t was impossible to resist her pleadings. For
her sake | sacrificed myself Forgive, forgive
mep
He drew her close to his heart, dropping
passionate kisses upon lips and cheeks.
"Oh, Muriel, why did | not take you away
from them all before 1t was too late?"
Wholly absorbed in their despair, neither
saw the handsome bridegroom who stood for
an instant in the open door. Missing his bride
and impatient to be gone he had started in
quest of her. For one breathless moment he
stood gazing at the pair like one transfxed-
hen, all the light and happiness fading from
MS face, leaving behind grey, sickly pallor,
he turned away.
Muriel, meanwhile had gently released her
,eli.
They are waiting for me, Edgar. There
il nothing left for us now save forgetfulness"
Must we indeed part like this"
"1ou so wlllcd IT." she answered, bitterly
One word from you and might have braved
poverty, Punishment, all. But you did not
speak IT, and now it is forever too late"
Drawing Il quick sobbiag breath, she was
go, g before he could lnterpose.
Mrs. Challls stood IN the hall, waiting to say
farewell, and wondering what was keeping her
laughter SO long. She was tall stately lady,
dressed in rusiling silk.
"Sily child | do believe you have been
2rying" she said rs Muriel appeared. THAT
IS not the way happy brides should be- Now
KISS me, dear. II Is quite time you were on
he way"
The girls cold lips touched her mothers
check.
II have done your bidding, mamma" she
nurmured. Now you can be at peace. The
Injuries TO which you have been accustomed
Ill your life are assured to you. Let that
thought comfort you when IAN gone"
Mrs. Challls's stately pride wavcred for a
moment.
Yes, yes she said, sharply. "You have
been dutliul child, and thank you for it,
But where is Hugh"
He came up while she was speaking. A |
Try broke from her lips AS she noticed the stern
)allor of his face.
Mercy on me- How white you are! do
nope you are not illy'
mo-" he answered briefly, and extended his
land to lead Murlel to the carriage that waited
It the door.
Neither spoke as it rolled away. The bride
eaned against the cushions, and drew her veil |
oyer her face. In spite of her misery she was
'aguely conscious OF change in her husband
md wondered what it could mean.
AT last, IN cold, even voice that sounded
strangely even to his own ears, he addressed