The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1882-08-13

>, ny is to be regretted you cannot like
EigiaNd, a8 yon have made M your
s nIl''a ad 10 1--WE III ii; and yet think"
" es--you tllnk; go on" says Rod
ney gazing at her attentiyely,
"Well, then, think 1t is only Just you
should be unhappy says Mona, with
some yehemence, "Those who seek to
scatter misery broadcast among their
fellows should learn to taste of ii them
selves"
"NNhy do you accuse me Of such
desire?n asks he, paling beneath her
indignation, and losing courage because
of the unshed tears that are cleaning in
her eyes.
"Whcn you gain your point and find
yourself master here, you viii know you
have made not only one, but many peo-
pie miserable
you seem to take my success in this
case as a certainty he says, with a
frown. III may fail"
ooh, that ] could believe sol" says
Mona, forgetful of manners, courtesy,
everything, but the desire to see those
she loves restored to peace,
"You are candor itself returns he,
with a short laugh Struggling his Shout
ders. "Of course ] am bound to hope
your wish may be fulfilled. And yet |
doubt it. | am nearer my object to-
night than | have ever been before;
and with a saIdonic smile, yours has
been the hand to help me forward"
Mona starts, and regards him ixedly
in puzzled. uncertain manner what
he can possibly mean is unknown TO
her, but she is aware of some inward
feeling, some instinct such as animals
possess. that warns her to beware OF
him She shrinks from him, and in do
inc so, a slight fold Of her dress catches
in the handle Of a writing table, and de-
taius her
Paul, dropping on his knees before
her. releases her gown; the fold is in
his Grasp. and still holding it, he looks
UP at her, his face pale and almost hag-
gard.
IF were to resign all hope Of ever
gaining the Towers, if | were to con-
sent to leave your people still in posses
sion, - he says, paSSiOnatcly, but IN a
low tone; "should | earn one tender
thought in your heart? Speak, Mona,
speak
| am sure at even this supreme mo-
ment it never enters Mona's brain that
the man is actually making love to her,
| A deep pity for him fills her mind. lie
is unhappy, Justly so, no doubt, but
yet unhappy A sure passport to her
heart.
II do not think unkindly of YOU" she
says, gently, but cOldly. And do as
your conscience dictates, and you will
gain not only my respect, but that of all
| men,
"Bahw he says. impatiently, rising
from the ground and turning away.
Her answer has frozen him again, has
| dried up the momentary desire for her
appreciation above all others that only
minute ago had agitated his breast,
At this moment Godfrey comes into
the room and goes up to Mona. He
takes no notice whatever of her com
panion.
Mona, will you come and sing us
something" he says, as naturally az
though the room is empty. Molly has
been telling the duchess about your
voice, and she wants TO hear you. Any
thing simple seeing she looks lit
tie distressed at the idea; you sing that
sort of thing heSt.'
II hardly think our dance is ended
yet, Mrs. Rodney, says the Australian,
deflntly, coming leiSurely forward, his
eyes bent somewhat lnsolently upon
Jeffrey.
You will come, Mona, to oblige the
duchess, - says Godfrey, in exactly as
even tone as if the other had never
spoken Not that he cares in the very
least about the duchess, but he is de-
ternined to conquer here and is also
DIES rOuS that all the world should APP
pIeciate and admire the woman he
| loves.
If will come, Of course SAYS Mona,
neTgously. but am afraid she will be
disappointed. You will excuse me. Mr..
Rodney, | am sure, y turning graciously
to Paul, who is standing with folded
arms in the background.
Yes, excuse yOu, he SAYS, with a
peculiar stress upon the pronOun. and a
rather strained smile, The room is fill
ing with other people, the last dance
having plainly come to an end, Geof-
frey, taking Mona's arm, leads her into
the hall
Dance no more tonight with that
fellow, " lie says, quickly, as they get
outside.
MOP" Then, "Not if YOU dislike it.,
of course. But Nicholas made a point
of NY being nice to him, did not know
you would object TO my dancing with
him"
well, you know it now. do OBJ.
ject, " says Godfrey, in a tone he has
never used to her before. Not that it
IS unkind or rude, but cold and unlover-
like
yes, | know it now" returns she,
softly yet with the gentle dignity that
always belongs to her Her lips culver
but she draws herself up to her fullest
height, and, throwing up her head
walks with gait that is almost stately
into the presence Of the duchess.
You wish me to sing to YOU" she
says, gently, yet so unsmiingly that
the duchess wonders what has come to
the child. 1T will give me pleasure if
can give N0n pleasure, but my voice is
mot worth thinking about"
Nevertheless, let me hear it," says
the duchess. - cannot forget that
your face is musical
Mona, sitting down to the piano,
plays a few chords in IA slow, plaintive
fashion, and then begins. Paul Rodney
has come to the doorway, and is stand
ing there gazing at her, though she
knows it not The ballroom is far