The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-11-03

Reproaches!" quietly replied the lady. raising her handsome black eyes to his face. "Once l might have made them, but not now "
 :" wrsnged you. know" he began.
 "Wronged mel"
 There was a volume of scorn in her tone, the book slipped from her lap, and she pushed 1t away impatiently with her foot. He saw the narrow bronze slipper, with bit of silken hose above it.
 And yet have been working for you. "
 He did not look up. He felt absurd. and he had dim suspicion that she was laughing at him. She must know that he was lying. He was correct. '' So it would seem." She glanced at the shabby suit, the habby umbrella. He was piqued.
 ' Do not judge me by my appearance 1 am in better circumstances than l ap- pear
 = an glad of that" she murmured.
 He held out his hands earnestly:
 Do not let us barter words, Clare: love you now. as 1 loved you years ago l have treated you as no honest man should treat woman, but-but 1 was poor then. and with no prospect, and was carried away by woman's eyes. l loved you then, Clare. love you now. Will you forgive me:'
 She was not looking al him but at the fire as she said, slowly:
 And do you think that care for you as did then. for had promised to marry you. Can forget in a few minutes the injury of four years::'
 = know, Clare, am not worthy"
 :" Indeed you are not-you never will be-
 She was SO painfully composed tha, Mery was embarrassed. She had changed, that was sure. In the days of old she would have raved and stormed and kissed hlm when 1t was all over. Now she was cold. collected, and spoke as to an inferior. They had 6ee1 dK sdcn sTS TgfHTs.- these two, that silence was more embar- rassing than words. He leaned forward.
 Never, did you say:'
 Yes"
 Have you quite put me out of your heart v
 An. you withdrew yourself' ' she said. with light sigh. He saw her emotion, and seized the opportunity.
 Clare, my darling, listen to me- fin your heart there Is one tender emotion that quiokens at the thought of the past. let Il have way. My darling. love you that IS all l can say. Let me but have kind look from you, and l am your slave forever. will spend my future in proving 10 you that my remorse for the past IS as my love for the present. was cruel to you, Clare, but am not totally bad. l love you. love you"
 She. too. was aroused by his voice. but not to scorn.
 No. no.." she cried. :" I have forgotten you, wish never to remember you again :: you had better go; my daughter has gone 10 solree and will be back soon. 1 do not choose to have her meet you.n
 She spoke hastily and made move ment to rise. He knelt at her feet, hold ing her down by the wrists.
 Glare, listen-pause one moment this Is death blow to me. love you SO ah. am sincere now"
 That is all that makes me tolerate you" she replied
 You will not forgive me :"
 Never
 That is harsh word
 You have made me harsh"
 You do not love me -
 " Love you: hate you
 He knew what she said was true.
 :" lou will never be my wife =
 II would die first
 He suddenly released her, and threw his arm about her. straining her 10 his bosom with all the fervor of his soul.
 There was A bright gleam in the ire place. and she screamed:
 Jacques, Jacques, wha, would you
 "l am going to kill myself. have nothing 10 live for
 He placed the pistol to his breast and looked up into her face. She cried ou, in fear and wrenched it from his hand :. there was struggle, some hurried words, and Hash. Then all was still. With a terrible look on his face, Jacques Mery staggered 10 his feet and gazed with -horror.stricken eyes upon the beautiful woman, still sitting in the chair. her head dropped little to one side, her eyes half closed as in revey, the delicate fur rising and falling in the faint draught But an instant ago she had been alive "'N iAh Of SAhotioHs HUN SuC WAS lifeless. us, over her heart there was blot on the dove-colored robe, and it was growing pink, as the life-blood slowly ebbed through. He, who stood like a statue, knew not how i, had happened He but dlmly recollected his threat and the struggle. In that struggle the terri ble deed was done. He knew not how. He could only gaze upon her lovely, placid features, and wonder if he were dreaming.
 Suddenly the clock in the near church struck ten. He started, as If every stroke of the brazen clapper fell upon his dazed brain. Then there came, with terrible rush. the thought that he Jacques Mey. was murderer. An yes and tha, wo- man, beautiful in death as in life, was his victim.
 \ murderer. He shook like a leaf. as he raised one hand to his lips. He fel, the chill touch. and looked at his hand. Ii still held the oiStol L,s i;Os c.-~l