The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1884-04-26

SION OF the Inan ne most hated in the
world and he sank back, with groan,
upon the couch. ~
The terrified shrieks of Edith brought
the Viscount anu Ernest to her aid.
Edith wos supporting the deathly face
upon har bosom when they Hew to her
He il dyingp' she shrieked. "Oh.
help him, Ernest! Edward, darling
brother, speak to me look at your Low,
ing little Edith
10 her intense Joy he opened his eyes,
and, with u duiver that convulsed hls
frame, raised himself.
Il am all right ROW." he said, smiling.
II have been up napy nights it was
In the morning, before anyone was
moving, he had left the Hall. He could
not trust himself to meet Edith again in
the presence of the man he knew Dos
sessel his secret A loving farewell to
Edith and Ernest, he left on his dress
ing table, and an apology to the Wis
count and Viscounte.ss TOR his abrupt
departure.
Poor Edith was terribly grieyed at
Edwards inexplicable co,duct but En-
nest cOmf0rted her with the assurance
that it was no fault of hers-that he was
only in love, and that he should behave
exactly In the same manner himself if he
were In love aud the lady unkind; and a
look at Frances brought the eloquent
blush to her cheek.
Although not satisfied. Edith at
tempted to appear SO but her gale
cheek and sad look wQald not be charmed
away, even t4y. fse sbns caresses OF the
Viscountess.
Il was the third day after Edwards
departure, and Edith had stolen away to
the solitude OF summer house when
Reginald who had watched her departure
joined her.
.'At last, beautiful Edith" he said,
seating himself beside her, II have the
opportunity have long sought"
Sir, said Edith, coldly and rising,
"permit me to return to the house 1
have been absent for some time, and
''Do not distress yourself, +" he said,
forcing her into her seat again. Every
one knows l am with you, and how much
love you"
II beg you will allow me to 90 in,"
said Edith, in . terrified tone, for his
looks more than his words slarmed
her.
do not be affected, Edith, he said,
"You would not object if it were Ed
ward, instead of myself. who was your
companion"
My brothers, sir," said Edith, indig-
nantly,, would not datAip me against
my wish"
And Why not 7"
They are gentlemen and I very
much doubt if your present conduct en-
titles you to that appellation.
"Very flattering, upon my honor
You improve. Edith. And SO you COM
pare your beggarly e brothers to the heir
"You mistake, sir," said Edith, her
lovely face suffused, and her eyes fash
ing; II did not compare them-I would
not do them that injustice"
"The son of Lord Bowmont is not
worthy of that honor, I supposes"
Edith was silent
"Come, my proud little queen, +" he
said 1--WE will leave for q time the cues
ton Of your brothers dignity, and talk
of something more interesting to our
selves You know that love you, sweet
one! Be mine, and will bear you away
from this detested old hall to the sunny
climes of other lands"
Il have before told yor," said Edith,
II do not wish to marry am very
happy rs en-, and certainly shall not
change my present condition at your en-
treaty. lshould be sorry to induce you
to contract an alliance with so beggarly
q family !" she added.
"What bewitching little sprite it is, -
he said, attempting to clasp her in his
arms.
But Edith, with oil the strength she
could command, bestowed q smart blow
ON his cheek as he bent it close to her.
You little vixen |" he said, releasing
her and stroking his face. but you
shall not escape" he continued, It'll I
have told you something that have dis
covered something that win bring down
the lordly Edward from his place in
your estimation.
Edith involuntarily looked up; she felt
she was to hear something that would
explain his strange conduct
IL zee You are interested, madam.
PRAY can you explain the unaccountable
manner in which he has behaved lately"
No. gasped Edith.
"Then i can. He loves you!'
II know that; he has ever loved
rue ~
But not as lately, Edith" he con-
tinued, bending nearer to her. Ed.
ward loves you no longer as brother =
claspins her hands. What have I
done that have lost his love2" 4e. Il
"You have not lost his love but it il
no longer with the love Of brother that
he careas3 you k3a :
What do you meant" said the bewil-
dered girl II know he does not love
me less" .a
I perhaps not he is . fond lover, ]