The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-02-09

Although her words were abrupt the voice in which she spoke them was far from being so. There was a silky so:t- ness n il that Juliet had never heard be- fore and which made her look quickly al the girl who had spoken, while pain that was almost like knife thrust sud denly wen through her heart.
 Hilda only glanced al Ernst Holbrook as she replied. and he had not given any thought to her So profoundly was he ab- sorhed in the danger which had 90 re- gently threatened the woman he loved.
 When the two walked away again Miss Penryth turned into another path and walked rapidly toward the house.
 When she reached her own room she sat down before the fire without remov- ing her wraps Looking into the burn ing coals with an intent gaze her face gradually changed.
 What do owe to any man!" she asked at length, in half whisper. And as for Juliet, she is baby in her feelings and will not suffer much
 At this moment some one knocked. She opened the door and Juliet stood there.
 May come in ~ asked the girl.
 was just coming to discover if you were still frightened" responded Hilda.
 Don't rpeak of i,'" cried the other, wi;h a shudder. Think of what might have been if Erns, had not come. He says he admires you for your presence of mind although you are-But how do chatter. catching herself up with a i Ia
 Even though am so plain,' calmly remarked Miss renryth.
 ," But did no, mean to tell you that"
 Hilda laughed, not bitterly to the ear in the least,
 "Oh. don't mind it all" she said, lightly. am plain. and know other people know il"
 In her heart the woman was saying
 He shall pay for those words In the days that follow II would have been curious study for one not vitally interested To have watched the change in Ernst Holbrook's manner toward Miss lenryth.
 This attention was not marked on the contrary, IL almost seemed as ii he were desirous of eonoealing even from his own consciousness the attraction which she held Tor him. and which every day he felt more powerfully.
 Had he ever thought her face unpre- possessing? When Juliet reminded him, one day, that he had said Miss Penryth was plain, he uttered an exclamation of astonishment but he made no other reply. His betrothed, in troubled tone, per sisted in dwelling upon the subject.
 suppose she mus, be fascinating, is she not. 7. she asked, wlstfully. The nan face wore strange smile He averted his eyes as he remarked. in a harsh voice:
 Fascinating Yes. think ,ha, must be the word by which to describe your friend, and she Is your friend, is she not:' asking the question suddenly.
 Juliet ,rembled little and turned pale. She seemed 10 struggle momen. with herself, ond then she said talntly: "Oh. yes. of course she Is my friend"
 The winter days ran on. Miss Pen ryth had come to stay with her friend until the spring,
 How did il happen that Ernst Hol- brook could now sometimes come 10 the house, and remain, perhaps, for couple of hours before Juliet would come into the room: He always scrupulously called for her the moment he came, bu, he appeared 10 forget that she did not come.
 On one of those days when Juliet had not come, he had been strolling about the room in silence. Though he did no, speak his eyes returned aga,n and again tc the woman who sat on the sofa. There was reckless resolve in his face. and tha, look was mingled with something which could no, be interpreted, which any woman might do well to fear even though she could not understand i,.
 He came and leaned over the girl. His voice vibrated. as he said:
 Miss penryth.'
 She looked light, bewildering and enthralling was in her eyes, and dlffused in a lovely glow over the hitherto un- lovely face.
 What would you say to me if 1 were to tell you love you ?" he asked quickly
 Need answer :' she asked softly.
 /" Yes, answer - impera,ively.
 Then should say that love you, was the low-spoken reply
 Something In the mans face made Hilda penv,h suddenly rise 10 her fee, while her face grew pallid and the glow died from her eyes.
 You are mocking me" she cried, in a smothered voice. You do no, really love me-
 Fin thinking of a mana boy almos, my dearest friend. whom loved more than brothers usually love-" returned Erns, in a stern voice, You may recall Bertie Faulkner Ah, see you do. You killed him that you might be amused. Perhaps i, was not manly in me 10 re- solve to avenge him in some slight de- gree. Bu, did no, think of so base an action until l fancied you wished to play with me. do not love you. Miss Pen ryth, but can understand how a man might be infatuated with you Ii was beneath me to stoop to such a course as this. l don't ask you to forgive me"
 No, no, said Hilda, her voice husky and strange. Do not ask that, for l ! IL