The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-08-22

Then you refuse to tell me what
askP Violet, have given you n hus-
bands affection; II surely calls for
something better than reserve and du-
plicity. For the sake of your own hap
piness and mine, implore you to be
frank. Innocence has no fear; IL is
only guilt that covers and trembles.
But though tears drenched her
cheeks, II cannot tell you what you
ask" was all the answer Violet gave to
her husbands moving appeal.
More words passed, angry and bitter
upon one side, passively heard on the
other; and then the husband and wife
had parted, and Violet had been left
alone in her girlhood's home, child in
years, with more than a woman's her.
itage of suffering.
The next morning, without waiting
to bid farewell to the hostess whose
happiness her secret spite had blasted.
Maria Danton left the Hall
Six years have now run their course
since the above. 1t Is morning, and
upon the sands of quiet watering
place two gentlemen are strolling to-
gether. One, handsome, with a good
humored face; the other. tall. dark and
very grave.
fellow" the younger one is saying.
"Where have you Kept yourself since
we last met in PARISH"
Abroad" Is the answer. II only
returned last week, impelled by a de-
sire to once more set foot on my native
soil; but find now that am here that
have no desire to remain. The asso-
Citations i've the old pain too keenly.
shall L. The next steamer out again
If nothing happens to change my deter
mination."
Mark Blair looked up into the dark
face beside him curiouslyS but he had
not known him long enough to possess
the clue to its gloom.
With ready tact he turned the con-
versation.
"Well, while you are here you might
as well have little social enjoyment
What say you to making call with me
tonight have nm aunt who has
villa here, who is the soul of hospitali-
ty. and would be charmed, know, to
make your acquaintance. VIII you
Souo' oy-tho-oy, eho hoS AIicuu
stopping with her who is as beautiful
as Peri, and is a magnificent must
cian."
1.-THE latter is m inducement,"
Marks companion answered. II am
passionately fond of music. But am
afraid my society manners are sadly
out of repair. However. if you wish it
l will accompany you willingly"
And 80 at nine o'clock. just rs
young moon filings her pale radiance
over the waters, the gentlemen walk
slowly along the path to the villa,
whose grounds slope in succession of
terraces down to the sands.
AS they near the house they retard
their steps, for through the open win
dow sweet sounds steal out upon the
night air.
Pausing beneath the balcony they
listen.
The song is sad one, and is sung in
voice whose melting pathos pene-
trates one mans heart with potency
SO strong as to cause his face to pale
and his limbs to tremble beneath him.
He laid his hand on Marks arm with
an urgent pressure.
'Do not 60 yet" he said. "Wait
and see If she sings again"
'.An right" Mark whispered back.
"But If you are charmed with her
voice, just wait until you once see her
But the song ended; there came not
another. Instead, tread of feet,
rustic of silken drapery above their
heads, apprised them that the secret
songstress, accompanied by another,
had emerged from the room into the
balcony.
Another moment before the two men
had time to make their presence known,
they became unintentional listeners to
an ardent love-declaration.
II have looked,in vain this whole
week for an opportunity to speak with
you alone. Oh, Violet, thank you,
thank you for granting it to me ut last.
Surely you know what l am going to
tell you-how madly, desperately, I
love you. Violet, your manner to me
has never given me encouragement,
but ! cannot believe that am wholly
Indifferent to you. Such devotion as
mine must win some return"
A soft voice interrupts him.
'Do not thank me, cousin Ralph"
it says. II indeed did understand your
desire for IN interview, but 1 only
granted it to show you the hopelessness
of your attachment"
"Why 'hopelessness'p There is ut
ter despair in that word. You are your
own mistress, young and beautiful, ca
pable of loving and inspiring love.
Why saw 'hopelessnessP'
because" comes the sad reply, at
Is the right word for me to use. Cousin
Ralph, have loved, but he who alone
ever possessed my heart is cold in his
grave, and all my hope is buried with
him. Ralph, / am now going to tell
you something which will cause you
pain, and what, had it not been for this
avowal. you would never have known.
lone day, as you remember, six
years ago, you came to my house, in
the absence of my husband, to beg
from me the means of assistance and
concealment In n fit of passion you
had challenged fellow student to an
unlawful duel. You had fought, and
had fled. wounded yourself. from the
4. n III