Helena weekly herald., 1885-06-04
For the Herald
TEN THOUSAND FEET UNDER THE
EARTH"
Translated FROM the German Of Rosenthei Bonni
by Madame de Rupert.
CHAPTER 1.

warranted such a reputation. IL was chiefly
due, however. to her cold, reserved tenn
perament, the naughty, distant manner
which she specially maintained toward all
the masculine world
While Lizzie Castor was always amlable
and kind TO women, for men, and especially
the youths who overwhelmed her with
their homage, she had merely an ironical
cough and cold, sarcastic words. She
scarcely extended the tips of her fingers 10
her ardent admirers, treating them with
the most careless indifference. and yet,
amongst these eager suitOrs. there were
many wealthy, handsome, and talented
men, whom any other girl would gladly
have accepted as an excellent pdrti-and
Lizzie Castor was already twenty-three
years of age.
Miss Castor had indeed some cause for
pride. Her father controlled millions. He
was one of the leading politicians of the
city He conducted princely house, COM
manded several thousand workmen, and
controlled all sorts OF political appoint
ments.
Lizzie had received a most superior edu-
cation. She spoke four languages, and was
talented diUetdnte in all the arts. Nature
had bestowed upon her equal gifts OF mind
and person Nevertheless this mental
superiority could not be the cause. 80 society
Justly said, of her indifference toward men.
This was contradicted by her other quail
ties They decided therefore that Lizzie
carried in the depths of her hear. an un-
fortunate love That the one whom she
loved was indifferent 10 her, and that there
fore her heart was entirely dead 10 all
Others This rumor connected her name
with that of John DObson, a very peculiar
man who had formerly been frequent
guest in the Castor home, although the
the gossips could not really determine
whether he was included In the list OF
I.iZZies admirers Dobson had become very
rich through speculations IN silver mining
He had the reputation of being an lncredi-
bly, successful business man. lie said little,
and acted with caution and deliberation.
Was repose itself. Nothing ruffled his COM
posure. and whatever he undertook in his
cool, resolute manner, he invariably brought
10 a successful end.
John Dobson was m longer young
man. He was about thirty years OF age.
He neither danced smoked, drank, or
gambled. and his manner toward women
was such that none could from II feel en-
couraged in the hope that he wished TO be
equally courteous TO all. His conversation
was earnest, and displayed clear intellect,
and remarkably keen power of observation,
as well as much brightness of imagination.
He could truly say, however, that he had
never held more than five minutes con-
yersation with any woman, Lizzie excep-
ted. To her he addressed many of his
ouiet. deliberate remarks, and Lizzie list
ened TO him with wide-ypened, sparkling
ewes. She evidently unbent to him, so far
as her pride would permit, and showed TO
him, in her own peculiar manner, the more
womanly part OF her nature-and yet he
sudde.ly ceased TO be numbered amongst
the guess al the Castor home, and was
noticeably absent from all places where
Lizzie wa' 70 be met.
Something must have occurred between
them said society, and society was right
something had occurred.
One morning Dobson was announced to
Lizzie at an unusual hour. He looked at
her squarely aud firmly in the eyes, and
said. Miss Lizzie, you would oe no woman,
had Won not discovered how | stand toward
Won. 1t has seemed to me that you feel
more interest in me than in the other ad-
mirers who surround you. i offer you my
hand, heart, and fortune. Can you resolve
to share my home: =
4 Lizzie looked at him scornfully. She did
did not take hand which he extended. bat
drew back anu vita whitening face, fam
ing eyes, and trembling lips, said, exeit'
edly:
NO; Never! Never =
Dobson said nothing. he looked at bel
4. IN surprise. He had become wha'
paler than before, but was as tranquil, cool
and composed as ever.
: Lizzie became still paler, and her breas
heaved convulsively.
Ten thousand feet under the ground
will become your WIFE she said, with
derisive cough. Yes" sh. continued
trembling with anger, IF we should eve
meet ten thousand feet beneath the ground
then repeat your offer. Then offer me you
hand. and will accept it, John Dobson,
concluded Lizzie, as her eyes flashed will
passionate excitement
momentary expression OF satisfaction
shone upon Dobsons face, and about hi
mouth played a humorous smile, but
second He was again as calm and un
ruffied as ever.
You are in earnest, Miss CASTOR
Yes; ten thousand feet under the cart
| swear it, said Lizzie, wiss pressing hp'
Il have your promise" he answered, an
withdrew with profound and courteou
salutation.
When he had gone, Lizzie ran tc he
room. threw herself upon her bed, an
buried her face in the pillows to stifie tn
sound of her sobs, for she had loved hir
warmly, passionately, wildly, as only sh
could love, and loved him still. She ha
rejected him because his composure an
manly dignity, offended her deeply.
She had hoped TO see him, as lover, {
70 her feet. like all her other suitors. Th;
re- humility which she despised, yes, hate'
10 in them, she yet desired from this ma
or lonped for il with all the power of h'
Is ardent. proud heart She would hay
Al thrown herself ioyfully into his arms, ha
nj he but woed her, whispered iiattering wor'
ms in her ear. but for one hour, have show
lis himself the eager woer, the lover. II
We would have given her life for one war
RI glance from his eyes, for one kiss OF Il
Il hand for a moments weakness, for OF
an sign that his tranquil, proud, self-eontain'
be manhood was conquered by her charm
of but one Atom from him, of that homa
ON with which Others overwhelmed her; b
nothing of all this did she obtain from hii
- r. I'D ,o GLANCE no word for these arde