Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1886-03-12

a nice, tidy apartment-to look as disrepu-
table and dissipated as, with the resources at
his command, it was possible. He gave no
orders for his breakfast things to be cleared
away, but addel to The relics of the meal n
bottle of whisky and glass. He also laid
short pipe anl a tobacco pouch on the table.
With great satisfaction he found in draw
er a Dirt PACK of cards; these were also
placed in position to carry effect. He told
the servant not to attend to his bedroom
just yet; so that b. his eaving the door of
communication between the two rooms open
"a visitor might have the privilege of gazing
on dishevcled sleeping apartment. Given
tine materials at his disposal, he male very
fair effect with them.
He kept his own appearance in sympathy
with the surrounding. He wore slippers
which he trod down at the heel. His clothes
were too new to look shabby, but by putting
on a soied shirt, discardipg his waistcoat and
cravat he managed to get within reasonable
distance of his requirements
All these preparations were inspired by
an exquisite refinement of malice. Meta
phorcally lie meant to bring Beatrice down
on her knees, and his cruelty told him that
to one OF her type, the process would bo
douuly disagreeaUle when it took place in
such a scene.
"tiadm he said as he gazed round and
approved of his handiwork. ~ wish | had
my prison suit here. I'd don it once more
for your benefit, my lady
He gave orders that if a lady called she
was to be shown up at once; then he lit a
cigar and lounged in the easy chair. AT five
minutes to twelve, just as the man was Won
dering whether she would come or not, and
if, in the event of her not coming, it would
be well for his own interests to seek her at
Lakewood House. the door opened and Bea-
trice stood before him. He laughed "a low,
mocking laugh, and without changing his
lounging attitude, looked up at her.
She took 1t all in, the disreputabe look OF
the place and of its tenant; he could see that
by the culver Of her nOstril, and the look OF
deepening scorn on her firm mouth. His eyes
CLEANED with triumph.
And She, as she looked at him, the thought
ran THROUGH her, how could she ever i'll hei
most foolish girhood's days have loved thi,
man--have loved him even for an hourl Hi:
features were the features she had once
thought so perfect-now no human creature
on the earth could have inspired her with
such loathing. She did not fear him, simply
because she knew the worst he could doth,
/
pay. Or she thought she knew.
We'll, my afeciionate wife," he said
| knocking the ash off his cigar and looking
/ her up and down; you've grown into quit
fine piec" OF goods, quite tip-topper, IL
| md OF q swell. You haven't pined much fo
me, | guess.
She shivered as she heard his voice ant
roal Sc, inrct.us compliments, bIt sue kel
her proud eyes upon him. you have some
thing to say to me-ssy it, She SPOKE
sternly
SAY should think it was for you t,
say something. You who sent me to here
with felons for five years. You who woult
not stretch out hand to save me. W hs
have you to sayr' He spoke with a vicious
bitter information.
She laid nothing. She might have toll,
him of misery which she had undergone
misery which She had to undergo to whcI
his well-merited punishment was as nothing
Nearly five years." he went on, 'lhink o
that - dull, dead drudgery. Week afte
week, month after month year after yea
the same. All through you-throu2h you
And now. my sweet wife, which do yo
expect me to do, to strike you or to lds
youF
He changed his tone to that of raillery,
tone more loathsome to Beatrice tlan tina
which showed his real nature. He took
step towards her as he said the last words.
"You have done both to me- she said
slowly and bitterly. "l'he memory Of TIA
kiss is today more degrading to me tina
that of the blow" He scowled as her scor
stung him-scowled and took another ste
towards her
There was sharp-pointed knife lying o
the table. Beatrice's fingers mechanical
rested themselves on the handle IF yo
touch me, Sue said quietly - think | shai
kill YOU