The Osceola times., 1886-12-04

H'ui Ioin competing for the
prize mat alone could have made life
worth living, which Isabel was accus-
Toned to receive with a Jest or comment
on his lazy life and habits. and wonder
why She had so completely. even before
his return, outgrown what she now de-
nominated her 'penchant for Robert
Stanopc.n
The New Years ball was at lis height.
and very beautiful Isabel Stuart looked
IN her long shmmering satin gown. her
only ornament a medallion, In diamonds
which were the old Stuart heir-looms
She was resting in corner of the con
servatory, watching the distant dancing,
and her companion was absorbed with
her beauty. AT length he saidi
Isabel, am going away tomorrow
DO you know what il feels like to say
goodbye to--to all that is dearest to
one?'
81 think hat. like the poor. YOU have
always with you,' Isabel replied, care.
lessly turning her head aside.
Don jest etcrnally, Isabel, Robert
Stanopc cried, impatiently. II wish
you to speak earnestly, and want you
TO listen"
"lou were jesting then about going?'
She sad, laughing, enjoying his ILL.,
humor.
Would you care to know that
was?' Robert Stanopo asked. tenderly.
why should ! care? You are useful
to me in entertaining my guests, but
think | prefer you should 60 so far at
least, as have interest in the natter
1t is 10 assure myself of the cXtcnt
of that interest that have brought Won
here tonight" With warm eagerness
in his voice, H. drawing his chair close
to hers: 81 feel that you love me,
label
Astonisbment and indignation for a
few seconds sealed his companion lips,
then:
''How dare YOU insult me by such
words?' she broke forth. .'Ilow dare
you address such language to me?n
Il dare upon the right my love and
your permission Of it give" he said,
calmly.
81 deny your right either TO insult or
love me, - Isabel said, Indignantly. as
tears of modification sprang to her
eyes.
"Why have you allowed me to visit
you for six months, daily? You can not
afford much Indignation if have m s.
understood you Peream would see the
ridiculous side OF it, you know"
"peream?n
'llaye YOU supposed Peream had its
eyes shutg' he asked, angrly. But,
pShaw! it's I'd culous ii you pretend not
TO know that our names are together
in every mouth in the town. The fact
that no letters have come recently with
an Elko postmark has added to the in-
tcrcst.'
Isabel stood silent. Her power Of
speech seemed to have forsaken her. At
length she said, in n strange. unnatural
tone
"Do you really mean itPn should
least have expected this from yoH, Rob
crt Stanopc,' 81 she exclaimed, turning
suddenly toward him.
why from me?' the young man said
quickly, "Do | not love you? Was t
for me to dictate the propricties to Mrs.
he said, mockingly "Oh. Is
abel, why did give you up?' his tone
changed to a pleading one.
Il feel senseless with agony IN the
thought of parting from you. How can
| 60? You cared for me once. You DO
care"
II desp,se youln she burst forth in
angry Indignation. IL must greatly
have descended since YOU dare to adj
dress me thus. Perhaps owe this TO
some of Peream's scandal loving
tongues. 1t may be that to them, too,
owe the loss OF my one chief joy, my
husbands letters. 1t is true no longer
receive them. may never see him
gain, ! can not tel how far the poison
il buried. but | can tell you that John
Stuart, though dead to me perhaps, has
all the love of his wife's individual
heart.
As Mrs. Stuart said goodbye to her
guests that evening she announced, in
an incidental, careless fashion, that she
was saying goodbye for longer space
than usual; she would start the next
day but one for Nevada. She was tired
Of her widowhood, and since her hus-
band had not come to her she had re-
solved to go to him. Day was break
ing in the east when the last carriage
rolled away, and Isabel, feeling neavy
Of heart yet firm in her new resolve.
paused for moment over the dying
hall fire before beginning her busy day
of preparation.
Suddenly deep, strange, yet famli-
lar voice broke the stiffness, and pair
of strong arms were around her, as
their owner said:
Thank God, can at last claim my
wife. reached Peream yesterday. |
could not endure il longer without see
ing YOU. yet should have gone back un-
discovered but for your sweet confession
in the conservatory last night-my dar-
ling. How can ! bear the delight OF
feeling that my wife really loves me!
NV little grass-widow, who never shall
be one any more. Isabel, have
YOU a word of greeting for ne? Ana
will YOU forgive me for eaycsdroppingg
| had only meant to sec You and 60
away again--I could not retreat, and
was obliged to hear what alone could
have given me permission to claim my
wifen'- Chicago Nc'cs.
The State Prison at Milan.
~ ....,.,- Co.. ,,,-a, 4. from, Tho fora IL 1 thp