The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1886-12-15

quired of him. Ii seemed like striking
down a lamb, while its soft, trusting
ewes were fixed upon his. But he had
gone too far. he could not recede now.
at is rumored," he said-''it is ru
mored that Mr. Clark is soon TO be mar
ried !"
A sort of spasmodic smile parted Zu-
limas pale lips till her white teeth
shone through. She did not attempt
to speak, but sat perfectly still, gazing
upon her visitor.
"Had your marriage been real, Mr..
Clark would not thus openly commit
himself"
Where is Mr. CLARK ?" said Zulima
sharply, and starting, as from a dream.
Gle is in Baltimore now
"And-and the lady ~
''ohe, too, is in Baltimore"
"And II will 90 there alsO."
"You! and after that which you
know?'
"If these things are true, ! will have
them from the lips of my-Daniel
Clark. If they are not true-Oh, Faith
er of Heavenl then will his wife lie
down and die at his feet-die of sorrow
that she has ever doubted him"
CUlitn was sldIltcQs nc ndd HOk dll-
ticipated this resoiute strength in per-
son so young and child-like. Did she
see Daniel Clark, he knew that all was
lost to those whose interest it was to
keep the husband and wife asunder. He
attempted to. .dissuade Zulima from her
plan, but this he saw only excited her
suspicion without in the slightest degree
changing her. Ali the answer that she
made to his arguments was, Il will see
my husband; must have proof Of these
things"
Smith would have urged his objec-
tions further, but they were interrupted.
The room N which they sat was a
parlor to which others might claim ad-
mission. Just then the door opened,
and young gentleman entered with the
easy confidential air OF an old acquaint-
ance. he east a glance at Zdllma,
seemed surprised by the terrible agita-
ton so visible on her face, and then
fixed his penetrating eyes searchingly
upon Smith.
you Go Rot seem well" he said, APP
preaching Zulima, and Smith 1etected
that in his voice which ought to have
startled Zulima long before. Has any
thing gone amissP and he cast d stern
look on Smith.
81 am not wellp said Zalima, and
tears came into her eyes.
But you seem worse than ill-yOu
look troubled"
Zullma lifted her eyes up with q
painful smile, but made no answer.
The young man looked dis' ressed; he
stood a moment before Zulima, and
then walking toward a window, began
To drum on the panes with his fingers
now and then casting furtiye glances to-
ward the sofa where Zalina and Smith
were sitting.
Smith arose to go. A new CLEAN Of
light had broken upon him-he saw and
understood more than that fated young
creature had even guessed at.
Then you are determined to under
tske this journey?' he said, in low
voice.
"Yesr
"Wnen will you set out?''
"To-morrow
"Alone?'
Zuima unconsciously glanced toward
the young man: he had been very kind
to her, and it seemed hard to start off
utterly alone.
IL don't know" she faltered; eyes, l
shall take the journey alone"
Your health seems delicate, you are
so young" urged Smith, reading her
thoughts, and hoping that she would be
guided by the first imprudent impulse.
II am young-I am not well-but |
shall go alone" she answered, with gem
tie irmness.
The young man at the window seemed
restless. He walked toward table,
and taking up two or three books, cast
them back again with an air of impa-
thence. Smith observed this, and smi lied
quietly within himself as he went out.
Zulima saw nothing: she only knew
that she was very, very wretched, and
casting her arms over the back of the
sofa, buried her face upon them and
groaned in bitter anguish.
Zulima was so lost in the agony of
her feeling, that she did not know when
the young man placed himself by her
side. She was quite unconscious of his
approach till her hand was in his, and
his voice uttered her name in tones that
| made her nerves thrill from head to
foot. Tenderness had given to that
voice an intonstion startingly like the
low tones of Daniel Clark, when love
most softened his proud nature.
She started and locked wildly at the
young man, her hand trembling in his
her lips parted in half smile-the de-
l1sion had not quite left her.
"Zulima, what is it that troubles you
| Oh, if you only knew, if you could but
guess, how w-how it wrings my heart to
see you thusl What has the man been
saying to wound your
ITO wound me?' repeated Zulima, re-
covering from the sort of dream into
which his voice had cast her, and draw
ing her hand away. "Oh, everybody
says things to wound me, l think y
| But | never have
"No, believe not" replied Zulima
listlessIy; Il believe not"
And never will" urged the young
man, regarding her with look of deep
tenderness.
Il don't know" was the faint reply
and Zulima's face fell back on her fold
ed arms again.
The soupg man arose and began te
pace up and down the room; many 4
change of feelings passed over his fea
lures meanwhile, and he cast his eyes
| from time TO time upon the motiones:
| figure of Ziliaa, with an expression
that revealed all the hidden love, The
| wild devotion with which he regarded
ner. He sat down again aud took hel
passive hand. She did not attempt II
| withdraw il. She did not even seem tG
know that it was in his.
"Do you know how | love you-how
with my whole life and strength, wor
ship YOU, Zalima2'' he said. There il
nothing ON earth that | would not do
could | give you a moments happi
ness"
Zulima slowly unfoided her arms, anc
lifting her head, looked earnestly in hi
i face. She did not seem to understand
him.
| "Oh, you must have seen how low
you, he said passi)nately.
Zulima smiled--oh, what a mockinl
smilel how full of wild anguish it was
Another" she said; so now anothe
loves me-
| mo hnman being ever loved as low
you, Zulima," said the young man, il
that pure, sweet voice, which had so af
feeted her before.
THAT is marvel, said ZuliEa, witt
bitter smile. "Others have loved m
so well. You do not know how other
have loved me-"
Il do not wish to know anything ex
cept how can make you happier thai
you are, Zulima."
IF you wish to make me happy, d
not even mention love to me again. Tn
, very word makes me faint said Zuli