Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1886-11-26

from the others as one to De sighted
and spurned."
You forget yourself" says Florence
cOntemptuouSly Il have met you here
to-day to rehearSe our parts for next
Tuesday evening. not to listen to any
insolent words you may wish to address
to me. Let us begin'-opening her
book. IF you know your part, go on"
Il know my part only too well; it is to
worship you madly, hopelessly. Your
very cruelty only serves to heighten my
passion. Florence, hear mel"
L will not" she says. her eyes flash
ing. She waves him back from her as
he endeavorS to take her hand. rs it
not enough that [ have been persecut-
ed by your ADMINISTRATIONS most
hateful to me-fOr the past year. but
you must now Obtrude them upon me
here? You compel me to tell you in
plain words what my manner must
have shown YOU only too Clearly-that
you are Gistasteful to me in every way,
that yoEr very presence troubles me,
that yoar touch IS abh0Trent to mel"
All he says stepping back as she
hurIs these words at him, and regard
ing her with q face distorted by pas
sion, If 1 were the master here, in
stead Of the poor couSin-if | were Sir
Adrian-y0ur treatment Of me would
be very different"
At the mention Of Sir Adrian's name
the color dies out Of her face and she
grows deadly pale. Her lips culver,
but her eyes do not droop.
Il do not understand YOU" she says
proudly.
Then you shall" responds Dyne-
court. "DO you think / am blind, that
| can not see how you have given your
proud heart to my cousin, that he has
conquered where other men have
failed: that. even before he has de-
clared any love for YOU, you have, in
spite of your pride, given all your at
lection to him.
You insult me-" cries Florence with
quiyering lips. She looks faint, and is
trembling yi5ibly. If this man has
read her heart Alright, may not all
guests have read it too? May not even
Adrian himself have discovered her Sc
cret passion, and perhaps deSpiSed her
for it, as being umW0manly?
And more" goes on DynecOurt. ex-
ultiug in the torture lie can see he IS
inHicting: though you thrust from you
an honorable love for one that lives on
II in your imagination, Will tell you
that Sir Adrian has other views, other
intentions. | have reason to know
that. when he marriCs. the name of his
bride will not be Florence Delmaine"
Leave me, sir" cries Florence, rOuS-
ing herself from her momentary weak
ness. and speaking with all her old fire,
"and never presume to address me
again. Co"
She points with extended hand to the
door at the lower end Of the gallery.
SO standing, with her eyes strangely
bright, and her perfect figure drawn up
to its fullest height, she looks superb
III her disdainful beauty.
Dynecourt, losing his self-pOSsession
as he gaZeS upon her, suddenly filings
himself at her feet and catches her
dress in his hands to detain her.
"jiavc pity on me" he cries implor-
ingly; 1t is my unhappy love for you
that has driven me to speak thus. Why
is Adrian to have all, and nothing?
lie has title, lands. poSition-abO
and beyond everything. the priceless
treasure OF your love, whilst / am bank
rupt in all. Show me some mercy
some Kindness"
They are both so agitated that they
! fail 30 hear the sound OF approaching
footsteps.
Release me, sir" cries Florence I'M
pcriously.
Ny: first answer me one question"
cntrvHlS Dynrrourt- DO You love my
eOIsiil?'
q care nothing for Sir Adrian" re-
plies Florence distinctly, and III Il
somewhat raised tone. her sclf-pride
being touched to the quick.
To be continued.