Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1888-04-27

INTENSELY CRIMSON HUE"
aging you. All, you wheel l am indiscreet.
| fear; have betrayed secret; the Zerlina
is perhaps still in her rustic seclusion, and
this is only-well, you must submit to your
destiny, suppose How many are there
since, Let me see-six weelks-time for
three t1irtations of the most intensely Grim
son hue"
Agnes rose to her feet, with a glow of re-
sentiment On her hitherto pale face. And
Oakhurst, feeling that courtesy was now
wholly unnecessary, exclaimed:
Miss NorcroSs, you have said quite as
much as was proper for young girl to hear
your own cheeks, l presume, are proof
against any indicate surprise. Let me ask
you to stop, before"
Before what sri And what is this high
and-mighty innocence about} To be sure,
one does not like to be exposed-that is, the
wolf doesn't-though the lamb shouldn't be
angry. A pretty lamb it is, too"
Agnes gradually drew away from Oak
bursts side, turning her chances from one to
the other Of the combatants. She had never
seen such confidence, such readiness of inveC-
tive, Joined with such apparent sincerity
and ease OF manner; and the evident effect of
the attack upon Oakhurst puzzled her not a
little; in this brief colloquy there was opened
new fields for dark conjecture The wo-
mans words had been barbed arrows to her
ears.
Oakhurst's perplexity increased momen-
tarily He dared not go away now; and he
know not how, in Miss Norcross' presence. to
counteract the impression she Nigh make
Ii he could get rid of her or shut her wicked
ly-beautiful mouth, he might answer all she
had so artfully thrown out. But as Agnes
had not given any token of returning affec-
ton, he could not presume upon his good
standing with her and remain silent Grow
ing desperate he ventured once more.
"Miss Norcross, l know very well the
depth of your hate towards me, as well as
your capacity for Misrepresentation. fyou
desire TO have the history of our intimacy
dragged to the light, l, for my part, am un-
willing. But don't think your sex will screen
you, if you continue the calunlnies you have
begun. You, Agnes, must judge between US
And In almost every point, Mrs. Norcross
your friend and her sister-in-la law, will be able
to support my statements"
The servant returned to say that Mrs.
Norcross must be excused"
Oakhurst turned upon his adversary with
a triumphant glance.
"A palpable trick" she exclaimed. @You
gave the servant signal; you were un sill-
ing to have confronted. You have filled
her ears with scandal about men
Not word; she can hear plenty about
you in any circle where you are known,
without coming to me. And so far from Civ
ing any signal, / should be rejoiced to show
Agnes how easy an honest woman,s testi-
mony will put your monstrous effrontery to
shame
Agnes here interpretation resolute spirit
manifest in spite of her trembling voice:
II have heard this too long already. I
don't wish TO be the subject of this lady's
jests, and don't desire her advice Your
quarrel does not concern meat least not so
deeply that | wish to have it repeated in my
presence. Mr.. Oakhurst, let me bid you
good-morning.
She moved away with simple dignity,
bowling with marked GOODNESS to the former
rival.
Stay, Agnes" said Oakhurst. "Let me
not be thrust aside in this way. Miss Nor
cross, now that she has done what mischief
she can, will go away and enjoy the triumph.
beg of you stay, and let me set myself
right"
Miss Norcross laughed heartiIy-a laugh
that made Oakhurst SILVER
mot to-day, Mr. Oakhurst," she answered.
u have need of rest and reflection | am
not used to scenes like this, and my brain ia
in a whirl."
The first flush of excitement was over, and
it was with difficulty that she found her way
through the hall. Palette was coming down,
and saw her hesitating step and her tremu-
lous grasp upon the rail; he sprang down
four steps at time, caught her before she
fell, and carried her in his arms like child
up to Mrs Norcross' room.
Oakhurst was so completely absorbed by
the danger Of losing the last hold upon Agnes
that he forgot his most excusable anger
against the vindictive woman who still
fingered, enjoying her victory. He sank in
to chair, buried his face in his hands, and
for some time neither looked up nor replied
to her taunts.
"Come, now said she, don't take it 80
hard. Is my handsome sister -in-law obdu-
rate3 Never mind; don't be desoIate; other
women will be kind-for you are Just the
man TO attract sentimental damsels Cheer
up! you will find a new affinity before night
haven't doubt"
Reused at length, Oakhurst stood up before
the mocking fend, SO radiant in her evil
smiles, and said:
@You enemy Of all that is good, what
brought you herea Keep in your own sphere,
il there is one for you in this world"
Il came 70 see my sister, as you know. 1t
YVES most unexpected pleasure TO meet you.
came TO tell her that her brother William
has either run away or killed himself, it
doesn't matter which
pray follow him / assure you we shall
mourn your absence as bitterly as you do
his-7
well, goodbye" she said, still laughing
in the same terrible tone. Better luck next
time"
The door closed upon her and Oakhurst
drew long breath with sense Of infinite re-
lief
Some" said Palette, entering a moment
Later, -@corle, let Us go. We have done quite
enough for one day. You wouldn't take my
advice, and pretty mess you have made |
CT TT |
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