West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1888-06-14


sweep up from the gray walls to their
ears.
Come" he cried, suddenly, seizinc
her arm, 81 cannot stand this dismal
scene; let us return"
what was that sound from the
Folly, Pauli' she questioned, holding
herself rigidly in her tracks.
Nothing but the moan of the wind.
And then they walked slowly away.
both in a solemn mood.
II must leave you tomorrow. he
said, as they parted. She gave him no
hope, aud they did not meet again until
the morning of the following day. He
had been TO the nearest village. aud re-
turned looking white aud troubled as he
dismountcd from his horse at the gate.
Alma was there nursing her bitter
feelings over Gerard's non-appearance.
'Ah. 7 am glad you are outside.
Alma, he said hurriedly. IL will leave
you to day. but my trip TO Europe must
be necessarily postponed for a few
weeks"
II do not understand, she said.
This will explain. l received il at
the village this morning"
lie placed paper, with printed tele-
gram heading at the top, in her haud.
She read it in silence.
Paul, remember your promise. am go
ing to marry tho heireSs June 26th and ex-
pect you 20 stand as best man.
GERARD.
Alma did not faint. She was made of
sterner stuff She seemed very white and
troubled, however, as she handed back
the bit of paper.
You see il is as suspected"
Paul, don't go to-day" she articu-
lated hoarscly.
Tomorrow will do, " he answered.
Then she went swiftly back to the
house and TO her own room. That last
letter from his treacherous hand she tore
TO fragments, and set her heel on them
in the iierccness OF her indignation.
Her eyes were dry, and the full red lips
burning with fever.
81 will show Gerard that | am not
disconsolate over his trcachery."
with this uttered resolution Alma
Iaue went once more TO meet her cousin.
They were together for long hour, un-
der the shadows of the trees on the lawn.
Before they parted he bent and kissed
her, while glow Of triumph liz up the
dark face, and lightenel the glow in his
eyes
81 will remain for your sake, dear
est, he whispered low. 81 must excuse
myself to Gerard, and will go there to-
day and return to morrow, when we will
be married.
"Yes. Paul"
Her eyes were dry and feverish glow
filled her cheeks, parched her throat,
rendering her voice husky and un-
natural
lie left her, mounted his horse and
rode swiftly to the railway station.
''If | can possibly return to night l
will" he said at parting from Alma.
Remember, you are not TO 20 near the
Folly for something might happen TO
you. For my sake want you to obey
me in this"
She gave n silent assent, and then
paced alone under the trees. The hours
of that day were the longest Alma had
ever experienced. Unrest worried her
soul, and her heart was leadcn in its
sullen beating. She kept her room most
of the day. Everything that belonged
to Gerard she sacrificed, the sight of
them rendering her miserable Was
ever woman 80 sore distressed on the
eve of her wedding rs shel
The squire, her father, marvecd at the
strange gloom that had suddenly come
over his daughter, but he did not ques-
tion her that day --on the next it was not
necessary.
Night was once more threatening. and
Alma sought solace without the heated
atmosphere of her room. Instinctively
she turned her steps toward Fcnlow's
Folly. She did not pause on the hill,
but went down the narrow, long unused
road, which was a short cut from the
village to the farm Of Squire Dane. She
paused only when shs stood in the
gloomy shadow Of the great stone build
ing.
paul said must not come here, - she
muscd. 'Why should he carc} Imade
no promise. ! am reckless tonight.
will learn the mysteries OF this old mill 4"
Boldly she advanced through the open
door, VIII ch time had loOsened from its
hinges, and stood on the Uttered floor. IL
was almost dark here, and there was a
damp smell to everything. Even in that
summer night the air was chill and
Alma drew her shawl more closely. At
that moment she started and trembled in
every joint.
An awful groan assailed her cars.
For some moments she stood petriied,
with terror stealing her senses away.
The groan was repeated, followed i'm
mediateiy by mullled voice calling for
help. Surely that could not be spirit.
"Who callsP' cried Alma, gaining
courage in spite Of her terrible surround
ings.
1T is Gerard Manning I"
The voice was mufilcd as though half
smothered, yet il was plain enough to
startle Alma into activity. She followed
the sound and soon stood over the open
ing to dry well, over which a hoavy
iron pulley, part Of the ancient ma
ohinery, was cast.
''l am here. pretty weak from long
fasting, - said the occupant Of the strange
prison, when ne knew that Alma was
above. 'Ive been here several DAYS.
judge, and began to think death alone
would end my suifcrings lie and /
came together on the Goth Of June. We
followed the short cut from the station.
and at his request we entered here 10 OK
anime the old factory stepped on
some rotten plauks and was precipitated
into this old we'll / was hurt by the
fall. lie promised 10 90 for a rope. lie
did not return. Once ] climbed 10 the
surface but could not lift the wheel. and
fell back. I have called aud called until
exhausted"
Alma trembling with agitation and n
afrnursn fferurI s.aas.....H H.....