Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-12-08

I went to London to teach, or do anything
feasible, when was taken by this lady:
The three singularly associated individ-
uals breakfasted together, and afterward
packed their belongings for travel. Only
for few minutes at time were Talbot and
Kitty alone together. The girl seemed dis
inclined to talk of her employer. Still she
was explicit enough to show to
Talbot the complex and spiteful character
of Mrs. Relitska. Having become NOR
phine taker, the lady had fallen seriously
III at the end of two years. 1t was then that
she had retired to hospital in Berlin, q
fashionable asylum for fashionable maniacs.
Some curious statistics regarding victims of
the morphine habit show that out of 100
cases 80 were completely cured, 46 died of
poison and a became habitual drunkards.
On leaving Berlin Mrs. Relitska had given
up morphine, but had taken to drinking.
Then, reconquered BY her old vice, she had
added alcohol to opium; morphine during
the day and whisky at night, until she fell
asleep in exhaustion.
"What was the noise last night in her
rOom7" Talbot inquired. ''She doesn't dare
to abuse you?"
so, am L the girl to stand that " was the
evssive reply.
Then the lady entered, and discussion of
her had to cease. Talbot's disgust was
mingled with anger. He felt Inundated
and disheartened. Was he condemned to
remain with this despicsble, besotted crea-
ture? Should he leave Kitty Mellish with
her2 Up to this point he had no reason
personally to complain; but what was his
duty toward the girl he loved? Perhaps
Kitty OWNED his apprehensions, tor she
soon found the chance to say:
Talbot you are above these humilis-
tions. In spite of her violent disposition,
Madame will take care not to offend you.
She needs your wit, your society, and your
talents. In short, she has seen that you are
q man of the world-a gentleman, in po-
sition beneath your real dignity. She fears
YOU, and, with her, fear is only one form of
respect. beg of you to make the trip with
her-ior my sake and your own. We can't
be choosers of our employment and must
I'LL out nv engagement"
''Tben ] shall, of coursa, keep mine, he
ardently responded. 1--WE are too poor to
be fsstidious, and you shall at least be
safe
Mrs Relitska had explained to her COM
panions that she was going to the uttermost
bounds of Dakota, near Deadwood, to sell
lands left to her by her second husband.
She had been told that it was a region of
thieves and murderers. The papers re-
counted the sinister exploits of the cowboy,
that smiable child of the far West, who
knew no other law than his own pleasure,
and no other judge than the revolver Then,
too, what an arduous journey. She would
have to travel across the prsiries in stage
coaches She had laughed and answered
that she was going to Deadwood for busi-
ness, not pleasure; that half of her fortune
was at stake and that she owed it to herself
to brave these imaginary perils. Beside,
she wished to get away from civilization.
The tourists were off before night on the
railway portion of the journey. The Rus
sian was by no means taciturn concerning
herself, and, as Talbot was not talkative, she
found him very intelligent 1t takes con-
siderable wit to know how to listen. More
over, the more he listened to her, the more
she irritated him. The egotism and hard
ness of this still besutiful woman were con-
stantly betraying themselves. Beside, it
was quite apparent that she was Jealous of
Kitty Melllsh. In this way they Travelled
until they reacsed the station on the prairie
where they were to leave the comfortable
cars and take to stage coaches. Until this
point the Russian showed herself less cor
dial, but also less familiar. For his part,
Talbot remained shut up in his glacial re-
serve. His poiiteness amounted to stiffness.
Her retaliation took the form OF coldness
and hauteur toward Kitty.
The night was spent at small inn, from |
|
During supper Mrs. Relitska remained 81
lent, affecting not to notice her hired COM
panions. The ladies were tired, and there
fore retired early to their rooms, while Tai
bot spent an hour sauntering about the
premises.
he was just closing the door Of his room
when tumult was heard In Mrs. Relitska's
apartment He rushed to the possible aid |
OF Kitty, for he knew not what might occur. |
Upon the threshold of her room stood the |
girl, in evident alarm, while Mrs. Relitska |
was scolding her loudly. The Russian re-
coiled at the sight of the young man.
''Wait moment, madam, said he in i'm |
perious tones.
He led Kitty to her own room, and then |
returned, with the resolve to break at any
cost the ties that united them. He found |
her buried in an armchair motionless, with |
hands folded and eyes fixed.
''By what right do you busy yourself with |
nv affairs 2" cried she, hoarsely. 81 never |
meddle with yours, 1 fancy"
my answer is brief; am about to leave |
you"
''Ahl' She made an abrupt movement, |
as if in some hasty annoyance. A bottle Of |
whisky, half empty, stood beside her on the |
table. The wretched woman was drunk, but |
not enough SO that she failed to see the dis |
gust upon his face. Then she blushed, as if |
for the first time hervice made her ashamed. i
81 beg of you-do not decide yet You |
see that it is impossible for me to argue with |
you. Please think over it until tomorrow.
ask your pardon for the wor Is that have |
Just used"
''BIY resolution is irrevocable," replied
Talbot frigidly. 'I am at the end of nv
patience, and must protect Miss Mellish. |
Goodbye"
He was turning away when she rose and
came toward him, trying to take his hand.
''No, no! don't 90, 1 beg of youl Be in
dulgent; am so much to be pitied!''
She spokeIin hollow tones, like one moan
ing in delirium. Talbot bowed, and went
out He understood only too well her need
of his protection. Perhaps in his heart he
wished only to yield, so strong was his de-
sire to extricate himself from the abyss of
poverty.
The next day had scarcely begun, when
some one knocked softly at Talbot's door.
1t was Kitty, very pale, and stir agitated
by the violent scene of the night before.
She begged him not to abandon the Rus
sian, but to stay to the end of the agreed
term.
awe are too poor, Talbot to be capri
venturous land; why not follow our ad-
venture through? shall feel safe 80 long as
you are with us.
That was a convincing argument, and Tai
bot pressed the girls hand as he said: "You
are courageous, Kitty. Then we will iour
ney along with our strange mistress"
''Kittv's face cleared. "How good you
areF' she returned.
Talbot felt unduly rewarded by this un-
deserved burst Of gratitude He went at
once to Mrs. Relitska. For this visit she
had not dared to hope. On waking she had
a l. oF a. /