Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1889-06-28
PIiIil Bayl0F S Bride:
VILLARS FATAL MISTAKE.
BY RETT WILDWOOD.
CHAPTER TX.
DEAD MANS COTTAGE.


That you go straight to a clergyman's
house with me. and become my wife to-
night"
to that
DO you hate me so bitterly?" Guy Man
deVilIe said, half sadly. You will feel
different when we have spent twenty-fOur
hours together In this lonely place.
Toinette rushed against the door with
all her strength. It was like a solid wall.
Guy folded his arms and watched her,
mOcking smile upon his handsome face,
until she sank down exhausted.
Is your answer still the same?"
"Yes, she cried, lifting her angry face.
You villain! I will never consent.
Every well, he returned, coldly.
Since we are to remain here for an in.
definite period, might as well make my
self comfortable.
He produced a small case from his
pocket, and lighting a cigar, drew an easy
chair toward the freiess CRATE.
TOinette sat perfectly still, watching
him with fascinated eyes, as tiny Wreaths
of smoke curled gracefully about his
head. She knew from experience the
logged Obstinacy of the man, and trem-
bled at the thought Of what awaited her.
He appeared perfectly cool and composed.
Time was passing-oh, so slowly to the
frightened girl! Did that wretch really
intend to stay there until he had broken
down her resolution, subdued her?
At length she looked at her watch,
wondering if it must not be nearly mid
night. Only half-past six! No CLEAN of
daylight found its way into that darkened
room to mark the passing hours.
Hearing the rustling movement she
made, Guy turned his head.
Well he said, hOppinghis cigar ash
into the CRATE; do you still hold to your
foolish decision?"
YES %"
"Then 7 may as we'll reconcile myself to
passing the night here. But, assure you,
TOinette, you are making yourself need
less trouble and suffering. You will be
compelled to yield sooner or later.
He rang little silver bell. and in q
moment Deb's low rap sounded on the
door
Serve dinner at once" he said, open
ing it the merest crack. I'm htngry as a
bear.
Everything is in readiness, sir, an
sWered the woman.
Guy kept his position while she brought
in q tray loaded with smoking viands, and
laid the little table for two. Then he
Offered TOinette his arm, but she turned
disdainfully away.
What! you refuse to dine with me?"
I don't intend to eat a morsel in this
house"
He smiled, and a strange CLEAN crept
into his eyes.
"A very unwise resolution, my dear.
But you will be ready enough to break it
before many hours go by.
TOinette saw that she had indeed made
a mistake. She had not broken her fast
since morning. She would need all her
strength to cope successfully with her
tormentor-
Guy made a hearty meal, paying no
more attention to her than if she had not
been present. When Deb had cleared
everything away, ne resumed his cigar
and the old lounging attitude before the
empty CRATE.
Two long hours wore on. Toinette had
had time to think Of a thousand plans and
discard them all as hopeless and useless.
At length Guy turned and spoke:
at is nearly nine o'clock. If there is
to be wedding tonight We have no time
to waste"
She disdained to reply. She felt her
head grow dizzy and her heart sick. Re-
treating to the opposite end of the room,
as far away as possible, she sat down near
one of the barTicaded windows and COW
cred her face with her hands.
Looking round little latter, Guy saw
glistening tears trickling slowly through
her white fingers, and falling upon the
silken folds of her dress.
Touched by her sorrow, he hastily
crossed the room and knelt before her.
I am wretch to make you suffer, TOin-
cite, he said, his voice trembling with
emotion. Every tear you shed wrings my
own heart. But what can do, loving you
so madly, and only meeting scorn in re-
turn? l must win you for my wife. If
1 seem cruel, it is only because I have no
choice. Can you not forgive me?"
He would have taken her hands in his
clasp but she angrily repulsed him.
Keep away I have but one answer for
your pleading hate you.
A menacing look crossed the mans
handsome face. He sprang to his feet.
Don't try me too severely, IOlnette.
You are In my power, remember. I can
humble youtO the very dust. I have sworn
to make you my wife by fair means or
foul, and I will keep my oath.
He went back to his old place. For long,
terrible hours not a word was spoken in the
room. TOinette sat mOtionless. her head
resting against the wall. benumbed
sensation was creeping over her. She felt
that she must go mad if this continued
much longer.
At last the twittering Of the birds told
her that dawn had broken. But no ray
crept through the closed windows. She
heard Guy rise from his chair, take down
another lam0, and proceed to light it.
Then he took a step toward her.
Are you ready to yield, TOinette?" he
asked, his voice very low and entreating.
mo"
Still obstinate. Really, one would
think you we're growing fond Of this place
and your company.
Better a few hours of such society than
a lifetime"
He was silent a moment then said:
What hope have you to cling to? How
can you expect to escape me?"
Heaven viii not suffer villainy to
triumph always"
He turned away, walking restlessly up
and down the room. TOinette watched
him furtiyeIy. He seemed to be weighing
some question, and the look on his dark
face struck. deeper terror to her soul.