Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-05-07

t&ssst&s TaSsslt4y my tfemDlinS u u l tsS-s-zy~ y5 It was no les s. This | sT5jA1-->Szssss(y letter, made pu b lie, would seal any doom. l was, than, & murderer. In my sleep 1 had killed my uncle, and had afterwards drawn the rope from his neck and the ring 1 sram his finger. In this way it was that '.~-> articles came into my possession Mechanically my hand stole to tho pocket III wllich they were concealed. Mdlle. Ro- salie smiled, and in that smile saw that sic knew the meaning of the motion. 1 I could not speak; ] could not lift my head.
 .swen," said Mdlle. Rosalie, "have you nothing to say?"
 'sWhat can I say?" I muttered.
 How much higher than I was this base woman. Full of venom, maliciousness. and spite as she was, hor soul was free from blood d-guiltiness.
 "You are guilty she said.
 "I must be guilty I said mechanically, What do you propose to do?'
 'I propose" she replied, in a voice of much sweetness, ito save you."
 "To save me P exclaimed. "I am not fit to live.'
 Perhaps not,' she said, dryly; "but you have a wife and daughter. What would your disgraceful death mean to them?'
 This reference to those dear innocent ones whose honor was my honor, whose shame was my shame and who were brought to the bar of justice, would share my infamy, com- pletely unnamed me. A sob of agony es- capped my lips.
 "Is it not worth while,' said Mdlle. Rosalie ] fro fhotf ay ha Savo6 p'
 ssYes, yes,"I gasped, se1zing her hand and looking imploringly into her face. ''To save them from ignominy and from lifelong sor- row. o God! Is it possible that you will do this for me and them?'
 "I will, Hush! There is a knock at the door. Ask who is there,'
 Her voice, as she spoke, did not rise above whisper. I strove to utter the words she my mouth.
 "Richard! Richard!"
 It was my wife calling softly to me from without.
 "Open the door," whispered Mdlle. Rosa. lie. q will hide behind there," pointing to a screen. ssShe will not see me. Do not lei her keep you long. When she is gone I will show you that you have nothing to,fear.'
 
 the screen, and moved to the door. I for. got for moment that it was locked, and my wife called to me that the key was turned I unlocked the door, and admitted her; but I did not allow her to step into the middle ot the room. She was in her nightdress, and I well remember that there was piece o narrow red ribbon at her neck, which looked | to me like blood. She told me that, waking and finding me absent from the bedroo m she grew anxious and came to seek me. responded with wandering words anG l looks, and this appeared to render her moro anxious. She tenderly asked whether | I was not well. Oh, yes, answered, was | well, but was engaged upon most import ant task. Why had she come to disturb mel I must be alone-alone! And still she lin gered, and continued to speak in sweet and | loving tones, and clasped me round the neck and kissed me; but pushed her from me and bade her go to her room and sleep. "You will come soon?" she asked solicit ously.
 ''I do not know, l do not know" I nut. tered. T have much to do. Good God Do you not see how you are distressing me ?
 Shortly afterwards she left me, but not be fore she made another effort to soothe me She smoothed my forehead with cambrit handkerchief and put it into my hand, say ing it was clean and cool, and would refresl me. As she crossed the threshold quickl, locked the door upon her, and the handker chief fell from my hand. Mdlle. Rosalie gliding forward from her hiding-place be- hind the screen, picked it up and toyed witl it, and made no attempt to take it iron her. The vital issue at stake completely en grossed me,
 s'We are free now from intrusion," sht said, land our business will not take long,"
 "Business?' I muttered. s'What busi ness?'
 "The business of saving your ife," sh. replied. ''I have terms to propose
 Name them.''
 First" she said, and now her voice as sumed a new phase of malignity, "tell mt what you think was doing while was hid ing behind the screen?'
 "Doing? Nothing!''
 ssNot even listening?' 'Ah, yes you could not help doing that
 "Of course not. It is not to be supposed that would play the part of eavesdroppe unless was compelled. Such an infamous woman as I am That is what you called me } few minutes ago. believe. was lia , and thief as well, was l not? I like to b. correct. And but few short hours befor that you discharged me in manner tha would ruin the fair fame of any lady, and in , formed me that was not fit associate fo your wife and daughter. And yet am goini ! to save them; yes, indeed am, and to save , you tool But must toll you first what . | 1SONCORD RJTGGIES