St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1889-05-18
CHAPTER vi.

''sTOLEN WATERS ARE sw EFT AND BREAD
EATEN IN SECRET IS PLEASANT"
So thought Anthony Gray, and his aunt,
Madam Parnell, and his cousin, Carrie
Thorn, and his betrcthed, Blanch Oakland
as they stood at the end of the long drive
one night discussing. in low tones, some
interesting subject not astronomy as
though dozen ears might be listening to
their conversation.
1t was half past nine and | thought
Blanch and Madam must be near, so
walked out into the bright moonlight to
meet them On and on | went. All was
still, save now and then the rustic Of
leaf The tall, dark trees walled my way
on either side. Only dim ray of light
fell down between their close tops.
Far down the hill could see the glitter
ing sheen of the river. Three forms occu-
pied the rustic seat, and just outside the
gate was dimly outlined the form of car
rage whose black horses pa wed restlessly
at the hitching post. | was almost there,
so near that l could hear all they said.
They could not see me. The bend in the
road made dense darkness. | thought,
perhaps, it was some one who would soon
go, and not wishing to disturb their con-
versation, stepped back to the road side
and sat down to wait for Madam and Blanch.
heard Madam speak: 81 will go with
you, will stand by you, and if need be, l
will die for you ,"
"My darling, the promise you made me
long years ago when placed tt this ring on
your finger shall soon be fulfilled. Then
you will be out of the troubles of the
world, and we will be separated no more"
fob hot NIL
voice. Isprang to my feet as though
dagger had been aimed at my heart. My
eyes fell upon them saw the long for
gotten Anthony Gray press kiss on
BIanch's cheek and hold her in one long
embrace. Madam was gone and Carrie
Thorn stood in hel place. My mind was
bewildered, my feeling frozen. l was deaf
and dumb and motionless. | saw them
depart. | knew the dreadful future and
attempted to follow, but | was powerless.
Blanch stood on the brink of destruction.
| saw where she must fall saw the cliff
but could not move. While stood be-
numbed, Madam passed me with valse.
| tried to stop her, but could not speak.
In moment more the restless horses were
on the road. the wheels of the carriage
whirled away. and | knew and felt and
realized that the bolt had fallen.
After long time | found my way back
to the house | told my brother Blanch
had fed, az :. as..well as my bewildered
faculties would permit, described the scene.
| have seen strong men weep, but never
saw the face of live man turn as deathly
white as did Sidney Oakland's, as he re.
peated over and over again: "Gone, gone,
gone"
dared not tell Betty. and as she came
into the room | turned away. l heard
Sidney go to her.
"My DEAR" he said, "we have sheltered
a serpent and she hath stung us. Our
Blanch is ours no more. A serpents fangs
are in her heart, and his coils have stihed
her reason. Madam Parnell has proven
false"
ooh! Sidney, how can we bear it? She
whom we have cared for all her life. How
could any one be SO cruel as to lead our
child away?"
s'And under the guise of wedding
ring" he added.
OILY low moan answered thia3 and the
tired head fell in its own peculiar fashion
on his protecting breast.
We did not sleep that night, for we
we're in sorrow, and alone.