The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1889-03-23
Lehighson, carbon COunty Penne., NGaroh &c. !

iis coming her soft signs at his going, en-
ccuraged him already.
Did he net know, better than she knew
herself. that if he were the Cariisford heir
she would have been proud to become his
own. And would he not have died for her
iair sake. and iet life well lost for the
blessed compensation of a single smile9
But despite her scruples, Kate wore his
| gift of flowers. Those she had drawn sht
fastened in her hair and at her throat; the
remainder, with it's featheiy green sprays,
she pinned at her belt.
She had just finished her adornment,
| when there weie hurried footsteps on the
low verauda. and the next instant Rufus
| Carrisford came abruptly through the long
| French window into the room.
His darkly handsome features we're
tartingly pale, and his black eyes were
| light as if hidden fires were ragn! behind
| them.
| Kate had no time to show surprise, moi
| 1ispleasure, at his unceremonious iniru-
sion. With his burning eyes fixed on hers,
he walked hurriedly across the room and
caught one Of her hands in both his own.
Forgive me, Kate" he began, and the
girl started at his strangely excited tone.
Il count the minutes while l am away
from you, my sweet love. And, KITTY, ]
can bear your indecision no longer. lfyou
love me, tell me So"
| III thought we settled that long time
ago." she answered, with little yexed
pout. 81 thought was to have year, II
need be, to decide.''
You would not need a single second.
| Kate, If you truly loyed me-" he said inn
petuously, and with impassioned pursua.
sion. "Your vacilation, sweet, is more
than mortal man can endure. Unjust know
my JOY or my doom this very hour. All
which l prize most beneath heaven, you
hold at your disposal in the tender palm OF
this little rose-leaf hand"
Lovely bushes came and went on the
girls soft cheeks; her eyes were downca st
she seemed about to yield.
"Come with me tonight, Kate; we will
be married at the little parsonage ovei
Wonder and we will start at once for Europe
All that your widest ambition has evel
pictured shall be eyours-pleasure and luxury
and social triumpbs and the delights ol
| travel. You shall feast of the rarest and
be arrayed like queen; jewels which the
throned sovereigns of the earth might envy
shall be yours; all that unbounded wealth
and boundless love can procure shall be al
your command"
The vision dazzled the girls senses
YES" was trembling on her lovely lips.
But just then the bluebel in her bait be-
came loosened, and as with sentlent
caressing touch, the flower brushed bel
heated face.
She dropped into chair beside her anG
burst into tears.
"You are cruel to urge me So" she said
piteously. 81 am not sure / care for yor
as you would wish; don't yet know m,
own mind"
For a moment which seemed an age, Car
risford gazed at her in utter silence.
Then he slowly bent over her and light,
touched her forehead with his lips.
81 understand, Kitty; you are not TO
: me. Farewell, darling-farewel forever
You and have met for the last time" b.
said, in the calmness of utter despair.
J Kale-terrified, she knew not why-dare,
| 1. - har ha 10 4
reply; and the next instant he was gsn
and she was alone.
1t was several minutes before she regain
ed composure after the agitating scene
The air inside seemed to choke her, an,
presently she wrapped a dark shawl owe
J her white gown and went into the quain
! little garden.
1t was long, narrow enclosure, and on
end was divided from the Carrisford ground
only by boundary line OF frs.
She stroled aimlessly into an althea Dor
: dered walk winding down to the frs; an,
} almost before she was aware of the fact sh
J had reached the boundary itself, and wa
! looking absently toward the broad lancet
I window of the Carrisford library,
t This apartment was q modern addition T.
the superb old house.
; 1t was a low-ceiled oak-paneled room
3 with peaked roof and sharp gable; an,
: that single, oddlY-shaped window opene,
directly upon the lawD.
1t was the faVorite retreat of the million
aire; there he received his assistants EN-
ployed about the estate, and there it wa
rumored he had many stormy interview
with Leonard Fairfax
l Standing in the shelter OF the frs, Kat
was so close she might have put forth
hand and touched the stained glass panes
Suddenly a Gimmering light within fare
: up brilliantly, the heavy curtains of rub
velvet lined with golden SATIN were draw
apart and easement was flung open. An
all the interior Of the library was disclose
:, to her sight.
From what she then beheld The girl woul
= have sprung away IN horror; but her lint
refused to obey her startled will.
She would have cried out, but terrC
g stransled the crg in her throat.
With her face whittier than her gown. vii
her hands clutching fir trunk for suppo
until the jagged bark cut into her deliea
y flesh, she stood noiseless and moyeless.
is What she beheld was old Mr.. Carrisfoi
lying PROSTATE upon the carpet, his sens
less eyes staring up into space, his wriAkl'
oi features the hue of death and convulsed
with the last agony. Blood stained his ga
" ments, was matted in his gray hair, al
!" was gathered in dreadful pool about
head.
I'll Above the unconscious figure bent Leo
ST ard Fairfax, haggard, wild-eyed and shi
ering as If with an ague.
IT. The whole grewsome spectacle was
palmer to Kate's sight than the deed al
cd the motive seemed clear to her mind.