The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1889-05-24

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GC--HsA1-@SsaA@G| loose the clumsy
fat-bottomed market boat, and they both en-
current. Tho man took the oars, the girl the
tiller-rope, and. without word save the
whispered directions he needed, they foated
on through the hushed hot darkness.
''Is it far?" the man asked presently.
"No."
''How have you managed to get away?" he
whispered curiously. A slight sob rose in
the girls throat.
81 have made q good beginning, truly.
My first act toward my husband has been to
deceive him."
he questioned in alarm.
''No I did my work too WE'LL"
"And you regret already2"
"Inever said So"
"No, but your voice, your face, all show it,"
''Since when have you learnt to read them
so accurately?"
"Child, child do not torture me. Do you not
know that every look, every accent of yours
brings back the past as though it were bui
yesterday Do you not know that my
love-"
"Do not speak of loye, she cried, with sud.
den tempestuous anger; "the wrong have
done torturcs me sufficiently. think Of his
love, and how have already repaid it,"
"My claim is greater than his. 1 have a
right sronger-surer. You know it,
81 know it, she said, calmly, looking
straight on, past the troubled pleading face
to the gloom of tho waters beyond.
"You are sorry, grieyed, that camo again
Oh, Ninettel and once you told me your love
and duty would never FAIL"
"H ave they done so?'
"Not in the letter, but in tho spirit-yes.' ,
Scan help itp The task is beyond my
strength. When 1 stood on the threshold o.
new ioys--of the deepest bliss my life had
ever known-you dashed the cup from my
lips, you stole the joys from my heart. 1t is
not for myself care, even now, SO much as
for HIM. He trusts me so utterly"
Pooh! I thought you were above such
foolish weakness. Do you love this man
then?'
"That concerns me only"
at is true he has many fine points Of
honor. Your littletrick tonight would shame
you forever in his eyes, once he knew of it,
SIS it for you to utter such words?" she
asked him, passionately. "Why do you love
to torture me2"
81 do not wish to pain you, Nlnette," he
stammerod, huskily. "Heaven knows I have
more ne cd of your reproaches than you ol
miner
"If you know that, be silent now; speech
Is useless"
He leaned back, and piled his oars in
silence. Thought was busy within him, and
some remorse touched even his callous heart
for the wrong and tho suffering he was
bringing on this girls young life. Ht
remembered all she had endured, all she
must still endure; and somo dim sense o.
shame moved him, as no thought of the
shadows he had cast on the morning of hel
youth, tho glories Of her womanhood.
Through tho darkness loomed now asquart
stone building, half in ruins, and built upor
the rivers edge. In winter the waters often
flooded it. Ghostly tales were told by the
peasants, far and near, respecting tho spirits
of murdered men who haunted its deserted
chambers. The girl pointed suddenly to
ward it.
''That is the place" she said. "No man Of
woman in all the country round dare venture
here"
Tho boat was ste cred close TO tho walls
which were deep bedded in the soil, and hal
hidden by the river weeds and osiers which
grew thick aud dense around. Tho girl
threw the rope around the jutting stone
work; he then laid down his oars and
stood up.
"You can climb through here-can yol
not?" said Nnette, pointing to the arch of 9
window above their heads. "The stones arc
like steps. have often been in myself for
curiosity; there is large hall; underneath
are vaults. II you need light, go to the
vaults otherwise from the river you may b,
seen; see, have brought you lantern and
matches, and here are bread and wine auG
meat. The larder was we'll stocked for m,
homecoming. Within three days, If posi-
BILE, will come again. Ny signal will bt
three boots of the night-hawk. Now hasten
every moment is precious"
"How will you returnp"
"The stream is with mel shall have NJ
trouble"
"And you will not forget" he urged, laying
his hand on her arm as they stood on the
swayipg boat,
DO not fear" she said bitterly. II will b.
here if live."
"You are brave GIRL" he said, with
gleam of admiration In his eyes, as he looket
at the pale beauty of the determined face.
For your sake am almost sorry hav
made you do this thing"
"It is no time now for reproaches or re
grets," she answered, coldly. "What is don
is done. If any one suffers for tonight
work, rest assured it will not be yourself"
He bent down and kissed her brow-sh
neither inviting nor repelling tho caress thel
taking the bundle from her hand he rapidl
assembled the jutting stonework, and poisinl
himself an Instant ON the ledge, droppe,
noiselessly into the ruined hall within.
fnint oleam NJ moOnlipht narted th