The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1890-08-30
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Harry Vane. The flushed cheek and
quick glance told how grateful was the
question, and made me reproach myself
for not mentioning the subject before.
He came Of course at my request; my
slightest wish had become his law, but
his stay was very brief
A few days passed and then ], know
ing the pleasure his visit had afforded
desired him to see her again.
He had scarcely entered the room
when was summoned away and they
were left alone. Precisely what passed
in that strange interview / never knew,
but enough CLEANED to assure me that
Louise made him believe that her illness
and approaching death-she told him
she was dying caused by his in
difference.
Such statements could but make
powerful impression ON his highly sensi-
tive nature.
He was bound by no promise to me,
and possibly not knowing the madness
Of my love pledged himself to her.
do not think her sickness had been
entirely feigned. Pride and chagrin had
so preyed on her mind as to produce
slight illness, of which she had availed
herself to the utmost
Day by day she grew stronger. In
little while she was able to leave her
room, and soon, the weather becoming
milder, to take short drive.
Harry was her constant companion
do not believe he loved her do not
believe it now; but feeling of chivalry
prompted him to devote himself to the
woman who, for his sake, had ventured
on the doubtful borders of the grave.
l did not learn all at once. It was
some time before the full conviction
dawned ON me, and then hated her.
All my fine theories were blown to the
wind. felt and knew that the love for
which she pined with the wantonness of
a spoiled child was to me life itself.
She left us. Spring came, and with
it letter from Louise asking me to
come to her home and be her brides
maid. She was to be married early in
May.
went, of course. found Louise Just
as had expected to find her-proud Of
her conquest, and yet half dreading the
man who, in the intercourse of married
life, would soon fathom her worthless
heart.
We rode out one bright, sunny morn
ing to enjey the. pure air and visit the
cataract, which the recent rains had
swollen to miniature Niagara.
My bright morning had fearful end
ing.
After half an hours rapid riding we
reined our horses in on the edge of
steep bank overlooking beautiful rivu-
let. The scene below was delightful.
The sparkling water, tie white pebbles,
the green moss and sweet violets made
picture never to be forgotten.
1--WE must have some of those flowers
as souvenirs of our ride" Harry re-
marked, as he directed his horse down
the declivity.
He bad reached the margin of the
brook, dismounted, and was about TO
gather the violets, when loud shrek
from Louise caused both him and me to
turn our eyes toward her.
From some cause her horse had be-
come restive and she not being able to
control him had darted off at rapid
pace along the road.
The animal dashed along like the
wind, and, although having surer
horse and being a better rider, l was
obliged to use every exertion In order to
overtake her.
At first my only anxiety was lest she
should fall from the saddle, but soon the
appalling sound Of the cataract met my
ears, while at the same instant a wild
cry from Louise assured me that she,
too, was aware of her danger.
urged my horse forward. was at
her side; to save her now required scarce
ly an exertion, when, like flash of
lightning, the Prince of Darkness whis-
pered in my ear. "If she dies there is
none between you and Harry Vane's
love-" With sudden jerk reined in
my horse. and Louise dashed on,
\ new sound greeted me. turned
and saw Harry Vane tearing madly
along the road. He passed me, and as
his eye met mine l saw that he had wit
messed and understood my murderous
act.
Never shall forget that scene
Louise swaying wildly in her saddle on
the mad animal, dashlng frantlcally on
10 destruction. Harry Vane, badly
mounted, yet by almost superhumsn ex-
ertion gaining ON her, and gazed spell
bound after both.
Scarcely an instant had passed when
the enornity Of my crime sent a shudder
through my frame.
Il am better mounted than either and
-, -, I,,,. ,-ot I I ,,,r.od
my horse forward.
Ipassed Harry, reached once more the
side of Louise and had my arm ex-
tended to save her, when suddenly my
horse stumbled, slipped and fell head
long to the earth. started to my feet,
saw Vane go by, grasp wildly at
Louise already on the edge of the chasfn,
saw his horse stumble and all 60 over
the brink into the fearful abyss below.
Hazel Brown in Atlanta Constitution.