Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1890-05-09

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She ratssd her pistol for a~other trial
The man stopped and leaned against
the target tree.
II beG q thousand pardons, Viviane,"
he said, "but really this is very fortunate
for me-"
At the first word his voice seemed
familiar, and when l looked at him, !
recognized the lecturer whose name Ind
called the thunder gust to Miss Clarc's
face ut my first interview with her.
"Why Is it fortunate. Mr.. GilroyT'
It was Miss Clare who spoke. / had
not expected speech from her any moro
than one would listen for the voice Of the
marble Niobe. She bad not changed her
attitude: it did not seam herself that
spoke; only the stony lips unclosed. and
from them dropped like icicles ewords
addressed to the stranger.
He laughed little as he replied:
"Why fortunate7 A strange question,
Viviane, for you to ask me. am fortu-
nato because I have been seeking you
without rest for the last dx months, and
was just on my way to the village near
70 follow up the clew thought had OBJ
tanned. when. behold here you are! It
is very evident why I consider myself
fortunate, q Il not, Vivianer
watched Mis- Clare while he spoke.
Every time be uttered her name an ex.
preston Of intense loathing writhed
across her face; the remainder Of the time
she was quiet. Ike the quietness Of the
volcano when the lava Is boiling In its
bosom. but l. still held down by the earth
armor which presses it 90 heavily. There
was silence fsr q few moments. For the
first time ! looked earnestly at the man.
He had not moved from his first position.
q graceful leaning against the tree. He
was tall. elegant. with an appearance Of
perfect satisfaction with himself; hand.
some, blue eyed. will, fair hair and
beard. In his eyes there dwelt the smile
of the internal deities His form and face
was the shrine Of that evil which is more
hidcous when beautiful than when ugly.
His was the penetrating. cvading sin
which one can feel. but never
dissect and prove. Your heart NIGH,
recoil. but your brain could give no rc,,-
son why Il did so. His was not the
tangible wickedness that defeats itself
It was the subtle power that ahsorts.
conquers and destroys. and gives no
sign Of deformity.
what do you propose doingY' Miss
Clare asked. A slight flush colorcd the
delicate skin Of MI Gilroy's face.
II propose making you my wife, a.
you have 20 long been mine by contract
All. viviane, have 90 wished for you!
l have waited long for the touch Of those
fair hands, for the caress Of those royal
lipsi L. it strange that am impatienty'
Ho spoke like an epicure, . sensitive
refined one. and his eyes glowed with
anticipation. Could mortal woman en-.
dure IT. Bot Mis- Clare did endure IT.
hcroically and with rigid resolve. ]
thought ! detected In Gdroyis face the
intention 10 repay himsek with taunts
for his long search and enxiety.
II shall b happy to escort you to Boz
ton. viviane," he continued. "Your
uncle IS waiting very anxiously for you.
The fact Il, we have both been al
most distracted since your flight Your
uncle despouded directly. but IL would
have moved the universe to find your
He spoke with almost savage earnest
ness. but still with calm accent and ele-
CANT gesture He went on more indif-
fcrently: ''But you know he had only q
fortune. whereas l had q wife to lose. A
vast difference, you will perceive. when
tho wife in question IL viviane Clare"
THAT Is sufficient" suddenly said
Miss Clare. Tho future to which you
loos forward Is impossible You may
so hack to Buston as soon as you like;
at least, leave hero directly"
Perhaps you have fallen in love dur
ing your retirement" he said. without
moving. and looking at me. apparently
for the first time. Happily for me. re-
turned his glance with q nonchalancc
worthy Of himself. Miss Clare did not
reply-indecd. he hardly gave her the
opportunity. for he proceeded immedi-
atcly:
IF you would be willing to let friend
advise you. don't shock the proprieties
by chcrislling the grand passion as un-
fortunately as your mother did"
The flame had at last reached the
powder. Not till long after did know
why tho mention Of tho mothers namc
in such terms thus affected the daughter.
When l did know. wondered no more
at the effect Of those words. A fierv
f1amo shot into Miss Clare,s hitherto con.
trolled face.
do not dare to mention her name
again." she cried in the tones of an In
suited queen.
"Reallyr exclaimed Gilroy; shave I
reached you ut last. my empress? Your
mother never could have been 60 hand.
some as you are at this moment. II she
had been. hardly blame that man for
all she offered him"
Tho fury Of unspeakable agony and de-
spair ragged in Miss Clare's eyes; her
mouth turned white again. and from it
there broke the words:
My mother! Oh. my Godl cannot
bear thati'
Swift as death she raised the pistol
which had never left her hand-the finger
had not left the trigger. She did not re-
luirc time to take aim: II she had, Knight
iave restrained her. The flash that
from the pistol was not half so
terrible as the fire l knew was burning
n her soul. but its mission was more in
Gilroy dropped without Il
Ugh. with the last haunting smile still on
lis lips.
spranS to Miss Clare. The instant
he had discharged her weapon she had
brown it from her. and stood covering
nth her face in her hands Mortified rs
was by the decd felt most wildly the |