The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-07-04
CHAPTER XIV.

These two poor children stood side by side
In the greenhouse, dumb with sorrow, almost
incapable of thought, as though their hearts
were scorched by lightning. For poor
Suzanne to be obliged to tell this fearful tale,
which she had buried so deep in her young
heart that her father had not discovered it in
ten long years, was almost like living it over
again in reality. She had said truly she
was doomed to lonely, loveless life. And
she loved Raymond with deep and abiding
passion, but a hopeless one.
Raymond had thought nothing could aug
ment his love for Suzanne before, but now
this revelation showed him her noble charac-
ter. and his love centupled, mingled with a
respect so profound that it bordered upon
veneration, and deep compassion filled his
soul for the sufferings this young girl had
SO worthily borne.
"Now," said she, "you know all. Let us
say one last adieu."
"Adieu? MOI A thousand times no. Nv
life belongs to you now, more than ever. I
shall live to suffer with and for you.n
ooh, Raymond, we must say goodby;
prefer to feel myself alone to suffer and to re,
member. Leave me to my solitude and sor-
row."
Ouo uo oLSWcIcus pIeloT 10 love YOU ana
shall always do So"
Then they said goodby, sadly and sorrow
fully, without more than a hand clasp and
lingering look.
He rushed out into the forest, where he
wandered about, not knowing or caring
where, and not returning to his home until
late at night.
Suzanne sat weeping for while, and then
gathered up her strength to try and reach
her own room. As she passed large plant
which stood between her and the door lead
ing to tho house she found her father lying
unconscious on the floor, not ten feet from
where she had stood with Raymond, and he
had heard all:
She threw herself on her knees beside him
and kissed him wildly She called for assistance
while feeling his chest to discover il his heart
beat. It did, but feebly, and she called him
by endearing names. She opened q window
to give him air. Servants came and they did
everything they could to restore him, but it
was one long hour before he revived.
Remembrance came to him with conscious
ness, and he heaved deep sigh, and reclosed
his eyes and lay for time in silence gather.
ing his faculties. Finally he signed to the
servants to leave him, and when they were
gone he said with effort: $50, then, unhappy
child. you have not forgottena"
Suzanne knelt beside him and hid her face
ON his breast, weeping bitterly.
"Do not cry. 1t is not your fault, my poor
lamb. We cannot command our memory.
But you have given me great pain. Inevea
suffered so acutely since the day saw Won,
mother and you accuse me, by your silence.
before the judge. What shall do to prove
toyous For, my child. am innocent of thai
crime. l am innocent, Suzanne. Do Won
hear megn
"Oh. father, the past is gone; let us forget
1t and be happy together. you and In
mo, the question is now opened between
Us and you must know all. Twas and am
still victim.n
"But mother and I saw youn-
"Saw me, oh, child! saw me kill that Door
old mans"
YES; we were ON tho balcony. We saw
you come up the street, hiding under the