Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-01-30

ess.
The doctor did not change his pos
ture; he remained on his knees, and
still held the patients hand; she
turned her beautiful eyes toward him
and started with mingled surprise, fear
and joy.
There was a moment of silence.
Neither one nor the other spoke.
Perhaps they we're afraid that word
might end their happiness, which
seemed like dream.
Emma said Eudor, I'VE are alone,
alone for one hour. This is the first
time since l have attended you; 1t is
the first time in FIVE years
The emotion of the countess pre-
vented her answering except by tears.
4 will not tell you,' continued
Eudor, all the difficulty it has oc,
casioned me to get into your dwelling;
still my title of doctor is not dis
guise. I was a student you remem-
Der, when l saw you for the first time.
What a recollection
The countess pressed the hand that
held hers, and raised her eyes to
heaven.
Since then, Emma-bus l have
witnessed your struggles, your tears,
your resistance, and l reproach you
with but one thlng-to have thought l
had forgotten you, because l no longer
sought your presence.
And why,' continued Eudor. We
hemently, why should l have sought
your 1t was both too soon and too
late. Besides, needed solitude and
meditation to conquer a deep seated
sorrow and to perfect a great plap-
a difficult, bold and decisive enter
prise.
Emma added he, solemnly, if the
day before your fatal marriage l had
asked you to be NINE to follow me,
you would have consented, for I am
not ignorant of the influence I had
over you, devoted as you we're to me,
your first love; but I would not, for it
would not have been acting fairly to-
ward you. But now, when for FIVE
years you have enjoyed rank, fortune,
honors, you know what they are
worth. You also know the happiness
1 can offer you, poor and Obscure as
I am, and 1t will no longer be deceiv-
ing you to say, Emma, will you
change-will you follow me?''
'Eudor,' replied the countess, with
faltering voice, perhaps you are
right in thinking that in past days
your power would have conquered my
reasons then I might have been yours
without crime; but now
That is true replied Eudor, ab-
ruptly. 'Ah, it is clear enough we
were not made for one another; we
have not the same way of loving.
Miserable fool that am, l was sacri-
6cing to your honor and conscience!
But what can I dol l have one of
those weak minds. over which love
reigns like tyrant, a crime would be
of no consequence in my eyes if 1t
would make you nine. Do you hear
me? crime-lf it but free youp
An exclamation of horror burst
from the countess.
'Yon need not be frightened re-
turned Eudor, hastily; you do not un-
derstand me-
After minute of silence, the count
ess said in sweet and melancholy
tone of voice: 'Eudor, why do you
thus torment poor suffering woman?
Is this o time to talk thus to me?
Probably you know even better than
myself that it would be no longer in
my power to accept of the guilty hap
piness you offer me. l feel so weak
soon, very soon, l trust, all will be
over-fears and sorrows, and this
broken heart will be at rest
why these sad thoughts??'
Sad, oh, no! they are hapoy ones.
How often have 1 prayed to God to
lake me from this earth, where all
happiness is lost to me. God has
heard me-
Then, said Eudor, you would like
;o'-
'Die,' replied the countess calmly.
If were to tell you that there was
no more hope; that your disease was a
fatal Cne'-
Eudor's countenance was lighted
up, as he spoke, with an almost IN
.ernal expression of joy; he gazed for
IN instance on this beautiful young
woman, who seemed to be almost dy-
ng, and then, he contlneud:
well, then, since you are prepared,
will tell you the truth. When l
ust now spoke Of a future, of joy and
owe, wished to deceive you, and to
give you hope that I myself have
ost'- He stopped; 1t seemed impos-
'lble for him to articulate another
word, she fixed OF him such a look of
owe and melancholy; and in her beau
iful black eyes, there was such an ex-
preston of tenderness and regret at
eaving this world, that the young
nan seemed deeply moved.
'Ahl you are not as much weakened |
rom this life as you said!' A smile
played on the pale lips.