Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16
A DARK MARRIAGE
MORN.
A Romance of LoUe, Intrigue and
Crime.
By MRS. ALICE P. CARRtspoas,
CHAPTER xvii

ner poor angel.
Seeing the man on his knees, she could
not comprehend it, and only exclaimed,
simply:
Are you mad, Mr.. SIyme?"
yes, / am madl" Slyme threw his hair
back with romantic gesture common to
him and, ne believed, to the poets. Yes,
am mad with love and with pity, for 1
see your sutferings, pure and noble
victiml"
Flora only stared in blank astonish-
ment.
-Repose yourself with confidence" he
continued, ION a heart that will be de-
voted to you until death-a heart into
which your tears now roll to its most
sacred depths.
Flora did not wish her tears to roll to
such a distance, so she dried them.
A man on his knees before the woman
he adOres must appear to her either
sublime or ridiculous. Unfortunately
the attitude of SIyme, at once theatrical
and awkward, did not seem sublime to
Flora. To her lively imagination it was
irresistibly ludicrous.
A bright CLEAN of amusement illumined
her charming countenance; she bit her
lips to conceal it. but it shone out of her
eyes nevertheless.
One should never kneel unless sure of
rising conqueror. Otherwise, like Slyme,
he exposes himself to be laughed at.
Rise, Mr Slyme," said Flora, gravely.
This book has evidently bewildered you.
Go and take some rest and We will forget
this; only you must never forget your
self again in this manner.
Slyme rose. He was Hvid.
Mrs. Cleveland, " he said, bitterly, the
love of great heart can never be an
offense. Mine at least would have been
sincere mine would have been faithful /;
mine would not have been an Infamous
snare !"
The emphasis of these words displayed
so evident an intention, the countenance
of Flora changed Immediately. She
moved uneasily on the lounge.
What do you mean, Mr.. Slyme?"
Nothing, ma'am, which you do not
know, I think, he replied meaningly.
She rose.
you shall explain your meaning i'm
mediately to me. sir - she exclaimed; or
later, to my husband"
But your sadness, your tears" cried
the secretary, in tone of admirable sin
cerity; these made me sure you we're
-Of what? How he hesitates Speak,
mani"
I am not wretchl I love you and pity
youi-that is ALL" and Slyme sighed
deeply.
And why do you pity me?"
She spoke haughtily; and though Slyme
had never suspected this imperiousness
of manner or of language, he reflected
hurriedly on the point at which he had ar
rived. More sure than ever of success,
after moment he took from his pocket a
folded letter.
1t was the one with which he had pro-
vided himself to confirm Flora's sus-
picions, now awakened for the first time.
In profound silence he unfolded it and
handed it to her.
She hesitated moment, then seized it.
single glance recognized the writing,
e. oh. Cd Oft viii
Cora.
Words of the most burning passion
terminated thus:
Always a little jealous of Flo; halt
vexed at having given her to you. For
she Is pretty, and-but I! I am beautiful,
am not, my beloved? and above all, ]
adore you'll"
At the first word Flora became fear
fully pale. Finishing. she uttered fear
full groan, re-read the letter, and re-
turned it to Slyme, as if unconscious OF
what she was doing"
For a few seconds she remained motion
less-petrifed-he eyes fixed on vacancy.
A world seemed rolling down and crush
ing her heart.
Suddenly she turned, passed with rapid
steps into her boudoir; and Slyme heard
the sound of opening and shutting draw
ers.
A moment after she reappeared with hat
the same strong and rapid step.
Slyme, TERMED to death, rushed tC
Mrs. Cleveland" he cried, throwing
himself before her.
She waved him aside with an imperi-
Gus gesture of her hand. He trembleG
and obeyed, and she left the boudoir-
A moment later she was on the avenue
going toward Broadway.
1t was now near midnight; cold, damp
weather, with the rain falling in great
drops. The few pedestrians still on the
broad pavement turned to follow Will
their eyes this majestic lady, whose gaii
seemed fastened by some GRAND of life
or death.
But in New York nothing is surpris
ing, for people witness all manner o
things there. Therefore, the strange APP
pearance of Flora did not excite any ex
traordinary attention.
few men smiled and nodded; Others
threw a few words of raillery at her
Both were UNDECIDED alike.
Reaching Madison Square, she stopped
near the fountain. The sound of tn,
falling water caught her ear. She Leaned
against a tree, and gazed into the agitatet
pool; then bowling her head, she sighed
grooming sigh, and turned back.
Hurrying up Fifth avenue, she passed
her own door, and soon reached the Ellis
ton mansion.
Arrived there, the unfortunate chile
knew not what to do, nor even why sh
had come. She had some vague design
as though to assure herself palpably o
her misfortune; to touch it with he
finger, or perhaps to find some reason
some pretext to doubt it.
She dropped down on the stone step
and hid her face in both her hands, vainl
striving to think.
1t was past midnight. The street
were deserted; shower of rain was fall
ing, and she was chilled to numbness.
A policeman passed by. He turne
and stared at the young woman, the
tookher roughly by the arm
What are you doing here2" he asked
brutality.
She looked up at him with wonderin
eyes.
7 do not know myself, she answered