Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-10-16
BETRAYED;
A DARK MARRIAGE
MORN.
A Romance of LOUe, Intrigue and
Crime.
By MRS. ALICE P. oAaRrsToN.
CHAPTER XVII.

utant Slyme seized her hand and called
ba- moor M anosi !"
seeino the man on his knees, she could
NOT comnrehend Il. and only exclaimed,
s;mnlv.
Are Won mad. Mr.. Slyme?"
eyes. am madl" Slyme threw his hair
back with romantic gesture common to
him ard. he believed, to the poets. Yes,
I am mad with love and with pity, for / |
sas "a vonr @ sufferines. pure and noble
yictimi"
Flora only stared in blank astonish- |
nant
aRepose yourself with confidence" he |
continued, ION heart that will be de- |
yotad to Won until death-a heart into
which YOUR tears now roll to its most |
sacred depths."
Flora did not wish her tears to roll to |
sncb 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 Slyme. 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 conoueror. otherwise, like Slyme,
he exposes himself to be laughed at.
Rise, Mr.. Slyme, said Flora, gravely.
aThis book has evidently bewildered you.
tio and fake some rest and we will forget
this. onlv Won must never forget your
self again in this manner"
Slyme rose. He was livid.
SMrs Cleveland. he said, bitterly, @the
love of a 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 II
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.. Slyme2"
Nothing, ma'am, which you do not
know. / think, he replied meaningly.
She rose.
sYou shall explain your meaning inn
medfately to me, sir !" she exclaimed; "or
later. to nv husband"
-But your sadness, your tears" cried
the secretary, tone of admirable sim
cerity: sthese made me sure you were
not ignorant of it
sOf what? How he hesitates Speak,
mani"
Il am not wretchl love you and pity
voui-that is ALL" and Slyme sighed
deeply.
aAnd why do YOU pity me?"
She spoke haughtily; and though Slyme
4 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.
It was the one with which he had pro-
vided himself to confirm Flora's sus-
picions. now awakened for the first time:
handed it to her.
she hesitated q moment, then seized it.
4 single glance recognized the writing,
for she mad often exchanged notes with
Cora.
Words OF the most burning passion
terminated thus:
Always Q little jealous of Flo; half
yexed at having given her to you. For
she is pretty and-but II am beautiful,
am not, my beloved? and above all. I
adore you'll"
At the first word Flora became Tear
full groan, re-read the letter, and re-
turned it to Slyme, as if unconscious of
what she was doing"
For few seconds she remained notion
less-petrified-h 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 nat
and cloak, and crossed the boudoir with
the same strong and rapid step.
Slyme, ierrihed to death, rushed to
stop her.
Mrs. Cleveland" he cried, throwing
himself before her.
She waved him aside with an imperi-
GUS gesture of her hand. He trembled
and obeyed, and she left the boudoir.
A moment later she was on the avenue,
going toward Broadway.
It 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 with
their eyes this majestic lady, whose gait
seemed hastened by some errand of life
or death.
But in New York nothing is surpris-
ing, for people witness all manner OF
things there. Therefore, the strange ap'
pearance Of Flora did not excite any ex-
traordinary attention.
A few men smiled and nodded; otnert
. = 4 .