The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1890-06-05

across her face; the remainder Of the time
she was quiet, like the quietness Of the
volcano when the lava Is boiling in its
bosom, but is still held down by the earth
armor which presses Il so heavily. There
was silence for 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. with 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
hideous when beautiful than when ugly.
His was the penetrating, evading sin
which one can feel, but never
dissect and prove. You. heart might
recoil, but your brain could give no rea-
son why II did 90. His was not the
tangible wickedness that defeats ITSELF
it was the subtle power that absorbs,
conquers and destroys. and gives no
sign Of deformity.
what do you propose doingT" Miss
Clare asked. A slight flush colored the
delicate skin Of Mr.. Gilroy's face
II propose making you my wife, as
you have so long been mine by contract
All, Viviane. have 50 wished for youi
have waited long for the touch Of those
fair hands, for the caTess Of those royal
lipsi Is 1t strange that am inpatient"
He spoke like an epicure, a sensitive,
refined one, and his eyes glowed with
anticipation. Could mortal woman en-
dure III But Miss Clare did endure it.
herOically and with rigid resolve.
thought detected in Gilroys face the
intention to repay himself with taunts
for his long search and anxiety.
Il shall be happy to escort you to Bos-
ton, Viviane," he continued. "Your
uncle is waiting very anxioudy for you
The fnct Is, we have both been al
most distracted since your flight. Your
uncle desponded directly, but III would
have moved the universe TO find your
He spoke with almost savage earnest.
ness, but still with calm accent and ele-
giant gesture. He went on more indif-
ferently; but you know he had only a
fortune, whereas had wife to lose. A
vast difference, you will perceive, when
the wife In question Is Viviane Clare"
THAT Is sufficient" suddenly said
Miss Clare. "The future to which you
look forward Is impossible. You may
go back to Boston as yoon ~ you like;
at least, leave here 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 o nonchalance
worthy Of himself. Miss Clare did not
reply-indeed, no hardly gave her the
opportunity, for he proceeded immedi-
ately:
"If you would be willing to let a friend
advise you, don't shock tho proprieties
by cherishing the grand passion as un-
fortunately as your mother did"
The fame had at last reached the
powder Not till long after did know
why the mention Of tho mothers name
In such terms thus affected the daughter.
When did know, wondered no more
at the effect Of those words. A fiery
flame slot into Miss Clares hitherto con-
trolled face.
DO rot dare to mention her name
againl" she cried in tho tones Of an In
suited queen.
"Reallyr exclaimed Gilroy; "have l
reached .Tou at last, my empress1 Your
mother ever could have been 90 hand
some as you are at this moment II she
had been, l hardly blanc that man for
receiving all she offered him"
The fury Of unspeakable agony and de-
spair ragged in Miss Clare's eyes; her
mouth turned white again, and from Il
there broke the words;
MY motheri Oh, my Godi Icannot
bear that!"
Swift as death she raised the pistol
which had never left her hand-the finger
had not left the trigger. she did not re-
quire time to take aim; fshe had, Imight
have restrained her. The fash that
streamed from the pistol was not half 90
terrible as the fire ! knew was burning
In her soul, but Its mission was more In
stantaneous. Gilroy dropped without
sigh, with the last taunting smile still on
his lips.
I sprang to Miss Clare. The instant
she had discharged her weapon sho had
thrown II from her, and stood covering
with her face In her hands. Horrihed as
I was BY tho deed felt most vividly the
temptation that had urged It. Irealized
too plainly that might have done It
myself, had my own pistol been ready
loaded as hers had been. tried to re-
move her hands from her face, fear
taking possession Of me that her reason
might leave her in this dreadful time
After o moment she allowed me to with
draw her hands and look into her face.
Fur an instant she met my gaze
should not have recognized her eyes as
the same had seen one minute ago.
Soft, sweet, as the midnight sky Of sum-
mer, they looked into mine with mex
tinguishable regret signing in their
depths.
'Oh, vivianer' I cried, thinking for
one ecstatic moment that my love was
returned. A deeper shadow fen like q
veil over her face. Sho moved away.
ATTEND to him, she said In voice
Of anguish, and turned and aed toward
the house.
AL this had not occupied q moment
since the shot was flred bent over the
fallen man with despair In my heart.
Prostrate, senseless as he was, l almost
hated him, for felt that my future was
lmpenetrably darkenei and I thought
II was to him owed It. He was hit In
the side, whether morally or not did
not know, but was sure that he was
a. Ce,,..l.f,,., a.. A.e.. -