Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1891-10-25

again.
You know my errand; you can never
know how fierce is the storm raging here
which has driven me to it!''
He placed his hand almost violently on
his heart rs he spoke, and, after moments
silence. drew a chair eagerly towards her.
WAS it necessary to add TO my pain
thusa' She spoke these words in Z slow
undertone that quivered with emotion.
He drew nearer.
ut was. My pain of suspense is torture
unbearahle. You viii not wish to prolons
81 hoped that second thoughts would have
brought Indifference at least, on your side;"
still in the same half-whisper.
''On my side-with love or yours7"
"Love?'
Glove"
Lady Ossulstone swept her eyes right
round the walls with quick movement of
her head till she gazed steadily into his,
now beaming with a strange excitement.
Her voice was clearer, but her manner was
calm as before.
when did give you the right to wound
me with that word?''
do you deny it? Have you forgotten
the temple, the frightened birds, your long
ing for rest?'' He made as if to reach her
hand, but her gathering frowns dissuaded
him.
NO, do not deny; l cannot deny"
'sDid l wrong you. then, or myself, in be-
heving you encouraged mel''
Lady Ossulstone dropped her head, and
for moment kept silent. Then she re-
sumed in an earnest manner:
"Pwas careworn, troubled. i'll: you were
so kind; you overwhelmed me with your
sympathy
''And you welcomed ~ he interrupted,
eagerly.
Il am a woman.'' was the reponse.
Blarnaby was racked with conflicting
passions. He hardly knew what he was
saying.
DO you desert me too?''
She rose TO her feet, pitifully agitated.
'Forgive NE. forgive me! What am l
sayingl If you but knew the blows the
cruel world IS dealing me you would for
very PHYS sake give me your sympathy
nowr' His voice faltered as he made the
plea.
Quickly and clearly she said:
MY warmest sympathies are yours,
and
And sympathy is love-say it-say it. :"
81 dare not say what cannot ever be,'
Lady Ossulstone was patnetically
emphatic. She walked hesitatingly to the
window. Standing by his chair, Blarnaby
controlled himself.
you would have married me if" and
he paused, hoping she would end the SEN
tence She turned half round and looked
at him with an expression Of panied sur
prise. He continued, sit I were certain of
the presidency"
She was still silent.
True sympathy does not desert the fail
ing-even We're l a failing mani
Mr.. ,Blarnaby, an end to this" and she
strobe hurriediy towards the door. One
short step by him intercepted her, and as if
sorry for her abruptuess she paused, and
added:
why do you agitate lne2 You are forcing
me TO use hard Words
You are forcing me, Lady Ossulstone.
into failure, adding with bittercst grief,
Unto despair
She sank upon Z chair; he stood gazing
through the opposite wall. In 4 moment
she changed her tone, controlling herself
with strong effort to speak with ordinary
calnlnesS.
That is painful for me to he told by you
Am 10 believe You mean itl''
Her practical tone disconnected him.
10 fallure-probabiy; to despair there
he clenched his fist and thrust it down by
his side) despair no, never. never" He
took few rapid strides away and. return
ing. eyed her keenly.
Il could tell You of men you know who
cling to me, fawn on me. grovel before me
while they;think | am rising. and to-mor-
row | viii show them to YOU sinking away
man-nature, but | never believed it of
woman.'
Lady Ossulstone sprang up in indigna-
ton.
so you think you can sting me into con-
sent. For shame-for your manhood's
sake, for shame!''
Pardon me- he hastily stammered;
'.you see | am
Il see you are agitated. l excuse you
I-yes-I sympathize with you still Let
us end this before here she sank ON her
chair again, overcome and hysterical.
He went to her and gently famed her
brow
He spoke not word. She was leaning
her head on the tall back of the chair too
distressed to speak. He took her hand: it
was not Withdrawn. Her breathing became
calmer. Her eyes opened and were in
stantiy raised to his. He stopped and
kissed her brow.
That instant the door opened, and in
bounded the girls, followed by Miss Benni-
son and Sir John.
Blarnaby gaily apologized for longer
stay than he had intended. and for his
very inefficient skill in ministering 20 any
one suddenly unnerved by an important
telegram. Now that he had seen her lady
ship in such good hands he begged leave to
hasten away TO an important appointment
now seriously overdue.
What he may have surmised as to the
conversation after his departure was no
great trouble to him after twelve hours
had passed. Next mornings Patriot con-
tanned this paragraph:
The absurd rumors of a contemplated
marriage between Mr.. De Witt NJ Blar-
naby and the Countess of Ossulstone are
wholly without foundation. and their cur
rency has caused her ladyship and friends I
considerable annoyance" -
TO BE sosf1SUED.