The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1891-09-12


me- and greatly as | had been attracted
by her. shrank from again intruding on
the privacy of that jealously guarded
home
There was evidently something mystic
rious about the malady and the seclusion
of Mr. Hamilton Gossip at Nee ran riot
on the subject and suggested all sorts of
solutions for the riddle. One was that
the invalid was not ill., but was simply in
sane; the constant presence of DR.. Somers
and the peculiar taciturnity and reticence
Of the servants in the face of questions.
and-must it DO added?-even of brides.
being alleged in support of the theory.
Then more malicious persons declared
that Mrs, Hamilton was an adventures
who concealed a whole troop of lovers un-
der the identity of the one unseen inva-
lid, but that wicked report was speedily
silenced. having no foundation in proba-
bility. as it had none in fact. The expla-
nation of the matter which | was inclined
to consider correct was. that Mr. Hamil-
ton had been disfgured for life by iniu-
ries received in some accident or other
shortly after his marriage, and shrank
from permitting strangers to look upon
his marred and distorted features This
theory was corroborated in my own mind
by the tears Mrs Hamilton had shed over
her husbands miniature, and by his re-
tusal TO come down stairs while was in
the house.
The month of March had passed away,
and the Riviera was flashing forth into all
the brightness of early spring, Svhen, one
day on my way home from an afternoon
reception. Glanced to pass the Villa Wit
toria, and was surprised to observe that
the usually tranquil and solitary home
was the center of a universal commotion.
Servants were hurrying to and fro, groups
of people hung about the lodge gate, talk
ing and gesticulating, and within the sun
lit windows of the distant villa might be
observed a stir and confusion altogether
foreign to the usual customs of the house.
| sent my servant to inquire the cause of
the excitement, and the lodgekeeper's
aged wife came hurIying out herself to
impart her tidings. They were both tragic
and distressing Mrs. Hamilton had gone
out for an early drive to Montboron. Her
horses had taken fright whilst descending
the mountain. had run away and had
overturned the carriage. The unfortu-
nate lady was thrown out. and was in
jured so terribly that her life was de-
SPARED of DR.. Somers, who had accom-
panied her had escaped with some slight
bruises. and had been able to superintend
the removal of his sister to her home
He has been watching over her ever
since. madam, continued the old woman,
''and he sent far and near for the best
doctors in Nice. but they did not stay long
when they came, and am afraid the poor
lady is dying"
Acting on my first impulse, | sprang
from my carriage and FASTENED to the
villa. The sound of voices guided me to
the room Of the sufferer. | paused on the
threshold of the open door, but Dr.
Somers, who was seated by his sisters
bed, looked up and saw me, and signed to
me. without speaking, to enter. Mrs.
Hamilton did not notice me, and do not
think she was even aware of my presence.
Her fair face was uniniured, but the pale
shadow of approaching death rested upon
her features and dimmed the luster of her
beautiful eyes She was pleading with
her brother as l arrived, and she went on
with her piteous prayer as | approached
the bed
Il know that l am dying, Mark. walled
the melancholy tones, still so sweet amid
their feebleness Call Edgar-do call
Edgar-let me see him once more before !
gol cannot die happy unless l look
again on his dear face. 1t cannot hurt
him more than the news of my death will
do. Oh, Mark-dear Mark-do tell Edgar
to come to me"
Without word, DR.. Somers arose and
flung wide open door opposite to that
by which had entered. and which led to
an inner room, all inundated with the
golden glory of the April sunset. The
whole interior of the apartment thus dis
closed was visible to me from where
stood. There were flowers everywhere
and pictures, and books. and exquisite
trihes Of all kinds, were visible on every
side; but there was no human being to be
seen within.
With the opening of the door sudden
change passed over the features of the dy
ing woman The light returned to hel
eyes, and a faint color tinged her pale
face, as. half raising herself on her pill
lows. she fixed her eager gaze on point
near the foot of the bed. There was ne
one there-she spoke to empty space-but
never shall forget the pathetic tones Of
her voice, the loving tenderness of hel
fixed, dilated eyes.
II knew you would come to me, Edgar,
she painted 1T is hard to say good-by-