The record-union., 1892-04-16
FOR ISOBEL."
| Written for the REcoRD-UNIoN by Gale
Braith--AIice Robertson.1

Lost in dreamy meditation. with the
golden glory of the slowly setting sun
warm around her and sinking like great
ball of fire to rest behind the distant hill
tops, is Isobel A stiffness of death pre-
walls in the large, wide room, for what
sounds from the outside world could
pierce these old stone walls to intrude
upon or distract the girls wandering
thoughts? How fair, how divinely fair
and innocent is the expression of her
beautiful eyes? How bright the glow
upon her tawny hair which is caught and
twisted into careless knot at the back of
her small head, and grows so wonderfully
thick and prettily upon her temples whilst
few short tendrals, escaping from the
coil, form dozen tiny rings upon her
fair, white neck!
OF what are her thoughts? This sad
eyed girl, with the form of goddess,
leaning dejectedly against the iron case
ment with the saffron glow of the sunset
lingering lovingly and glinting upon her
yelloW-tipped lashes. Surely those alb
sorbing thoughts must be for an absent
lover. Yet, still, what lover could bring
that look of hopeless despair and helpless
misery into those steadfast ewes which
Raising her hand she shades the last rays
of the vanishing sun from her binding
eyes. whilst her mouth and chin culver
with suppressed grief.
Who is she? Perhaps some hayward
Princess whose cruel parents have thus
isolated to compel her to we'd the man Of
their choice.
All, no, dear reader, Isobel is a convict,
and these thick stone walls form the
massive criminal prison Of L. She wears
the regular prison garb, and the delicate
hands which shade her eyes are toil-worn
and bear ugly blue stains caused by sew
ing upon the course, blue garment at her
feet.
The sun is now completely lost rom
sight, and low and lower the girls head
droops. A sob escapes her pain-drawn
lips-then q stormof tears as she sinks
upon her knees by the iron-barred win
dow. So loud is her grief she fails to
hear the swift, quick step softly crossing
the room until hand is laid lightly upon
her down-bent shoulder. She springs to
her feet, and her eyes alight upon the
head official who steps backward as she
confronts him in a sudden fury.
How dare you touch me?' brushing
with shudder the shoulder where his
hand had just rested. How dare your
-quivering with passion -" how dare
your"
His eyes rest upon her beauty with
lips echo her own.
How dare L? Ha! ha! You will soon
see, my fine lady, what L dare not do"
He steps forward as she retreats.
stop! Another step and l believe I
will kill you"
He laughs scoffinPly, Struggling his
great square shoulders contemptuousiy.
Bah! You will love me before the
month is over. | have never failed to win
'em yet. But | am patient. | can wait.
l simply came to remind you that it is
contrary TO our rules and regulations for
the prisoners to remain in the parlor,"
with a grin at his own wit, latter work
hours, so please precede me-"
Without word She walks toward the
door, but 'ere she can reach 1t the man is
again by her side, speaking now with
low, respectful voice:
Don't think me brute. Pm not half
bad lsort II you would only treat me
little different. l love you, and, by
Cd, your beauty drives me mad.
LiSten," as she turns away, 81 have in
fiuence. Be kind TO me and you shall be
free. | swear it," An eager light darts
to his really fine eyes, and his voice is
soft and pleasant. Come, will you try
to like me in return?"
Without waiting to listen further the
girl turned and hurriedly passes down
the corridor, followed by the man, as he
grinds a curse between his teeth.
The young prison doctor, who is on his
way to visit one of the wards pauses be-
fore Isobel in some slight surprise A
hot crimson blush overspreads her face
and neck.
With kindly professional air he takes
her hand-"Io on are teverish tonight"
touching gently her flushed, burning
cheek. Il am afraid you are not yet re-
covered from your recent illness. L will
send you some powders. Take one be-
fore retiring"
she bends her head in silence. He
fingers a moment as If 10th to leave, and
then bowling as respectfully and deeply
to this prisoner as he would to the high
est lady in the land, DR.. Lindsey walks
slowly away.
The official, who has been an eager
listener, now filled with jealous fury,
steps forward, grasping her arm sayagely
as he Kisses:
Another fool sweet on your pretty
face" He beckons to an approaching
turnkey. Conduct this prisoner to her
cell, and in the future be more watch
full in your guard over her. She is"
with his unpleasant laugh, Liable TO get
into mischief"
I'm love? Yes. Madly, wildly, reck-
lessly, and,' slowly, "dehantly"
The young man, sitting opposite his
host laughs knowingly.
"Heiress, Ell? Case of rope, ladder and
all that? Well, you know the old say
ing, Faint heart never won fair LADY,
Dick, old boy, 1 wish you happiness.
| Who is she? Some jealousl y-guarded,
high-born damsel? l remember your
ideas of old. The woman you choose
must be high, on pinnacle us poor Or
binary morals can only gaze upon from
afar. Lucky dog. Crack another bottle
in her honor, old chap. But why are
| you so down in the mouth? Parents OBJ
ject? Won't consent, eh? Never say die.
Here goes"
DIR. Lindsey listens with bent head
resting upon strong, white hand,
while his jolly, breezy college friend,
Ted Treavor, continues: Perhaps, after
all, it is only an afaire-a frail wife or
mistress, eh?'
Dick Lindsey leaps to his feet, catch
ing his friend angrily by the throat, and
then, as if ashamed of this outburst, re-
seats himself. Il beg your pardon, IRE
yor. / think / am half mad. But no
matter. 1 love her; and to me she is
dearer than life ITSELF"
Ted comes forward and presses his
friends hands warmly. "Old fellow,
brace up. There is something seriously
wrong What is it? Tell me. We have
been children-boys together school
boys-taking one another's chastisement,
disputing over our hoops or marbles; at
college Quarreling over and assisting
each other with the classics; later fighting
in rivalry for the smile of some village
beauty. Tell me, is she too proud to
share your LOTT" Indignantly. "You are
worthy the favor of any woman. Who is
this proud, hard creature? Let me see