Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1893-08-24
CHAPTER xIII-(ContinueD

A IT. AAhSNAe
shall stood i'm the center of the apart
ment, gazing obviously at the figure
lying on the couch, its face turned
from him.
Quite as curious and interested FOR
the moment, Raymond Marshall looked
up, too.
Miss Leslie has asked me to explain
to you why she has Interested herseli
in your behalf" spoke the doctor, In
calm, measured accents. Her act has
been one in n measure Of atonement,
Of compensation for a wrong done a
member of your family"
"Ha!" exclaimed the colonel, with q
start, "she must be, then, some relative
of the wretch who robbed me-who en-
comprised me in all thiS trouble, my
former partner!"
mot at all. She simply deceived a
member of your family. She is familiar
with the troubles of your son, as well
as yourself, and she desires me TO I'M
part some mournful information to
him. Mr.. Marshall, will you kindly
read that article?'
The doctor had handed to Raymond
Marshall the newspaper which had
nlSt SCI IttllIl1G VII liz lth VA 1N
Deane. 1t ehronicled her death at the
snow-laden bridge, So accurately did
it describe Edna and her attire that,
as Raymond Marshall perused 1t, with
distended eyes and ashen face, he could
not mistake the truth. With a wild cry
he sank to a chair, the paper tutter-
ing to the floor.
Dead. dead!.' he walled. "All hope,
then, is lost!'
what may all this have to do with
the lady here?' began the astounded
and mystified Col. Marshall.
Much. This ordeal is trying, fatal
to her, but she insists. Nurse, turn up
the lamp. Colonel-Mr. Marshall, your
~benefactress, the lady who makes an
atonement for a great wrong, is"
Beatrice Mercer
In surprised accents from the colonefs
lips, in a gasp of incredulity from those
of Raymond Marshall, q the name
simultaneously, as the pretended in
valid turned her wan features toward
them.
Dying features they were, to all sem
blance. The doctors art and her own
deft acting carried out the intended
effect completely.
"Raymondw she futtered, in a weak,
wailing voice. Say that you forgive
me. / did wrong in deluding you. l
even sought to find Edna and restore
her to you after my cruel deception,
but she Is dead. A distant relative left
me a fortune. The only restitution /
could make was to aid your father.
/ am dying. The only reward / ask is
that you take my hand and forgive me
for it ALL
Raymond Marshall stood like one in
a dream. All the past flashed ove his
mind. This woman had, indeed,
wronged him, but still she was not ac-
countable for Edna's death. AS he
thought Of all she had done for his
father, as he fancied he read a noble
remorSe in her words and deeds, q
generous impulse drove him forward.
He felt her burning hand twitch in
his own. He did not doubt, after all
the doctor had said, that she was q dy-
ing woman.
You did me no wrong except to tor
ture me with a passing belief in the
faithlessness Of the woman / loved"
he said.
For love Of your murmered Be
atrice fervently. Raymond, I can tell
you now, for I shall soon die. / was
not to blame for my love, AMI / had
not Edna's gentle nature to endure In
silence. l loved you so hopelessly, yet
so fondly!"
His eyes dimmed with tears. Love
was surely no sin, even when hopeless.
His great heart stirred with honest
pity.
Il can die in peace, row. she said,
"fOr your yes tell me that L am for
given. Raymond, good-by-good-by!'
Her eyes were raining tears. Oh, ac-
tress deft and subtle! oh, hypocrite
strong and confident! pitting all the
issues of life upon the frail cast of a
die.
She turned her face to the wall, her
sobs causing the sympathetic Colonel
to vince with honest pity. Raymond
looked concerned, grieved.
Can we do nothing to make her har-
pier?' spoke the Colonel, deeply affect.
ed. Can / not tell her how grateful
| am-how some arrangement must be
made for the repayment Of the money
advanced?"
"She would refuse to consider TT
responded the doctor. 'But-no! I had
better not mention it."
Speak, doctor.!' urged the colonel,
eagerly. You were about to make
some suggestion?"
1T concerns your son. This morning
this poor creature walled her heart
sickness over her love for him. She
cannot survive the night, and vet
think she would be infinitely happy
for that brief period OF time if she
knew that you-Forgive me, gentle.
men. my task is difficult to complete,
IF she knew what?" demanded Raw
mond, softly.
If you would consent to wed her.
Nay, sir, do not start. A dying child's
wish. You need not crafty ii, only she
has left all her fortune to YOU"
II will never accept it, dissentcd
Raymond, Indignantly.
1.-THE law will make you. This Door
girls devotion is pitiabie. Give her
your name. repder her dying moments
happy. 1t is not much to do, for before
morning you will be q widower.''
The plot was out. This was the deft
design two clever schemers had
planned The u~nsuspecting Raymond
Marshall never dreamed Of a new de.
ceptiun.