Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1893-06-01
CHAPTER Nv.
The Truth Revealed.

correcting some exercises Of the MI
pills. her avn portfolio spread out he
fore her. The color died from her face
rs she recognized her visitor. then n
turned deep-red with reactionary emo
ton.
His thoughts were too full Of Edna
to allow Of his reading Alright the trem-
ulous emotion, the half-repressed fright
that his hostess betrayed.
Miss Mercer he spoke, hoarselv.
Il have come to ask Of you the infor-
nation that Miss Chandler refuses.
Why did Edna Deane leave the semi
nary? Where has she gomez
Il cannot tell YOU
His eyes flashed excitelly. He
clenched his hands in an excess of suf-
fering and suspense.
You must!" he gasped. frantically.
DO you understand what 1 am endur-
ing? Doubt-@nguish-h -breaking-'
From beneath her yelled eyelids the
girl studied his. working face. Craft
ness was there. but well masked. A
sinister triumph in her heart gave her
strength to simulate.
Il pity you." she said, softly. II
would be glad to tell you all, but it is
useless
"Useless?'
Yes. She had left the seminary,
Hopedale. her friends. forever She
has gone to her relatives under a VOW
never to reveal her true identity. Hap
py in her new life, with golden prom
iSes of wealth. you must not blame her
impetuous nature if she finds new
friends who make her forget the Old
How well the shaft Went home! The
blank despair. the settled conviction of
| faithleSSneSS in the mans face was
| pitiaDle to witness.
she left no word for me?' he forced
himself to ask.
NO She wrote letter to Mr.. Bar
ton Brinslev. Hut it is unmanly for you
to have me beliay my friend
Speak ordered Marshall, fiercely.
DO you not see that this suspense is
killing me:'
Then know the worst answered
Beatrice, buiisins al her fancied power
On Il final venture. she wrote to Bar
ton Brnsley. This morning he left
Hopcdale. Miss Chandler says he has
gone away OH business. l think it is
to see Edna'S new relatives and press
his suit there. Nj. Marshall, oh, why
will you force ne to tell these bitter
truths: Forget her-she is unworthy
IF you. She never knew her own mind.
There are trucr hearts, hearts longing
for love they would cherish and never
betray"
His head had sunk on his breast. He
believed ROW, and his heart was bro
ken
Beatrice had drawn nearer to him.
Her eyes aglow. her checks throbbing,
-, Il N,,1
brcathed forth the secret that had
made her liz one great void of mysery
since she had ii:sr seen his handsome,
earnest face.
With a Shock he looked. Wonder
mcnt. intelligence in his glance, it drove
her back aG:;=hcd.
Her face betrayed her secret. She
loved him. His face told unmistak;l-
bly, that he read that secret Alright.
oh. how could |? But pity you so!
Think me unwomanly, but if your
heart is breaking. SO is mine. Go. Mr..
Marshall RaymoId-go! and leave me
to the wrotchctlness Of the secret your
suffering has WIRING from my lips"
She was SGDbing. shrinking now. In
conservation her companion regarded
her She loved him. This had been
the secret of her hayward moods.
Despite himself great wave Of pity
sept his chivalro,is heart.
Il am sorry he said brokcnly. "a
true woman's regard is better than
false friends treachery. Miss Mercer,
when ! leave YOU it is never to know
happiness again. but may know the
peace of having done my full duty if l
trace this affair down to the last. l
must see Edna-she shall tell me from
her own lips what I already know!
Then am content to cherish my mis-
ary in silence. Speak! Win my graf
itude at least. by ,elling me whittier
she has gone
There was no. reply. Only the sub.
lued sobs broke the waiting silence.
You know where Edna is?' persisted
Marshall.
Yes. I know cried Beatrice, lifting
her face. flashing with jealousy and
emotion; but do you think I will tell
you-send you to beg at the feet Of a
woman unworthy of you? Leave me!
If you ere suffering. I am tortured.
Oh! cruel. cruel! cruel-
ITO BE CONTINUED