The Van Buren press., 1893-05-13

thing which sought should come t0
pass II was NO part OF my design to
incur detection and punishment for my
self, and while comparing ways and
means an article on cremation caught
my eye. Though had formerly been
opposed TO it. the subject now had q
horrible fascination for me, and read
exultingly. A burned body tells no
tales, and in genteei and fashionable
manner could put my crime beyond
the reach of chemist or physician.
Having some skill as an imitator Of
handwriting. prepared paper in
which Isadore, among other fanciful di-
rections in case of her death, asked me
to have her body crenited. l had never
heard her express al opinion on the
subject, and supposed myself safe in
doing SO.
had often amused myself in leisure
hours with some study and practice of
taxidermy. and had supply Of poison
Gus material on hand; and 80 my guilty
train was laid.
did not do all this without assuring
myself that the beautiful object of my
guilty passion had noprior attachment.
We were the best of friends, and she
reposed such confidence in me as pure
minded woman may in married man Of
honor who is devoted to his wife. as
professed to be. l knew her warm heart
would go out to me in sympathy when
| should be bereaved, and felt secure of
the final result.
carried small white powder in my
vest pocket now, and an opportunity
came to use it. My wife was suffering
one evening. and her maid was bath
ing her head with cologne and brush
ing out her long hair. I kissed her
with prOfessed sympathy, even as an
other was betrayed with kiss.
The maid complained that tea was
not ready and the cook gone out.
Let me make you some toast and q
cup of tea" said. I'VE can wait for
our supper, but you need refreshment."
The maid objected, and desired me
to take her place while she prepared
the food; but, boasting of my skill in
cookery, insisted, and went out to the
kitchen.
The cook came in as entered, and
with her help soon had Isadore's sup
per neatly arranged upon tray. Two
minutes alone was all desired; had
more than that in passing through the
hall and up the stairs.
The maid was devotedly attached to
her mistress. She hated me, and often
her black, piercing eyes seemed look
ing through my very soul as they
blazed with her scorn and contempt.
Still endured her presence.
Isadore complimented me upon my
skill and promptness, and ate and
drank with apparent relish; but as re-
placed her cup upon the tray ! noticed
with alarm thin settling of the
powder in the bottom of the cup.
contrived to let it fall and break, and
picking up the fragments with an ex-
clamation upon my carelessness, laid
them upon the tray and told the
maid to throw them into the CRATE be-
low as | dismissed her for the night,
saying that would care for Isadore.
She went out, reluctantly as i'm
agined. and no eye but mine watched
the effect of the potion. Not until she
had reached the last stages OF its oper-
alton did l arouse the household and
summon physician.
think she knew what had done:
but her loyal lips, her breaking heart.
refused to accuse me. She died and
made no sign, and I. Frustrated with
grief, mourned pathetically.
Twas touched. and loved her more than
| had done for many, many months; but
covered up my sin as cunningly as a
lunatic elu2es his keepers.
assented with feigned reluctance to
the cremation of the body-upon the
discovery of thepapers had prepared
and in all respects ! was model
mourner: but l did not breathe freely