Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1894-09-06

ton and Mrs. Priolo In tears, that the
former stepped forward quickly to ex-
plain.
"We have solved the mystery Of the
arsenic more fully aud circumstantial-
ly that had ever hoped. The wretch
ed woman placed the poison In the
sugar-basin with the deliberate inten-
ton Of throwing the guilt upon YOU"
Ellen looked from one TO the other
In GREATNESS agitation. and could not
speak at once-her surprise was too
intense. her relief too great Her de-
light at being eSonerated for the time
overwhelmed the feeling of disguised
horror which Severn had expected her
to display toward the woman who had
acted 80 wicked and treacherous a
part Presently she said
Does NJ Bower know? Have you
told himy'
No, but | will do so now"
The housekeeper jumped up and
caught hold Of Ellen's soft black
gown.
IF he does, | will tell all | know"
she Kissed out spitefully, as last
desperate chance of escape.
Severn did not hear the threat, It
having been uttered In a whisper, and
was at the door-almost ON the thresh-
old-when a slight touch upon his
sleeve brought him back at once.
What Is itf'' he asked, gently.
Must you--is it absolutely necessary
to let Mr.. Bower know what she has
doneY
II could not do otherwise; 1t Is due
to him and, what is more TO yourself"
But II | waive my right?"--looking
earnestly into his face.
why should you spare her? Has
she ever spared you?"
She turned away her head, ashamed
to meet the look Of loving admiration
that he had cast upon her.
1T Is not that; 1t Is not from any
feeling of magnanimity or mercy"
she murmured. In low abashed voice.
''Then what is IT,
From fear. She can injure me-
oh, more fatally than you can imagine
possible! If she is driven to despera-
ton"
But surely you don't wish her to
20 scot-free, 50 that If she chooses
she may be at liberty to continue her
cruel schemes against your
rs there no middle course?"
None that can see. You are upset
row, naturally, and incapable of judg-
Ing for yourself-let me judge for you.
Nothing she could bring against you
would be so terrible as the suspicion of
having tried to poison your best friend,
your benefactor.'
She shrunk back. slenced. She felt
that she could no longer face the in
evitabe.
The housekeeper had been hanging
anSiously on every word in their low.
toned conversation. Her fate as well
as Elaine's was trembling in the bal
ance they would stand or fall to-
gethcr; it would almost console her for
her own loss II this girl were seen at
last in her true colors
She held up her head and stood up.
right again feeling that with Ellen
tate her own terms.
There Is middle course. Miss
Wardc shall be exonerated completely
4 Il you will let me do ii in my own
way; and | promise | will never try
to injure her again
The colonel looked doubtfully at
Elaine.
How could you do that without
laying the blame on an innocent per
SOM"
Il shah put it down 10 the careless
ness Of q servant, only now confessed.
There Is nothing cnlpahle In careless.
ness, especially when freely admitted,
MS l shall represent 1t to have been"
Since you hold such opinions, how
are we to be sure Of ycur good faith
in the matter; and how can know
beyond all doubt that Miss Warde
will be free from any annoyance -any
prosecutions from you in future?'
II viii write full confession of my
actions in the matter of the arsenic,
ana Miss Warde shall make use Of II
II ever she has reason TO complain.
Secret for secret; ne shall 81 quits
then aud neither free to harm the
other"
Colonel Severn looked displeased 1t
Jared upon him to hear this woman
c'a.a an equality with Elaine on such
q score But a second tuvtiye glance
AT Elaine decided him. He saw that il
would be for her happiness were he 70
consent ana %. sad at heart ana sorely
AGAINST his will, he consented.
Mrs PrIolo III once fetched pen. ink,
paper, and set about fulfilling her part
or the contract, tho colonel standing
over her and insisting on a full con
fession of the motives that had moved
her aS well as an admission Of the
actual deed committed When Ii was
written ana signed III and Elaine wit
messed L. Then he put L into his
rocket
Il will send this he explained to
Mrs Priolo. 10 Mr. Ievison tonight
he Is my own lawyer as we'll rs AR
Bowyer's and ! shall i've him minute
instructions rs to when and under