The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1894-02-15
ISABEL'S PUNISHMENT.


life at the foot of the gallows.
Accustomed as she was to such things
even she was startled by the fierce
eloquence of the impassioned words
that fell from his lips.
II cannot give you what I do not
possess" she said, coldly withdrawing
her hand from his too ardent clasp.
II have no heart. Don't mistake me-
she added, as she noted the fierce jeal-
ousy aroused by these words. 1T is
not that I have bestowed it upon any
one. 1 have no heart to give. I don't
think ever had any. Men have come
to me, asking of me what you ask, and
telling me the same story. They spoke.
as you have spoken, Of feelings and
emotions, which are utterly incOmpre-
hensible to me- and in which 1 could not
share if l would
Young Howard turned his eyes stead
lily upon the face Of the speaker, so
rarely beautiful in outline and coloring,
but as calm and passionless as the sum-
mer lake. He raised his hand to heay-
en-, as if invoking upon her head
voiceless curse.
your time will come"
The door closed upon the speaker,
but there was something in that bag
gard face, in those despairing eyes,
that haunted Isabel for some moments
after.
IL wonder if I shall ever love?" she
murmured, as drawing down the sofa
cushion under her head. she settled her.
self FOR the evening. II hope not, if it
is going to affect me as it does most
people"
How very shocking!'
The sun had disappeared behind the
western hills, and refreshed by the quiet
sleep she had had, Isabel stepped out
upon the veranda, when this eXclama-
ton fell upon her ear, uttered by one
Of the excited group that had gathered
in one corner of it.
What is it?''
Young Howard has shot himself"
Fortunately, the gathering shades of
twilight concealed the face that sud
denly blanched at these words, and
those present were too much absorbed
in their own feelings Of establishment
and horror to notice the unsteadiness
in Isabels voice.. she said:
what could have induced him to do
that?"
"He was, without question, insane"
said a grave, pOmpOus-lOoking man,
among the group. Insanity is heredi-
tary in his family; his mother died in
sane
Isabel drew long sigh of relief
"Oh, that accounts for it, then"
"
"Who is he?"
And again Isabel's eyes wandered
across the room to where a plainly
dressed man was standing, rather dis
tlnguished looking. and yet not suffi-
GENTLY so to warrant the attention and
interest he seemed to excite.
There was an unmistakable sign of
triumph IN Mrs. Fane's manner, as she
replied:
la! my dear, don't you know? It's
Maurice Dudley, the new arrival So
charming, and yet such an oddity! Half
the women are crazy after him, though
It's easy seen that he doesn't care for
them. And he doesn't mind their know
ing it, either. What do you think he
said to Mrs. Kinds, the other evening
when she offered to- introduce him to
yo>l-'the reigning belle, as she called
you?"
Isabel saw and felt the malice that
lurked beneath those smooth, dulcet
words
How should I know?' she said, With
an air Of Indifference that was feigned
as Mrs. Fame we'll knew.
I've no especial liking for reignine
bellies he said, as grand as the Grand
Mogul himself. Wasn't it an odd
speech, my dear|'
Il suppose he meant it to be. odd
fetorted Isabel, unable wholly to con
'ceal the wound her vanity had received
from the malicious eyes that were
watching her. Its the height of some
peoples ambition to be odd. | dom
see anything very alarming about him
4 can point you to half dozen men il
our own set better looking than he"
An! but you should hear him talk
lie has been everywhere, should say
AND then he has such a musical voice
ana such expressive eyes! Take hin
altogether. he is the most fascinatlns
man l ever met, though you might fine
score that are handsomer.'
With these words. Mrs. Fame walked
away, taking with her the pleasant as
surance that she had left her ''tlea
frlend' as uncomfortable as she coult
desire. Not that she had any specia
cause for ill-will, except Isabel's super
1'r personal attractions, though per
maps our feminine readers will conside
that to be cause enough.
After this, Isabel met Mr. Dudley of
tenor, rather, saw him; for. much t,
her chagrin and modification, he still
Continued to decline. at least tacitly. he
acquaintance, which most men VIII
were thrown within the sphere of he
influence were so eager to obtain.
Stimulated by this unwonIcd oppC
sition Isabel determined to bring abou
an introduction, not doubling but tina
then the way would be clear to her TO
avenging the slight that had been Offer
ed her.
This being affected, she lost no tim
In calling into play the sedrctiv
charms which nature had so lavish
endowed her, never doubling that the
would prove irresistible.
But her success was ia: from f1atte]
ing. After the first few words, dictate
ny common courtesy, Mr.. Dudley seen
ed scarcely aware of her presence
SO accustomed was Isabel to homae
and adulatior that she inwlr1ly resen
cd this as a personal affront, and sll
radOubled the arts and alluremcnts tn,
hI1 roH o;r11