The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1894-04-20


old mansion in the suburbs Of the me-
tropolis, which same old mansion the
creole had arranged to receive the bar
onet and the beautiful girl who thought
herself his bride. The house was a
solitary building, enwalled, and ut
some distance from the public high
way, Just the place that would l,e chGs-
en- for the commission Of deeds, secret
and dark.
Gertrude was too much intoxicated
with her present happiness to note the
road along which the vehicle was pass
ing She was whirled past fields, past
trees. past houses, vet she saw none of
them; her head was OH her companiOn's
shoulder, her ears were drinking in
the thrilling music Of his voice.
On and on sped the equipngc, every
succeeding moment drawing 1t nearer
and nearer to town; yet Gertrude laid
no heed to whittier she was being
borne.
Sir Basil was gro wing somewhat dis
turbcl. He knew that he could not
long conceal from her the fact that he
had broken his compact with ller-tlat
lie was carrying her away from her
home; and he was endeavoring to sum-
mon resolution to speak to i.er on the
subject--to tell her as gently as he
could that he was taking her to a
place which was henceforth to be her
abode. and that, for time. she m'lst
abandon all thoughts Of paying visit
to Ravensmarsh.
The young barOnet had an unpleasant
task before him, and he hesitated long
before he could find the courage 10
Dt.rfOrm II.
Gertrude" he commenced, caress-
inely,-"Gertrllde, are you thinking
that am going to part with you now
that you are mine-are you thinking
that am carrying you back to your
grandfather, at Ravensmarsh!'
She started up IN sudden alarm.
Surely, Sir Basil, Inn thinking Us
much," she said, looking into his face,
which was covered with confusion.
"Why should I doubt your promise to
me!" she asked, with trusting SIM
pltcity.
I'VE are going to reside near London,
where my beautiful Gertrude shall live
a life of gaicty and plea ;ure," he an
swerel, avoiding her question, and
speaking very fondly.
She did not reply to him at once,
she was unable to do SO, but her eyes
were still fixed upon him in astonisl-
nlcnt and unbelief.
lisa wife's duty to obey her husbands
wishes, you know, my Gertrude" he
continued, trying to draw her towards
him.
mo, no; you must explain this mat
ter to me-" she returned, frigidly, ut
the same time retreating into the far
thest corner of the carriage. II had
your solemn promise that should go
back to my grandfather, rs soon as
the marriage ceremony was Overt and
I expect you to perform your promise, :"
she added, with considerable flrmness.
I'VE are approaching London rs fast
us ever we can; we could not turn back
now, even did we wish to do SO, for
the horses could not perform the jour-
ley thithcr, and"
but fresh horses could DO procured"
interrupted she, eagerly.
''rrue; but We do not require sucb." "
he responded, in short manner, look.
ing much irrltated. "Say no more
about the thing, Gertrude; you were q
little fool to put faith in that promise
of mine-a promise, rs you may lln-
derstand, made only to be broken"
She clasped her hands tightly togetll-
or, and remained silent for some mo-
ments.
You have deceived me-" she uttered.
in broken voice. Il did not expect
that u true gentleman would stoop to
practice falsehoods!''
He WINGED q little end she went on.
ITO thus forsake the poor old
man who. has been to me faith
err, mother. brother, sister; and lie
TRUE; but we do not require such. u
he responded. In short manner, look
Ing much irritated. "Say no more about
the thing. Gertrude; you were q
little fool to put faith in that promise
OF mine-a promise, as you may under:
stand, made only to be broken"
She clasped her hands tightly TO-
gethcr, and remained silent for some
moments.
You have deceived me-" she uttered
in a broken voice. II did not expect
that q true gentleman would stoop to
practice falsehoods."
He winched little. and she vert on
ITO thus fOrsake the poor old mar
who has been to me father, mother
brother, sister; and he bedridden. too
Oh, 1t is cruel-it is unnatural" she ex
claimed, bursting into tit of weeping
Tears, Gertrude-and on such u da!
as this!" reproached Sir Basil. falling n
her feet and selling one Of her hands
"Oh, my souls darling. forgive nc
forgive me. All that 1 have done wa
for love of thee!
Does love teach us to act falsely :?
she inquired very coldly. Il Away
imagined that love had refining In
fluencc over all our feelings"
Forgive mc-forgive me-" he con
tinued almost wildly, covering he
hands with frantic kisses.
There will not be anything for me t
forgive, Sir Basil, IL you fulfil you
word. There Is yet time for you to d
SO, and"
"You are my wife, Gertrude" tn
| young barOnet said, abruptly rising, hi
forehead knotted, and on 1t a dar
frown; "and being such, I expect ok
dicncc from YOU"
II do not wish to behave harshly tt
wards you, Gertrude, mine," he added
in Il softened tone.
Il love you. Sir Basil Dovctrce, an
doing 80 should like to find you all trut
and honor. 1t is true tllat am your
in all obedience, loyalty and affection
but"
Love, Gertrude!' he cried out, wit
burst Of Impotence. by st. Georg'
l do not think you know what Low
means!'
At this Gertrude leaned back In on
corner of the vehicle, her heart full q
disappointment aud sorrow.
She was rcproaching herself for til
deceitful part she had played toward
the cver-indulgent old man who hi
reared her from tenlerest infancy ail
was regretting that she had placed an
DOvetree. Gertrude had been educate
Il IL -