The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-07-07

Louise had turned pale as death, but
instantly the color returned TO her face
in a great food, and now she arose and
came and laid her hand on Monte's arm.
"You are utterly mistaken about Pro-
fessor Markham, Monte. You have gone
off on the wrang track, as you usually
do. and are foolishly violent and unjust.
He called OH your wife at her own re-
quest to answer few questions she had
put to him by letter The plan of the
parlor lectures was formed long before
she ever saw him. He had nothing to
do with ii.
Monte seemed struck with q new
sense Of surprise. What do You know
about Markham, Louisef What right
have you to speak for himi"
II know everything about him"
Monte looked at her In blank aston
ishment. Then you are old friends?"
"Yes; very old friends"
"You say he did not come here to
help my wife In this odious scheme"
"No; he did not. His connection with
your wife was purely accidental"
Whom did he como TO see thenf'
He came to see me.
Monte sat down suddenly, with his
mouth stupidity hanging open and his
hands ON his knees, a. IL incapable of
taking in the situation.
Louise stood before him, blushing
prettily and trembling q little with the
consciousness that the time for coufes-
sion had arrived. Monte" said she.
in low voice, lyon never knew that
there had been little romance in my
life. 1t all happened the years I was
away In X. with my aunt. knew him
--Frank--that Ia, Professor Markham
when we were both young, before he
became an eminent and learned man.
We were mutually attracted then--it
was II years ago-and were engaged,
but both being quick tempered and high
spirited we quarreled about q little
thing Of no consequence. He thought to
exercise his authority over me, and /
resented the attempt, and from that day
tn this we have never met until he came
here on purpose to see me five days ago.
His wife has been dead some time, and
now, you see Monte, it is just the same
as il that ridiculous quarrel had never
occurred" And Louise sat down sud-
denly and went into eclipse behind her
handkerchief
why, Louise. you dear GIRL" cried
Monte, jumping mp and getting hold Of
her hand and nearly wringing it of in
his grip How glad I am, how delight
ed am, how rejoiced / am! What pur-
II
to keep on saying all these years that
probably you never were in love, never
had serious affair in your hfei You
dear creature, congratulate you with
all my heart and soul, and Markham-I
am sure he is q capital fellow. Tell
him shall be delighted to make his
acquaintance. Ha, ha, hal Was there
ever such joke? It's better than win
ming 50, 600 purse ON the race course.
! must be OFF at once and let Helen
know the great news" And he flung
out Of the door, jumped into his trot-
ting wagon, and lashing Mountain Bird
few down the street like q streak Of
lightning.
Monte chuckled and rolled with in
ward laughter all the way back to the
house. He took . wicked pleasure in
advance in the effect the news was 60
ing to produce on Helen. In fact, it did
explode like q bombshell in the middle
Of the parlor and came near blowing
the roof off the house. The next day
Helen was in bed mp stairs i'll Of nerv-
GUS attack brought on by q whirl Of
emotions and the memory Of her last
interview with Miss Lancaster, and
Monte, rs usual, had left his Office early
to come and sit beside her as . tender
and assiduous nurse.
For long time Helen had been lying
quietly In bed twitching the diamond
ring on her finger to catch the light
from the facets. when at last she said:
"Do you know, Monte, dear, think
Louise has played as q nasty tricki She
IL