Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1894-07-26

he replied:
You will find that | have not for
gotten the faithful service OF the last
ten years nor the fact that you were
once my brothers wife,"
You are too good she murmured
Half my fortune is left to you"
"Halfl' echoed Mrs. Priolo. various
emotions mingling In her low excited
tone. Half his fortune would be no
incons,derable sum. as she knew welt;
but why should she not have all?
Half" went on Mr.. Bowyer, calm
ly. "wiIl belong to Ellen"
The housekeeper started 10 her feet,
her work falling to the ground
Have you told her thisgr she in
quired. laying her hand heavily on
his arm.
Why do you ask r.
Tell me-" she requested sharply.
II told her that she would have
twenty thousand pounds when she
married" he answered with an eff
fort
And you said nothing about your
will to herr" she asked
Nothing, so far as / can remem-
Der"
Then don't tell her now. | beg and
impiore YOU" was the reply, in which
intense relief and earnest entreaty
were excellently simulated.
Il am at loss 10 understand your
motive for speaking so. ;" remarked Mr.
Bawyer, rather stiffiy.
Il have no motive. We women have
very little judgment, and no logic: but
we have a weapon of our own to de-
fend ourselves and--and those dear
to us, Instinct prompted me to say
what | did. Even to myself ii seems
absurd and uncalled for. Butt with
little catch in her voice which might
have made her fortune had the stage
been her profession don't disregard
my warning"
Mr.. Bower opened his mouth to
speak, but no words came. He was so
deeply agitated that he could not even
affect composure any longer.
Forgive me-" she said impulslyely.
II have frightened myself and need
lessly, | am sure Forget all | have
said, or disbelieye it,"
1T IS nothing. | often have these
attacks he said family, trying to
reassure her. But without success.
You are looking better now. The
doctors here don't seem TO understand
your case. Why not go to Australia p
Il wish to Heaven / couldr he
cried, too utterly broken down to pre-
serve his usual caution.
why should you not?"
Because there is such thing as
honor. which gentlemen are bound to
consider; because promise must be
kept at all hazards, all risks; because
have made mistake and must abide
By it."
You know best, OF course" she
observed demurely, reseating herself.
But remember there is a duty one
owes to ones self, as well as that
claimed by others
Mr.. Bowyer did not reply. Look
ing up furtiyely now and then, Mrs.
Priolo saw that he was in deep and
anxious thought. She would have
given much to discover what was
passing through his brain at that time,
much to know how far he would sue
culnb to the fear that evidently pos
sessed him
How changed he was. A year ago
she would never have dared to speak
to him So for fear OF bringing upon
herself the fate she was preparing
for another: but now he was a differ
ent man-so weak in mind and body
that he was at the mercy OF those
about him. One thing seemed certain,
that II she obtained her desire she
would not have long to wait for the
money she coveted so strongly.
Ellen Warde's voice was heard out
side, and he shrunk back neryously.
You are not we'll enough to be dis
turbed now. Shall tell Miss Warde
not to como in just yet?' asked the
housekeeper, diyinlng his thoughts.
He looked up with eager gratitude
for her help and made a gesture Of
assent.
Yet when she left the room to carry
out her suggestion, he felt ashamed
and regretful scarcely knew why.
Ellen's voice had somehow reminded
him of Ellen's face--the sad gray
eyes and patient mouth which were
SO like those of the only woman he
had ever loved and whose life he had
spoiled by mean suspicious. Was it
his nature TO doubt, or was il his un-
happy fate to meet only with those
unworthy Of trust?
The problem was hard one-too
hard for him to solve in his present
weak. excited state: and lie relin-
pushed the effort with a sigh.
When Mrs. Priolo returned, she
found that, utterly exhausted by the
mental conflict through which she had
caused him to pass, he had fallen In
4 deep sleep.
CHAPTER VIII.
l1ax axx-faN ~