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

Mr.. DudlGy'S MOODS were very uns
equal, to say te least. Sometimes he
saw her almost daily, and then absent
ed himself for days at il time; some
times he came into the room where
she was without speaking to or even
looking at her, and then he was almost
lover-like in his looks and manner.
In this way Isabel was kept for some
weeks in state Of alternate hope and
fear, thus experiencing the torments
she had herself inflicted so often and so
remorselessly.
81 thought that you did not believe in
love?"
The two-Isabel and Mr.. Dudley
| We're alone together, which seldom &C.
Cured
| Isabels heart beat fast; there was
something in the look and tone of the
speaker that strengthened her hopes
almost to certainty. She determined
to bring matters to a crisis.
'That was before-"the eyes lifted
to those that We're regarding her so
intently were wandrously bright-"be-
fore met you, Maurice"
"And so you do love me, ISabel?"
A swift burning flush swept over
neck and bosom, even to the temples.
more than ife-better than my own
scul!'
The silence that followed fell coldly
on the heart that gave utterance to this
passionate outburst, ard the look which
1oet the questioning glance that Isabel
lifted to that dark, stern face, struck
colder STILL
But she had gone too far to retreat
Ecw.
even as I believe-as must believe,
you love me-
ibid ever say that I loved you?"
Isabel WAS silent for some moments.
He never had, as she was humbled and
and sick at heart to remember.
Not in words, perhaps, but there are
ways, there are looks, fer more clo-
qutnt.'
''True. But did you ever look a. love
that you did not feel?-filling the cup
of hope and joy to the very brim, and
dashing it to- earth as it was raised to
the eager lip?''
She had done this, many, many times
as he we'll knew. But she had no
thought for This now.
you love me, Mauric2?"
Not many men could have resisted
that appealing look.
Taking Il locket from his breast,
Maurice Dudley touched the spring, re-
vealing a fair young face, almost in
fantine in its Innocence and beauty.
This is all THAT remains to me Of
the only woman I have ever loved
that shall ever love. If there are such
things as angels, she is one now
The fierce jealousy that had taken
possession of Isabels heart was follow
ed by Il sense Of relief at the concluding
sentence. She made no effort to dis
CURSE the joy that flashed from the sud-
denly lifted eyes.
"Dead?'
Murdered! And by hands as soft,
and white, and beautiful as yours,
lady"
Isabel shrank, she scarcely knew why
from that burning gaze.
'HOW-hOW terrible!' she faltered.
"Ay, it was terrible, as you will find.
Woman, it was you that murdered
her?'
''I?'
''You! Do you remember Oscar How
ard, he whom your vile arts drove to
despair, to madness, to death? He was
her brother, her only brother, and when
the terrible tidings reached her, her
gentle heart broke. Now, farewell,
Tomorrow, at this time, I shall be
many miles from here
!. The despair, the agony in Isabel
Lorne's face, was something terrible to
look upon.
But you will return? Oh Maurice, I
repent-I repent! Do not utterly for
, sake mev'
Il shall never return! My work here
j is done In your victims letter to his
sister he related your words to him the
last time he saw you l came to re-
yenge his death and hers, who fell by
, your hand as well; to teach you that
. YOU have a heart that can feel, and
, love. and suffer us other hearts do:
t May this knowledge make you better,
if not a happier woman. FarweH for
| ! eyer!''