The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1894-05-04

Slr kbunlh DOSetfee'0 AuSt St0kes
ment and rage he felt at the utter fail
ure Of his wicked scheme "Thinc bc
the triumph to-day, tomorrow 1t may
be mine" he added within himself, as
he complaccntly handled the pack of
cards, all the while weaving fresh plans
Of villaily and plotting how he could
possibly carry them into effect.
Sir Basil did not remark the crcOle's
abstrlcted manner, which, strive as he
would, did not escape the observation
OF many Of those present.
Pelham Warrington was filled with
bitter feelings, and In his utmost heart
he had garnered up whole host Of
vile intentions-all of which We're to be
levcllel against the unfortunate Sir
Basil Dovetree.
That same night the young baronet
staggered into the presence Of the
woman who had 80 generously trusted
him, and reeled into chair.
She took no notice Of his condition;
come by wine and excitement, and con-
saluently the scene had nothing in it
new.
But, Notwithstanding that fact, Ger
trllde could not help feeling Il growing
Indignation against the man who was
thus constantly forgetting the respect
due to himself and cruelty neglectiug
her.
Let q man be ever so handsome, and
clever, and good, and let Il woman love
him ever SO dearly, affairs must re-
verse themselves against him when he
chooses to reverse them against him
self.
On the following morning Pelham
Warrington sought poor Gertrude in
her lonely bower, and there and then
he commenced his nefariOus designs
upon the peace Of an innocent aud
mucll-injurcd woman.
You are consumed with solitude,
Lady DOvetree!" he began, in sylnpa-
thizing accents. ut is really too bad
Of Sir Basil to condemn you to this
sort Of life! have told him as much
over and over again; but he is welded
to pleasure, and am afraid Is rather
seltish-most men are apt to DO SO,
think-which IL q grave fault in our
sex, is 1t not, Lady DovetreeY:
She smiled family, not knowing what
answer to make him, and he proceeded,
growing holder ut every word he spoke.
such charms lis yours ought to make
a man forget everything but love for
You! Sir Basil must be blind to your
beauty, else his senses would be fairly
bctllzzled through his eyes, and"
Gertrude looked up suddenly, rcproof
IN her honest eyes, ane the creole left
his speech unfinished. :"
You are Sir Basil Dovetrce's friend,
are you not" she asked, in q calm but
dignifiel manner.
Pelham Warrington curled his lip and
lifted his shoulders by way Of Il reply,
his glittcring eyes all the while fixed
upon Gertrudc's changing features.
Then there occurred an embarrassing
pause, which the creole was the first to
break.
Pardon lLc-I have offended you"
he said, very softly. LET me hasten
to explain myself, Lady DOvetree. l
was Sir Basil's friend once; am SO NO
longer"
II do not understand you," she re.
turned, in perpleXed voice.
Perhaps not" he answered, with a
strange smile.
You say you are no longer Sir Basirs
friend, MIR. Warrington" she pursued.
What has my husband done to forfeit
your friendship
MADAM" begun the creole, as II
about to cOnfide some matter of grave
import to his listeners ear, but sud-
denly checking himself. mo, no, can
not-I feel cannot level such q blow
upon your heart!"
Gertrude started forward. "What do
You mean. Mr.. Warrington? Your
words alarm mel! she said, with hur-
led uttcrance and quivcring lips.
He turned away his head for few
seconds, rs II reluctant to answer her.
He was melitating how he could do 80
with interest to the vile plans he had
in view.
Lady Dovetrcc." he said, with nm air
Of well simulated frankncss, II must
win little more of your cOnfidence-of
your favOr-cre can make you &C.
luainted with certain terrible particll-
lars connected with the man ! once
called friend"
Terrible particulars" echoed the
listener. Great heavens, Mr., Warning.
ton!--:nd about Sir Basil Dovetrce?'
"FIush!" cried the creole, starting up
and glanoinG ut the door. Gertrude"
he added, abruptly dropping ON his
knees before hcr-"Gertr1lde, I love
you"
She sprang of her chair rs II she had
been stung, and for some seconds she
stood yoiceless with amazement and
fright.
At length she spoke. "Mr. Warning
ton. you will oblige me by instantly
quitting my presence" she said, point
Ing to tho door; ''apd you will greatly
add to the obligation II ever after this
You will refrain from offending my
sight again. On such condition / will
BIZ silent regarding your blse conduct
towards Sir Basil ind myself, and"
"Oh. madam, you have my free per.