The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1894-11-02

the field. Do you think l am 10
blind that l cannot see how he has
gained favor when all others have
Do you think / have not noticed
how he"
II decline to discuss Mr.. Penrud-
dock with you." says Maud. throw
ing up her head with a gesture full
of graceful dignity that might have
adorned a queen.
''Is he SO precious in your
sight?" says Saumarez, with
a sheer. "And is this new
lover prepared to overlook the fact
of your humble birthP"
Take care, sir; do not 60 too
far" says Maude, her voice vibrat-
ing with Indignation.
81 don't care how far l 90 now."
declares he, all the evil blood in his
heart surging upward to the sur
face. Il love you, too! Yes; you
shall listen to me. though it be for
the last time" tightening his fingers
on her wrist. 81 love you, as that
boy car never love you-with all the
strength of a mans deepest devo-
tion"
"Hush! your mention of love is but
an INSULT" says she, in a whitening
tone.
'.My voice is not so silken as his,
no doubt" replies he, driven to
madness by her loathing. Nor do
soft words trip so readily from nv
tongue. But will his love stand the
test of time? Will he never regret
that he has married one who is"
.'Lowly born"
She supplies the words; speaking
them %bravely, and not tiinching
from the stroke.
"Ay, and basely!!" says he, between
his teeth.
1t is a lie, and he knows it. But
at this moment he would have ut
tered any false thing to lower the
pride of the woman whom-a strange
paradox-he loves, yet hates!
A terrible change passes over Miss
Neville's countenance as the words
cross his lips.
w., LO, IL ID u u III CElcS,
all her courage forsaking her. 81
will not believe it! What can you
know more than all the others? All!
Is it for this reason | have dreaded
you? Have pity, and unsay your
words"
Il do not speak without au,
thority," replies he, quickly, stung
opoin hu hor nlr,iap that oLo
breads him. Il know all about your
birth"-there is an air of undoubted
truth about these words that strikes
cold to her heart-s'and | tell you
again, that you are not only humbly
but basely born!"
She shudders violently. A low
cry escapes her, and with the hand
her face.
At this instant Penruddock. fol-
lowed by MI. Wilding, with whom
he is earnestly conversing. enters
the room. He is unfortunately in
time to hear Miss Neville's agonized
cry, and to hear Summaries las
words.
oOiIS op U IL l@OGCI AO puouSS
him backward. releasing Maud from
his grasp.
s.Who has dared to apply such
words as 'basely born to Miss New
ille?" he asks. in fiery tones.
Il have said so. and say it again"
says Saumarez, with his usual evil
sheer.
''You are a coward" says Penrud-
dock, losing all command of his
temper; and. raising his gloved hand
he strikes him across the face.
There is a seconds awful silence;
then Saumarez-who has instinct
lively raised his hand to his cheek,
on which a pink line may be traced
says, quietly, turning to Penrud-
dock. .'When, and where?"
1.-The sooner the BETTER" says
Dick, still white, and wild with fury.
Maud, who had shrunk aside, and
who is now standing close to Mr..
Wilding, says to him, in a nervous
whisper, so low as TO be almost un-
Ineligible, What does it all
mean?"