Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1894-09-13

Anu lHdL WIS cNIeLosrly 4hpSAT
ested in the reply.
"Mr. Bowyer's house-maid."
A sudden light flashed from George
Severn's eyes. a sudden dread kept
him mute. though his very soul seemed
to hang on the next few words spoken.
MIR. Bowyer has il now Went Old
Charlie. quite unconscious of the emo
ton seething in his fathers heart
rather badly, | am afraid"
'.And-and Miss Warle:"
s'She is nursing him"
Then she is we'll with a
relned-in anxiety that must have been
apparent to one less self-sibsorbed than
Charlie
quite well; but she must be ter
ribly worn out Mr.. Bowyer has
positive horror of strange faces about
him, so she is doing everything for
him herself"
Have You seen her since he was
taken ILL.,"
The young man shook his head in
some surprise.
How could | do 50? You forget
that the whole house is placed out of
bounds--is forbidden district Where
are you going, sfr?"
81 am going to see if can be Of any
USE" was the calm reply.
You don't mean that as a reproach
to me? You don't think | was afraid
of the infection?"
my dear boy, no. For you to have
gone would have been merely a sense
less risk. and could only have added
to her anxiety. Mr.. Bowyer knows
me, and would let me help to nurse
him. fancy At any rate. I shall try
it, IF ] am not back before night,
send my man with some things, will
your
Scarcely waiting for the answer,
Colonel Severn snatched up his hat
and went out quickly, passing through
the hall, but quite forgetting to take
an extra coat. though there was "A
hard frost and keen east wind blow
ing.
He did not feel the cold-he did not
once give a thought TO the danger
there might be in going to the house
where the sickness was aging. Moth
ing could have kept HIM from Elaine's
side; he had hungered for her presence
too long, his patience and endurance
seemed failing him at last.
The las few PAGES seemed miles TO
his hurrying feet; he could scarcely
restrain his Impotence, and, when he
found the outer door was open, he
walked straight in, not waiting TO
summon any servant.
Without hesitation he turned into
the sitting-room. feeling sure that he
should find her there. Nor was he
mistaken She was kneeling in front
of the fire, as much for rest as
warmth. it struck the man who
watched her 50 yearningly, for every
line of her figure had fallen into an
attitude OF repose. and her head was
leaning against the side of the mantel-
piece as though too heavy. too weary
to hold itself erect.
For few moments he stood there
silently taking In every detail of her
self and her surroundings, content for
not inclined to be prodigal of the
pleasure that had been withheld from
him 50 long.
No longer able to resist the longing
to clasp her to his heart and with a
kiss to wipe away the marks of all
the tears she must have shed in her
loneliness, he stepped forward i'm
pulsively, brushing against something
as he moved and causing a slight
sound.
Instantly she turned, then rose
slowly to her feet coming to meet
him with outstretched hand and
smileless lips, though an intensely
happy light was shining in her eyes.
He too was very grave; the moment
seemed too fateful for any outward
show of JOY. though in the hearts Of
both was wild tempteStuous glad
ness and neither doubted the feelings
of the other Not word was needed.
nor explaI alton.
Severn took her hands in his and
drew her closer and closer, Till the
small fair head lay upon his breast;
then he stepped and Showered passion
ate carcSses ON her mouth.
Suddcnl. shr broke way, a sharp
fear CHASING away the momentary
warmth or color that had risen to her
face mt tue contact of his lips.
"You ought not to be here! she
cried. alarmed.
There is no more fear for me than
YOU" he answered
THAT is quite different-it Is my
duty"
And mine to be with youv'-look-
ing into her eyes with loving persist
ence. Besides" he added, as she
still seemed doubtful and distressed,
1.-THE risk is run now; If any harm can
happen it will happen after this.
But am not afraid: not need you be,
/ think. 1t is only nervous subjects
that take infection, and have room in
my mind for only one dear thought
She raised her pale glowing face to
his-half grateful, half inquiring, APP
preciating beyond expression the keen
pleasure his presence was to her,
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