The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1894-09-12
THE: WqGES OF SIN.

glass, sugared bonbons and orchids. Imag-
inc a host who has sprung from nothing
and grown into much gold and hostess
who has come of a good stock and de-
scended' into diamonds. Among sprnk-
ling of politicians and society butterflies
sits a certain Capt Power and a young
heiress, as beautiful she is rich. On the
mans other side is the daughter of the
house, "A pale faced girl with the manner
of duchess and a brain that has been
cruz led by the weight of gold.
Il think she said gently, that we must
try and persuade you to come to us for
Henley, Capt. Power We are intending to
decorate the house boat in quite new
style"
How"
"Oh. papa has some artist with a Won
derful scheme of color says the girl. with
a puzzled expression. Il suppose it will be
all right. however,
You know l am always engaged the
man commences, when the heiress breaks
in:
"Oh, yes; but this year you must come.
l am to be there too. and we can have
such fun.
The soldier 1ushes
Il must think about it, he says.
The pale girl notes that the heiress flush
ed, too; and signs.
II suppose" the heiress goes on, that
you have seen Loie Fuller
YES" he answers at random, his blue
eyes watching her face.
She makes a beautiful, artistic picture,
the pale girl says.
"A picture!'
The color effects are wonderful. She
reminds me of the flames We can often
discover in a wood fire
'Charm:ng,' mur.11urs the heiress in
sweet. soft tones.
Captain Power seems al a loss how to
continue The heiress notes the crestfal-
tl,r how. Of hoy
side, who has taken her in to dinner, and
filings him word or two in order to re-
store his appetite.
In a pause in the conversation the man
that is all gold is heard announcing the
fact that he has bought Lord Blanks
yacht; a young man, who seems too tired
TO do anything. suddenly rouses himself
enough to discuss Ibsen with juvenile
old lady on his right, and in another pause
makes an awkward remark on Ghosts
The lady of the house, with some tact,
browns his voice and his stupidity by ask
ing her neighbors if they will have some
burned almonds, and pass her the olives;
while the captain, who has commenced
pretty speech to the heress, breaks off
and looks distracted. $500
Then the trivial talk recommences. The
few clever men there are-like the still
fewer clever women-crushed by the
weight of gold. 1t surrounds them in
every form; it flows to them in the voice
c. their host. and they cannot struggle
against il. THEFT only retaliation will be
their remarks the next day to sympa-
thetic circle of friends.
In the midst Of it all the captain tells
the heiress that perhaps he will go to
Henley, and she murmurs foolishly but
prettily:
'Oh, don't go merely to please me-
But it will be pleasure
You have always refused before"
Il refuse nothing now that takes me
where you are
1T is sweet of you to say that-but,
then. of course, r
You can quite believe it-and you know
you do believe it. That reminds me; will
you let me come and see YOU tomorrow
As she bushes and wells her eyes with
their long dark lashes he breaks off. One
of the men servants whispered that he is
wanted, and will he come into the hall?
Puzzled and much surprised, he murmurs
an excuse and arises
The heress leans across his empty chair
and tells the pale faced daughter OF the
house she has persuaded the captain to
come to Henley.
How kind of YOU answers the other,
maddenng.
The captains footsteps echo on the par
quet then there is q pause and the inter-
Vening doors are hurriedy shut.
AS he comes into the light of the hall
he stands amazed, and for one instant
looks like man in dream. A woman
gayly attired in cheap finery comes for
ward and prefaces her words with drunk
en- laugh.
Thought 1 was dead, jim didn't
yar?r
His face blanches
Yes" he answers, sternly.
''Wel l Amt. Where do you hang out
at present."
"Why did you follow me here?"
Saw you drive this way and came in
Knew you used to dine here in the old
days when the girl of the house was a
mere kid. 'Spect you'd like to make up to
her now, as YOU thought I was out of the
way"
Capt. Powers face hardens.
"What Go YOU want with me?" he asks.
'You're my husband, amt yer?''
eyes,
Then I want money, and I'll not worry
you again.
II must co. he speaks with an effort
"and make my excuses upstairs. Wait for
me outside; don't stay here
''Mind you GOMEZ No games, ci i'll kick
up fine row.
You can trust me. Now go. will be
with you in 10 minutes
The heiress meets his eyes as he comes
Into the large drawing room and notices
nothing; she greets him with smile that
Is enchanting and waits for him to join
her. The daughter of the house rises
hurriedly and as quickly resumes her
Beat.
The captain speaks to her mother, ex-
plains that he has had bad newS-to that
fact his white lips testfy-and is called
away. The blaze of the diamonds flashes
In his eyes for a moment and she says
something politely sympathetic. He moves
pm, dazed perhaps, by the sparkle to where
The heress stands.
Il am obliged to go away" he says, in
broken voice.
"And now it comes to Heniey?"
ut is quite impossible now
She is pqued.
''Oh, very well. Goodbye
He looks at her with a dogs ewes full
of entreaty, but she turns her proud little
head and makes a testing remark to a lady
near. AS he crosses the room his very
senses dulled with pain. he misses the pale
daughter of the house. Once outside in
ner.
You are iii in great trouble"' she
cries. Il very sorry
He hesitates, and she goes on:
You needn't tell me. L see it in your
face. l hope all will end WE'LL
You are very kind" he remarks, stu
pidly
Have you any friend?' she commences,
but he breaks in:
Mono friend can help me. You are
very kind
In q dazed way he holds out his hand.
but she shrnks back and feigns not to no.
tice it. He is conscious that he is wound
Ing her. but the heiress and her beauty
have blinded him: his one wish is to escape
IF l don't see YOU again. she speaks
hurriediy, IF You need q womans aid in
any way. remember I should be so glad'--
Yes, yes. l must go. Thank you a
thousand times
He takes her hand, but her small fingers
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