The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-11-13


woman then" he murmured. Il I'M
derstand it all now"
Lights flashed, music FLASHED and
sweet sounds of reve lry hoated out Of
the wide-opened windows of the St
Clair mansion.
1t was most joyful occasion A
reception in honor of the home-c com
ing of the bride and groom. Harry st.
Clair and his exquisite young girl
wife, formerly Nera Blanchard.
Society smiled upon the young
couple and gave them it's blessing.
We're they not both of them young,
handsome, well connected and
wealthy?
Mr.. brisbane bent over his friends
wife Il have some thing for you"
he said, with a kind smile on his
proud. sensitive lips.
WHAT More gifts? Why, you have
overwhelmed US already with your
generosity. Gerald
But this is for you alone. Nera,"
he murmured significantly, land I
want you to promise me that you
will wear it alwa US, night and day.
Harry knows the history of my little
Offeriug, and he will appreciate my
within IN thus asking you to wear it
for me-"
Nera's sweet eyes had grown grave
beneath the earnes tness of her
friends manner and she promised to
wear his trinket forever more.
You see, have an idea that it is
sonnet thing of a talisman," he said
gayly, as he produced a tiny velvet
box and opened it before her expect
ant gaze Within up on a cushion of
creamy velvet repos ed an old fash
toned pearl loclxet to which was
fastened a slender gold chain
After the departure of the guests
St Clair and Gerald Brisbane. whom
he had persuaded to remain all night.
repaired to Harry's smoking den to
enjoy brief cgar.
How much owe to you, Gerald"
the younger man said earnestly.
Tut! my boy. your own true heart
would have been sure a guide as
you imagine my unhappy experience
was. BY the way, do you ever hear
anything from Mrs AtheIstyne2"
Harry stirred IN easily.
''No, but do you know, Gerald, that
Is the only thing that disturbs me.
She cut up rather roughly, you know,
over my desertion, and svvore that
should not keep nay wife long. It was
horrible experience and it made a
tremendous impression upon me- Do
you suppose she will try to harm
Nera?"
Brisbane bent his head back and
watched the smoke curl lazily above
his head
..No. he said decidedly Take my
word for it, Harry, Mrs. AthelstVne
will never harm hair of your wife's
head
At that very moment. in the
apartment di reetly above St. Glars
den, a magnificent woman with
fendish smile upon her beautiful face
leaned over her hated rival, Harry St
Glars lovely wife.
$50 he pr eferred you, with your
baby face and innocent ways. to me
with my beauty and intelligence and
passionate love, for did love him
He is the only man who has ever con-
quered my wild impe tuous nature.
other men have loved me, but 1 cared
for no one until I met him
II swore that you should never live
to enjoy the happiness of his daily
presence, and have come to fulfil
my oath"
With a sickening CLEAN shining
dagger blade flashed in the dim lamp
light. but instead OF descending upon
the barred, white breast of the sleep
ing woman, it fell to the floor with a
dull thud amid the heavy draperies Of
the couch
The woman's eyes were riveted to
the girls snowy throat, whereon
rested what was to her a familiar
trinket. little pearl 1oclxet-
MY Godl She is my own child,
and would have murdered her"