The Dickinson press., 1895-03-23

through her fingers, made his very
blood run cold.
"You alone could have saved me-"
he went on, needless Of her faint
interruptions; with the knowledge of
your husbands wealth. my creditors
would have become less importunate.
I should have gained time; and Sir
Mark, I have no doubt, could have
given me some necessary assistance.
But, If you cannot say yes to the
truest gentleman 1 know, of course,
there is little more to be said. 1t is
a subject upon which 1. should not
dream Of coercing you, but for your
w sake, if not for mine. reflect be-
fore 1t proves too late. If I sink, you
mast of necessity sink with me, as we
b0ti. sail in the same boat; hut for me
1t makes less difference, my sands being
nearly run, though l confess 1t does
seem hard to commence my life again
with ny gray hairs"
The last was a skilful touch. Miss
Blount rose, pale and IN deep distress.
1t was odd. 10Y that the nerves of
both were uastlung, what a wonderful
likeness existed between the father
and daughter.
"Katharinc," he whispered. gently,
holding her very closely to him, and
feeling at the moment some faint,
long-fOrgottel sensations arising in his
degenerate bosom for the tender cling
Ing creature in his arms. eff you can
do this thing. you will be giving me
what I shall hless you for to the day
of my death; but I hardly dare to ask
1T what is my happiness in comparison
with yours? Remember, I have seen
my best days, yours are yet to come;
and, believe me, but that 1 know you
to be heart-whole, I would not press
the matter so perseveringly. You are
heart-whOle, Katherine--yOu do not love
any one else?"
mo. I do not love any one else"
Miss Blount answered bravely; but AZ
she told the lie she covered her face
with her hands and turned away, feel
ing faint and sick and cold. Presently
she raised her head. LET me 60 now"
she said; Il want to be alone. Good
night, papa"
Good night, my DEAR" he returned,
pressing his lips to hers with more than
his wonted fervor, as he felt his cause
was gained.
When she WAS gone, and the last
glimpse of her dress had disappeared
through the door, Archibald Blount
raised himself. and drew a long, deep
b eath. He was too well bred and re-
fined a man ever to exult openly in
any triumph, however great, but his
eyes looked brighter, and his step
sounded more firmly as he walked.
Poor little girl" he murmuied, half
absently to himself, as he lit his bed
room lamp. Il wonder if she. cares at
all for Cra"er. I hope she does not
from my sa"l I hope she does not"
after which touching h%opefulness on his
part he went up stairs and into bed,
where he slept long and peacefully.
Not so did the "poor little girl" Ar
rived in her W bedroom. Katherine
Blount locked the door, and, without
removing ornaments or any article of
leaned her beautiful, shapely head
against the dew-cold glass.
The moon was shining on her pale
and placid; the dazzling, twinkling stars
cleaned down upon the silent earth;
q strange, sweet night 1t seemed, filled
with a sadness responsive to her own,
that almost entreated confidence, but
Katherine neither moved nor mOaned,
nor wept.
With the dawn came her determina-
ton. Turning slowly away from the
open window, through which a lark's
loud song of praise rushed with tumul-
tuous music, she moved with sttfened
limbs across the room, her poor heart
torn and bleeding.
The next morning Sir Mark War
renne went home rejoicing, the accept
ed lover of beautiful Katherine Blount,
while his lady-love filled her daily du-
des with paid face and clouded eyes,
and thoughts '.all void Of soul" Black
wood she had not seen all day, having
excused herself from breakfast OIL the
plea of nervous headache-not all ex-
cuse-but, coming suddenly into the old
parlor some little time before dinner,
she discovered Blackwocd sitting there,
bnsily employed making cartridges for
the morrow's shooting. For a second
her courage failed her completely, but
only for a second; then she rallied her
spirits and came forward, speaking
bravely enough, though in tones
strangely dull and unlike her usual
voice, which was sweet and musical.
"Blackwood, I want to tell you some.
thing"
Her manner startled him; he flung
down the unfinished cartridge the con-
tents of which ran swiftly, with a tiny
AAlIAAAS uOlSes AlOul OA luC NiDAc OOWA
about the oaken floor, while a terrible
sense Of impending evil half choked
him, his face blanching, in the fashion
peculiar to him when anything I'M
pleasant about Katherine anne under
his notice.
"What is it?" he asked, shortly.
II have promised to marry Sir Mark
Warrenne," she answered., just as
shortly. trying to appear unconcerned,
but failing wretchedly.
For a full minute B!ackwood Craven
went mad-as mad as the veriest luna
tic that ever trod the floors of Bedlam.
: He strobe forward, and seized her
; an al: wrists with cruel vehemenc". nj.
. most crushing the tender bones in his
passionate grasp.
i "Say that again." he cried, fierccly
overwhelmingly; while "Blackwocd,
Blackwood" was all poor Katherine
could gasp. with faint duplication
Presently, however, the paroxysln pass
ed, leaving him sane. but despairlng
he dropped her hands hurriedly; the
iron had entered into his soul, and al
the first cold touch the madness lied
He turned to the window quietly.
"Has it come to this Mt last?' hi
said.
Miss Blount sank into a chair, and fol
short time there was a dead silence
: In the room. during which they scarce
fbreathe. To Katherine