The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1896-11-07
CHAPTER XIn.-CCoxrrSurpa

sented by her young hostess. A pang
vague and unaeknowledged. wrung hel
heart, and showed itself on her coun
tenance. But she came forward with
expressions of admiration.
"You are perfect, Margie-absolutely
perfect! Poor gentlemen! how | pity
them tonight! How their wretched
hearts will achew
Margie laughed.
Nonsense, Alex, don't be absurd
Go and dress yourself. | am going to
the opera. and you must accompany
u.s."
"Us-who may that plural pronoun
embody?"
"Myself-and Mr.. Trevlyn."
"Ah! thank you. Mr.. Trevlyn may
not care for an addition to his nice lit
tie arrangement for a tete-a-tete."
Don't be vexed. Alexandrine. We
thought you would pass the evening at
your friends, and Archer only came
In to tell me a few hours ago."
"0f course / am not vexed, dear,
and the girl kissed Margie's glowing
cheek. Lovers will be lovers the world
over. Silly things, always, and never
interesting company for other people.
How long before Mr.. Trevlyn is coming
for your"
Margie consulted her watch.
AT eight. 1t is now seven. In an
hour"
"In an hour An hours time Long
enough to change the destiny Of en-
piresw
How strangely you talk. Alexan-
drine! What spirit possesses your
asked Margie, filled. in spite of herself,
with a curious premonition of evil.
Alexandrine sat down by the side OF
her friend, and looked searchingly into
her face, her great black eyes holding
Nargie with a sort of serpent-like fas-
cination.
Margaret. you love this Archer
Trevlyn very dearly, do you not?'
Margie blushed crimson but she an
swered. proudly:
why need l be ashamed TO confess
it? do. love him with my whole
soul"
And you do not think there is in
you any possibility of a CHANGE"
"A change! What do you mean. Ex-
plain yourself"
you do not think the time will ever
come when you will cease to love Mr..
Archer Treylyn?'
1T will never GOMEZ Margie replied
Indignantly. never. while I have my
reasonr
do you believe in loves immortal
ity?"
Il believe that all true love is change
less as eternity! / am not child, Alex |
andrine, to be blown about by every
passing breeze"
mo. you are woman now, with
woman's capability of suffering. You
ought. also, TO be possessed of woman's
resolution of a woman's strength 10
endure sorrow and affection"
Il have never had any great Attic
ton, Alexandrine. The death OF Mr..
Linmere was horrible to me, but it
was not as if I had loved him; and
though l loved Mr.. Trevlyn, my guard
ian, he died so peacefully, that can
not wish him back. And my dear pa
rents-I was so young then, and they
were so willing to gol No, do not /
think have ever had any great sor-
row, such as blast peoples whole life
times"
But you think you will always con-
tinue to love Archer Trevlyn?"
How strangely you harp on that
string! What do you mean? There is
behind all this; I see it in
your face YOU brighten me-
"Margie. all people are blind some
times, but more especially women,
when they love. Would it be a mercy
10 open the eyes Of one who, in happy
ignorance. was walking over precipice
which the flowers hid from her view?"
Margie shuddered, and the beautiful
color fed from her cheek.
II do not comprehend you. Why do
you keep me In suspense?"
Because dread to break the charm.
You will hate me for it always. Margie.
We never love those who tell us dis
agreeable truths, even though it be for
our good"
II do not know what you would tell
me, Alexandrine, but l do not think
shall hate you for it,"
mot II tell you evil of Archer Trey
yn?"
II will not listen to it, she cried, in
;ignantly.
Il expected as much. Well, Marsie.
you shall not. l will hold my peace;
but IL ever, in the years to come. the
terrible secret should be revealed 10
secret which would then de-
troy your happiness for all time-re-
member that would have saved you.
md you refused TO listenw
She drew her shawl around her shout
lers, and rose to go. {
Margie caught her arm.
What Is It? You shall tell me! Sus- {
'ense is worse than certainty" a
And II | tell you, you will keep ST. I
ent? Silent as the grave itself?" |
Yes. II you wish It," 7
will you swear it?" q
Il cannot; but | will keep it just as G
acredly." ,
Il want not only your promise. but :
our oath. You would not break an Q
'ath. And this which I am about to !
ell you. il known to the world, involves I,
Archer Trevlyn's life! and you refuse 7
o take an oath"
His life! Yes, will swear. would ,
% anything TO make his life safer.' ,
VERY well. You understand me full ,
y? You are never to reveal anything
tell you tonight. unless I give you
aave Won swear IL p"