Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-05-20

She has guessed intuitively, if some
what dimly, at the true cause of this sud-
den, dreadful arrangement as soon as
she discovers that her spiteful stepbroth-
er has returned, rather precipitately, to
his grandfather's house, and does not once
show himself in Curraghdene until the
day of Miles funeral, and by that time
the evil seed that has been sown has
sprung up into mighty growth, and
parted the two, whose hearts had chung
together, wide asunder as the poles. But
Muriel's suspicion of what has caused
Eric Llewellyn to estrange himself from
her only hardens her heart more firmly,
and inhames a more deadly resentment
against him and his heartless pride and
selfshness She knows he wrongs. her
foully in believing that she consented to
be his wife for any reason but that of
pure, true love; but even this does not
affect her so deeply as the thought that
he wrongs Miles-Miles On his deathbed
Miles, lying placid, pale and beautiful
In his coffin.
II feel as if could kill him If ever he
speaks a word against Miles to metz she
thinks, passionately. Il hate his selfish
haughtiness. and GOODNESS, and cruel self
control, and self-esteem so desperately!
And shall hate myself as desperately If
even forgive him this insult!'
She knows-poor, little, desolate, low
ing heart!-that forgiveness full and free
being accorded to Eric Llewellyn, WOO
ing her for pardon as he can WOO, is by
no means an impossibility.
Meanwhile they are sundered wide as
the poles and Eric Llewellyn, beneath his
cold, calm exterior, his impassive courte-
BUSINESS and well-bred demeanor towards
his girl-wife, as we'll as every one else.
carries jealous pain and despair in his
breast.
Muriel sits by the window alone, gazing
out with wondering eyes, until she thinks
of Miles, and how he would have made
this wonderful London visit delightful
revelation to her, and taken her with him
everywhere. She has not heard Eric come
swiftly and noiselessly over the thick car
pet, and he is standing before her, strick-
en- with remorse and compassion, strug-
Cling fiercely with swelling tide of pas
sionate tenderness as he surveys her
the forlorn. forsaken young creature a
bride in mourning robes-whom he has
sworn to love and cherish.
May heaven forgive me if l have
wronged her, my poor little darling!' he
mutters, and lays his hand tenderly on the
bowed head. what is the matter, Mu-
riel? Have startled you, dear?" he asks
gently, as she leaps up with a cry Of
alarm. and then, seeing who it is, shudders
away from his touch.
Eyes, you startled mel" she says, sharp
ly and coldly, drying her tears. II did not
know you were in the room"
Il have only just come in," Eric an
swers, smothering sigh, ito tell you that
l met friend of ours just now, and he
tells me that my mother and Cousin He's
ter are staying at the Langham-not five
minutes walk from here. They do not
know we are in town, of course, or they
would have called. So would you come
and see-them. Muriel and waive cere-
mony!'
IF you wish; you are my sovereign lord
and MASTER" the girl says, with scorn-
full. Pickering smile.
mo. am not! ! am only your faithful
lover and husband" Eric answers, stern
~ in his agitation, and turns on his heel
as he speaks, and takes up his hat which
he has just put down, and Muriel without
a word accompanies him.