Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1897-03-20
CHAPTER XXI.


1t was more than week later.
heavy fail of snow. such rs we rarely get
80 late in February, madc all the world
white. I stood ut the window Of my own
little sitting room, leaning against the
heavy, decp.red curtains. and looking out
at those whirling. noiseless flakes. but
ut the library door my strength returned.
walked In. Rayvcnham stood before the
fire. my grandfather near the window.
Mother lay on the sofa, Aunt Rose being
seated by her.
II am glad to see you 40 much better,
my precious" said my grandfather, In n
voice that shook slightly. "Terrible times
terrible times, Olga, my child"
"Yes." answered quietly. not returning
his kiss. "Thcy are terrible times, and
first have to ask your pardon, my dear
est gFnndpapa, for all tho trouble have
brought on you without meaning IT,"
II think you have suffered more than 1,
my poor little GIRL" he said, sadly.
II want 70 give you an account Of ev.
crything just as It happened" l said,
clearly and evenly.
then told everything that the reader
already knows. When reached the point
to reveal my secret, rose and stood be-
fore my fance.
"Rayvenham," I snid. "Mr. Burnside
two days ago released me from my prom
Use. and am free to tell you. But Mt the
same time. I confess that IL would rnth.
or not. Will II not content you to know
that. long ago, I acted In a way have
never ceased to repent Of? Will you not
respect Mr.. Burnsidc's wish--a very
strong one-that It should never be
known? Could you trust me rs far az
thatf'
He crimsoned. "Oiga." he said. "you
ask too much. II would imbittcr a fol.
lows life TO have wife Who'll should
always be Imagining"
''Thcre," said, "you are free TO marry
some one with an unstained name and q
clear conscience. When was little Cir
tried 10 murder Mr.. Burnside. did II
deliberately, for the sake Of llemy Dn
mien. whom loved. hated Mr.. Burn
side. because Thought him unjust to m!
uncle. I would have done anything fol
1lcmy. 80 took dagger. went into MIR
Burnsidc's room In the dcad Of night. nh,
stabbed him. For three days his life huns
In the balance. He fully and freely for
gave me. md showed mo how strangcl,
perverted were my IDEAS Of right nnt
wrong. He thought, and thought, too
that could put my past behind me. an'
build up new future for myself, withou
any haunting regrets. 1t never once Oc
Cured to me that the uncle for whom
had no grievously transgrcsscd could b,
base enough 10 use that very fact ns ,
hold over me-" paused moment. Hav
ing said oil this In measured tones, fcl
that my self-control was slipping from
me. and that must soon give way. NJ!
grandfather had covered his eyes Will
his hands-I could not tell what hi
thoughts were. Rayvcnham sat starinI
down at the carpet ms II lnxed. A Sigh
noise from the sofa startled Aunt lt0saliG
Mother had tainted away.
''Now," said steadily, II sec how mis-
.tnken was. Grnndpapn. you may b.
lOath to hurt mo now. but the time viii
come when you will be thankful that you
heir did not ally himself with Damien
You sec what my uncle is--a forger-,
convicted scoundrcl: you hear what I my
self have donc-attcmpted human life
1t 10 far better, 10 II not, that there shout
be no alliance between Carewe and
member Of such house? IL It not ~
Rayvcnham!"
Had Itayvenham turned impctuousl
round-had he held out his arms to M,
and cried: II love you! What are all thcs
obstacles 10 love like mine y"-I believe
should have chung to him. my whole hear
would have gone out to him, and NIGH
have lived and died the wife OF Rayver
ham Carcwe, with only very occasions
inisgivings as to whether gave my hu,
band the highest love which II was In M
EOwer TO give. But such was not to
my fate.