Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-10-13
WomanAgainst Woman
ABYA
MRS. M. A. HOLMES.
ABYA

free.
She spread out her arms as II to
emf race the sweet air OF heaven,
and heaved a great sigh OF gladness.
Now wait just one instant, while
| see II tue coast Is clear. Come, Sit
In this corner"
Alice followed obediently.
Il pray you may not suffer for
my sake" she whispered earnestly.
'Ts Count--will that man be angry
with your"
Dame Burden chuckled.
II amt afeard." she answered.
Now just creep into this shadow, and
don't move until ] come to YOU"
Alice nodded. She moved softly
behind the piece OF ruin indicated,
and stood quiet, as the old woman
stole back.
She was not afraid. Out in the
sweet fresh night air. her senses re-
vlved, her courage returned. She
was another being.
She longed to be out on the deserted
country road, flying away from the
den wnich had just imprisoned her;
and yet, would she not be flying from
all she loved?
Her thoughts went back to Roy
The life OF gilded loneliness in which
she had 80 often pinned, and from
which she had SO longed to escape,
was ended. She was free.
Roy. Earl of Darrell, was free.
and yet. for one touch Of his hand,
one glimpse of his face, one single
CLEAN Of hope that he believed in her,
she would have gladly sunk down and
died. -. $685. -.-.
dasih zoe yy.cT'e.y -yuNeie. -wte(e
But this would never be now.
Some terrible strange dream had
separated her from the castle. She
felt that she could never return; and
Volerie-cruel, gorgeous. handsome
Vnlerie--would be his wife. -.
Her head sank TIL It touched her
hands. Tears were burning in her
eyes but she forced them back, and
then the sound Of some one approach
Ing caused her to turn.
The tread was heavier than the old
won ans. A vague presentiment of
coming evil fell on her. She clasped
her hands. and In another second
stood face to face with Count Jura.
The scream died on her lips. Her
heart was suddenly frozen with fear
aud hatred of this man.
DO not shrink from me, fair
countess" said Jura, breaking the
silence. Il will do you no harm"
What does 1t mean" breathed
rather than spoke Alice, drawing
back with aversion.
What do you want with mo?"
Nothing disagreeabe, hope.
wish to help YOU"
ITO help me now? Was 1t not
through You | came here? Help me!
Hive you not scoifed enough, Count
Jura? What ! have done that you
should have treated me so shameful
ly?"
"You use hard words, my Lady
Alice. laughted Count Jura quietly,
but they cannot harm me. Used
you shamefully? Why, you insult
our home and all It's luxuries. Come,
be friends"
DO not dare approach mel" gasped
Alice. shrinking from his outstretched
hand. Il loath. detest you! You
are n coward to treat woman as
you are treating me! Let me go
the very sight of you Is tortured"
GO? Where to? Back to the cas-
Ito Count Jura opened lit
tie box. took out match, and lels-
ulely lit II cigar. That would be
foolish ma belle. You would only
exchange very comfortable quarters
for an iron cage-~in other words
you would be imprisoned Immediate
~ for robbery"
Robbery" repeated the girl.
blankly ut first, then the truth
dawned on her. "Ah, see--l under
stand! know all, That ring
srt Ike plainly"
What ring?" demanded Count Jura
roughly
she wore on her finger. knew
1t we'll. yet my memory would not
help me. But now. now | see all
with hideous clearness. Iou-you
are thief, u"
"Hush!" The counts hand closed
over her lips. Another word, he
whispered savagoly, and you will
repent this! Yes, the castle has been
robbed robbed of plate of diamonds.
OF Its countess. Roy Darrell will
see none Of his treasures back again.
1t is best you should know how we
stand. | have taken you to my hand
you are tied. Henceforth you are my
slave, to do rs | will. No words,
no screams, no weakness. Listen. |
am flying from here this night,
leaving the whole gang what
fer? For loyelove OF You We
shall start at once for that golden
land | sketched for YOU last night
Once there, all will be we'll Give
me your hand BE silent | say. My
mind Is made up. | love YOU; will
not renounCe YOU Leave your plead