Omaha daily bee., 1898-12-11

Douglas you have deceived him ana sought
his DOOM"
IL care not 20 hear the answer" said the
young man. even did I believe that which
you may compel her to say. Unfaith In an
other lie not unfaith In me-. I am bound to
her in hove and Aonor-ays. even unto death.
II that we're her Will"
II have, indeed, deceived him!" replied
the girl, slowly, the words seeming 70 be
forced from her one BY one.
'You hear. William Of Douglas!" said the
marshal. turning upon the young man. who
stood stln and motioniess. never taking his
eyes of the slender figure ID white.
The marshal continued his pitiless ques-
tioning.
AT Castle Thrieve you persuaded him to
follow you to Crichton and afterward to
Edinburgh, knowing well that you brought
him to his death"
"It is true!" said the girl. with a voice
like one speaking out Of the grave itself.
You hear, william Of Douglas?' said the
marshal.
And at Castle Crichton you played the
play to the end. With false. cozening words
you deceived him.. You led him on with love
on your lips and hate in your heart. You
kissed him with the Judas kiss. You led
his soul captive to death BY the drawing Of
your eyes?"
In q voice that could hardly be heard the
girl replied. her whole figure hxed and
turned to stone by the intensity of her
tormentor's case:
II did these thipgsl lam accursed!"
The ambassador turned with 1 nesring
triumph.
You hear, William Of Douglas" he said;
you hear what your true love says!"
Then 1t was that, with the calm air and
steady voice of . great gentleman, William
Douglas answered. II hear, but I do not be-
lieve."
A spasm Of 10y passed over the counte-
nance Of the Lady Sybiila. She half sprang
toward her lover, as II TO clasp him in her
arms.
she restrained herself.
"No; l am not worthy" che said. And
again. and like q l~amentation, II am not
worthy!"
Then. while all watched eagerly, the mar
sbal rose from his seat to his full height.
Girl, look at mel" he cried in q loud and
terrible voice. But SybillA did not seem
to hear him.
She was looking ct the earl, and her eyes
were great and gray and vague.
Listen. my true lord, and then hate me
" you will" she said, '~'listen, William Of
Douglas. Never before have I found in all
the world one man true to the core. /
did not believe that such an one lived. Hear
this and then turn from me In loathing.
For the sake Of this mans life, forfeit
ten times over" (she pointed as she spoke
at the marshall. ITO whom, by the overs
Of hell, my soul is bound, I cam at the
bidding Of the king OF France and of this
man. my master, to compass the desl ruct,on
OF the earl OF Douglas. The kings son de-
sired his ducay, and promised to this man
pardon for bis evil deeds. I came TO satisfy
them both. On my guilty head be It. II
10 true that I deceived and led you on. Il
Is true that At Castle Thrieve I deceived
you, knowing well that which was before
you. I knew to what you would follow
me, and for the sake Of tho evil wrought
BY your fathers I was glad. But after
wards at Crichton, when In che woods by
the watersids I told you that I loved you,
l did not lie. ] d1d love you then. And,
BY Gods grace. I Do love you ow-yea be-
fore all men declare It. Once for q sea.
son OF Forgetting. all tao brief, I was yours
to love, now I am yours to hate and to
despise. I tried to save you, but, though
you had my warning, you would not 60 bach
nor forget the. New Il ID too Iate!"
AZ she spoke. over the face Of william
Douglas there had come q glow-the red
blood flooding up and routing the white
determined pallor Of his cheek.
my lady" he answered her gently. "Bs
not grieved for che thing that is past. That
you love me truly is enough. I ask for no
more. least Of all for pity. I have not lived
long. I have not had time allotted me
wherein to do great things, but at least for
your sake ! can die a well as any! You
have given me Of your love. and Of the
flower thereof I Am glad. That you loved
me was my crown Of life. Now It remains
but to pay . little price for q Joy exceeding
great"
But tho chancellor had had enough OF this.
He rose and stretching forth his hand to-
wards the barrier he said: William Of
Douglas, you and your brother are con-
demned to instant death ~ enemies Of the
king and his ministers. Soldiers, do your
duty. Lead them instantly forth to the
block!" 80
And with these words he left the dais.
followed by Sir Alexander Livingston. The
girl stood In the place, whence she had
spoken her last words. Then. 40 the men
alarms went 'shAmefaasdfy 70 take the earl
BY the arm, she suddenly threw herself
across the dais, leaped lightly over the bar
rier. and fen into his arms.
william, once I would have betrayed
you" she said. but now I love you.
will die with you--or. by the great God. I
will live TO avengs you"
Hush, sweetheart" said william Doug
las. touching her brow gently with his lips.
and putting her into the arms Of an ofacer
Of the court whom her uncle had sent to re-
move her. Fear not for me! Death ID
swift and easy. I expected nothing else.
That you love me 10 enough! Dear love.
fare thee WE'LL" ''t
But the girl heard him not. She had
tainted In the rms that held her. Yet the
Marshal do Retz had still more for her to
suffer. He stood beside her and dashed
water upon her tin she awoke, that she
might see that which remained to be seen.
1t was a scene dreary beyond all power
Of words to tell It, when into the courtyard
Of the castle Of Edinburgh they brought the
two noble young men forth to die. The sur
had long risen, but the nrst flush Of broad
morning sunshine still fingered upon the
? low platform. on which stood the block and
I beside II the headsman ~sullenly waiting tt
do his appointed work.
The young lords Of Douglas came out look