The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-04-03

| about BESSIE that afternoon. She had the
same helpless laok that the snakes had
| when the music got control of them. Could
| 1t he possible that it acted in the cane
manner on her, and ii 30 did she know 1t !!
could not help thinking that Melton, at
| least, knew it, | remembered his dis
] concerted look when be saw that noticed
| her; then the clumsy upsetting of tho
| stool. doubtless to rouse her. If so. what
| did it all mean? Did he know himself? Was
| he trying 10 get coistro! of her with his
| !iendish music? And She could it be pos
sble that she cared, beyond the effect of
| the music ] remembered she was often
| IN his stulio-posing, presumably--yet.
now | come TO think had often heal,i
| the faint sounds of the violin for half an
| -Four at stretch, while l knew she was
there. If she were posing for whom lie
ccu'dn fiddle and paint at the same tine,
and i knew she could not play note. had
| seen her handle the Instruments. and the
| result was discords appalling Well. it
was no business of mine, | suppose. so
determined 20 cudgcl my brain no longer
II she chose to care for fellow of that
kind. well let her.
One afternoon, about ten days later. Peg
sic was posing for me, for some black AMI
white illustrations The whole place was
intensely still. NEST OF the men being out
drumming dp work or gathering insptra-
lions on tho "Rialto.' The faint notes of
violin reached up from behind Melton.,
closed DOORS and, | confess. the plaintive
melody soothed me, despite my still irrita
Bile feelings against the performer.
Bessie was sitting more quietly than
usual, Generally when the head was fin
ishoo she Kept up a pretty continuous flow
oil chatter AMI laughter. but today she wa1
quite silent Once or twice | endeayore1
to start her TALKING, but met with nothing
but monosyllables in return, and finally
thinking she was tired or drcwsy, let
her alone and became absorbed in bit of
delicate foreshortening. ! was vaguely
conscious of the continuance of the musii
Tor some time, but later got so engrossel
in my work that | did not notice when
II ceased Then ! saw Bessie pass her
hand YEARLY across her eyes. and, think.
ing she was tired, told her to rest.
looked up 4 moment later she was still
slttihg in the same position but there was
scme inaeiin"blc change in Ter: her whole
attitude seemed one of strained eagernees
ana as watched her her lips parted ard
yer head inclined little forward, as If
listohihg intently then suddenly her whole
inquire seemed 10 start and stifien rigidlv.
she gave a half shudder and rose mn bar
hDnd to her head and Il strange, frightened
look on her face
es, yes. l hear; | am coming" she
nuttered. jumped UP thinking She was
Ill. one was
Bessie, what is it, But She waved N,
oA one siaa, walked quickly to the door.
he corridor y ,olIonr II ana started dom
lv to Melton's door. opsned II ana u,tee.
perhaps two feet ahead of mo '"' entered
was so surprised al her strange man.
nsr that !, naturally went in after her
nhe walked calmly toward great diyau
slooped ana n;c,,s stVpps' an instant, theJ
that lay on the floor ny 'n as S Ion ana bow
looked beyond her and saw w w sne h stopped !
had hitherto hidden n'u saw what her figure
heart seemed ror on, anu az the sight my
then thump my ribs With ~ STAND sun
made me stagger. snoeh thsi
On the cnrch nr,,naa
Melton. stiff reid g''p h' w pillows, sa'
staring. and round him ne c eyes s s and
Tightening aud crushing him I,,eu va ana slowly
baby boa. Even 30 nm, MN was Buzz, tho |
head went gliding ." r,,,nd looked ,h the brute's
for last tinal urIn 'S an" ,s .ne mans throat
os Sis p; Inn me man sat inert,
one wild 80 "s .oriipie CANCER. | gave |