Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-02-16

per Brandon's last will and testament.
More than that, l can prove that she
did so. Now, Sir Mare, look from her
to me-which of us looks guilty?"
He looked at Veronica as though
half expecting an Indignant denial
none came.
Miss Di Cynthia" she continued,
tell Sir Mare, who accuses me Of
bringing false charge, whether you
destroyed that will or not"
Still there was no answer.
L swear to Heaven that l saw her
do it, and that 1 have the proofs, ="
cried the maid. Il should not speak so
plainly before you, Sir Marc, but that
hush-money will do from you as we'll
as from her."
Then Veronica spoke; she went up
to him, and, without looking at him,
she said:
Will you send that woman away,
Mare? / shall die if she remains here.
1 will speak to you when she is gone"
1t struck him with pang more Bit
ter than death that she had never once
denied the charge.
Go" he said to Morton, leave Miss
Di Cyntha's presence, and never dare
to seek it again. Leave this house at
once. II in an hour from now you are
within these walls, nothing will save
you from prison"
And nothing will save Miss Di
Cynthia from penal servitude,'' she re-
| joined
The woman's persistence in her story
astonished him, while Veronica's ST.
lence bewildered him. 1t could not
be true-of course it was false; but it
was evident from her silence that there
was mystery.
'Hush!" The white lips had opened
again, and voice that was unlike any
he had ever heard came to him in the
sunlit silence. DO not drive her to ex-
tremes. Send her away"
Go! Leave the house; but wait for
me at the railway station at Hurst
wood. l will see you there"
The woman left the house, and he
took Veronica in his arms.
Sweetheart" he said, what is this
mystery? Why did you not deny that
Woman's outrageous charges? My
Veronica burn a will! You cannot
think how it has distressed me- He
kissed the white, cold face. which
looked as though neither warmth nor
color could brighten it again; his
heart was full of keen, intolerable
pain. There is some mystery, Yer
onica,' he went on; 81 can see that.
Tell me what it is"
Il cannot" she said.
And the two simple words were more
terrible to him than any others.
'At least my darling" he pleaded,
ell me that it is not true. l cannot
endure that you should remain silent
under such a charge; it is unwomanly
almost-deny it. I ask no explanation
of the mystery; my sweetheart shall
be as free and unfettered as the wind
that blows. But do ask this; deny
those horrible words.''
Then she looked at him, with the
pallOr of death on her face. She tried
to speak lightly, but her lips trembled.
She tried to smile, but the smile died
away.
What if could not deny it, Marc?"
His face flushed holly.
Great Heavens! Veronica" he cried,
do not jest over such a subject as
this-do not jest about a crime!
could not have thought you capable
of such light words"
81 am not jesting," she answered,
family; II never thought of doing so.''
She saw his face stern and his eyes
take a cold, hard expression.
VERONICA" he said, answer me
one question-it is your own fault that
1 have to ask it: Is that woman's
charge true? She says that she holds
proofs-is it true? Tell me-did you
burn a will, or did you not? Answer
me-"
She new that it would be useless to
resist her fate even if she could lie
Morton would produce the charred
fragments as evidence. She-Ver-
onica-Eould not attempt to screen
herself. He must think what he would
did you destroy will, Veronica?"
he repeated.
Answer mel shall go mad with sus-
pense."
She raised her white face to his, and
spoke slowly:
ut is quite true" she said; 81 did
burn Sir Jasper Brandon's last will
and testament; yet, listen, l would
deny it if l could but if that woman
holds those fatal proofs, it is useless"
He drew back from her as though
she had stabbed him.
you do not mean it, l am sure"
he said; you cannot mean it; it would
! be too horrible. You are saying it to
try my love-only for that-to try my
faith, my darling; you could not have
done it,
To be Continued.