Waterbury Democrat., 1900-12-24

N former smiles of hers he adored it. = "You never doubted my love, Jeanne; that is a certainty
 ''Then I have had you come that we may agree on a plan of action," she said. She nestled nearer to him and took one of his cold hands and pressed it.
 "I missed the money, too, Jeanne?' "Oh, did you? We'll, I may as well confess that this meeting is an after thought, and I do think, if you care for me, that you ought to appreciate that.''
 You intended, then, to desert me?' "Yes, that was the intention forced on me-"
 Forced on you?''
 ''Yes, l cannot go on ct Lyndhurst as it is. You knew when l became your wife that I could not remain stationary-not progress. When 1 married you it was clearly understood that 1 was to be able to gratify ceT- tain desires that l frankly confessed had always had firm hold on me. We'll, your recent specuiations have reduced us to Lyndhurst and trivial income.'
 But it will be secure" he rejoined, desperately.
 "Oh, I don't doubt it's security, Row. land, dear, but it is hardly more than these two hands and my brain used to earn. Oh, you can see what l mean! I am simply an ambitious woman. l want things. 1 want power, and l am going to get my desires through you, husband mart pany. I love you as much as any wom- an could love man, but my ambition is at least half of me, and it will drag me away from you if you don't come to my assistance"
 Jeanne you know I would do any lining in my power to gratify you. I know I have violated part of our matrimonial contract, but could not help things taking such an unexpect- ed turn"
 She stroked his hand caressingly and raised it to her warm, red lips.
 'Listen to me,' she began, laying her head on his broad shoulder. T want to tell you something you do not know, then I shall propose a plan. You remember that Dr. Fleming, the famous English expert on heart troubles, came to see Blanche month ago-the day before he returned to London"
 "Yes, I remember that" said the major, wonderingly.
 Well, perhaps it was because he thought l looked as if I could keep a secret-and some one ought to know the truth-that he made an important disclosure to me. He was deeply con- cerned after he had examined Blanche and sent for me to meet him in the ll- brary. He then told me, and his face was actually pale, for he seemed to like her, that she had the most fatal case of 'aortic aneurism' he called it an acute disease of the heart-that he had ever met with in all his ex- | :perience."
 My God, you can't be serious!" ex- claimed the major. "She looks So well-and yet, I remember, she is talk ing his medicines"
 ''Dr. Fleming explained that to all outward appearances she would be- even to the end. as healthy looking as perfectly sound person. He says she cannot possibly live longer than two years. and that it is most likely 1 that she will drop off sooner-at any moment. The least excitement or un usual exertion may kill her instantly
 ''Does Blanche know of her condi tion?" asked the major, almost for getting his own troubles in his vast sympathy for his ward-
 NO; oh, no! Dr. Fleming said that the knowledge of it would only prey on her mind and hasten the end. He was afraid to tell you; he said mer were apt to show so much concern over matters of that kind that patients would suspect the truth. l promised him faithfully not to hint it to a soul so you must never mention it or lei her suspect you are anxious about her"
 Gan nothing be done?"
 Absolutely nothing; the medicine she is taking is what she needs and he even adv me not to have her consult any other doctor. I pre- sume, considering the fact that he i: such great authority. his wishes even on that score, ought to be re spected."
 II presume SOL responded the ma jor; but isn't it awful?" Then hs came back to his own affairs almos with a start. He drowned and sa silently looking at the fire. It was al if he were wondering what connection this disclosure could have with hi wife's strange flight. He gently ex pressed this idea to her presently.
 "After I left you to-day I got to think &rg about it." was her answer, and he fingers frightened on his. "Blanch has, as you know, about three mi lions in her own name."
 q know that" answered the major
 "When she drops off suddenly a that money will go legally to peopl she never saw. an aunt and cousin for whom she doesn't care pin.''
 ''That is the truth, Jeanne, but"
 "Please do not interrupt me, dear, pursued his wife. and she began strol ing his hand again. You told me tha since you had taken charge of her a fairs Blanche's money has more tha doubled"
 Yes, I happened to invest it bette than 1 did my own capital"