Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-02-08

TIE POISONED WINE.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TX TIE POISONED VINE. !
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The court Of Charles H., King Of
England, was the most degraded and
lioentious Of any monarch in the
world. The persons who composed
II were, with one exception, polluted
beings, who drank the dregs of the
cup Of pleasure. That exception was
Herbert de We're, the young earl of
Heathcote manor. He was about
twenty-five years Of age, with bright
auburn hair and a face which was
very handsome. He was scoffed at by
all the courtiers because he would not
enter the meshes of dissipation.
There was woman in the court
who gazed on the young earl with
eyes of love. Her name was Madame
de Victor; she was tall, rather
handsome woman of thirty,fve, but
upon her face were to be seen the
tracks of the wine-cup. She fairly
worshiped Herbert, but he Stunned
her whenever he could do SO without
infringing upon the rules ofetiquette.
One bright summerafternoon, while
the birds were singing among the
trees, Madame de Victor was seated
in her splendidly furnished parlor;
she was engaged in writing. AT last
pushing aside the writing material,
she exclaimed:
"There, it is finished, and | will
send it to him by servant; and in
one hour shall know my fate. l
hardly think Herbert will reject my
love. If he does, then l will show
h.n that ! can hate"
She folded the missive neatly, rang
a tiny bell, and servant appeared.
Take that note to Herbert de
We're, and return instantly" com.
manded the madame.
The servant disappeared, and the
naughty woman proceeded to array
herself in costly silks; finally the
toilet was complete, and she looked
like Venus awaiting the arrival Of
Adonis. She seated herself upon a
silken sofa, and waited impatiently
for Herbert to make his appearance.
Suddenly the door-bell rang, and .
servant shortly appeared and an.
N iced the name of de We're to her
mistress.
admit him."
Herbert entered the room, and the
woman advanced and greeted him
warmly.
"Take a seat, Herbert, for | have
much to say she said, as she pointed
to finely carved chair.
The earl seated himself and asked
"Please state your business, ma
dame, for my presence is needed at
the palace"
"Now, Herbert, I will listen to no
excuses" replied the madame with .
winning smile.
1T is no excuse, my dear madame,
but request of the King"
ooh, Charlie can do well enough
without you, for you never take part
in, the pleasures of our court" re-
turned the woman.
The cheeks of the earl tingcd at
the words, and he replied
"You had better have sad profig-
, acies of the court. madame"
"Now, Herbert, do not say too
much, for King Charlie, you know.
does not like to hear his court de-
rided"
swell, madame, cease this raillery,
and inform me why you wished my
pr zee here"
The high-born lady arose to her
feet, and it was some moments before
she spoke: her bosom rose and fell,
and her eyes were fixed upon the
earl
"Then, Herbert de We're, you are
here to hear a declaration of love
from me. oh dear Herbert, | love
you-wildly, madly love you'll" and
the tears rolled down her cheeks.
The earl was surprised at this I'M
expected avowal, and arose to his
feet. He gazed upon the weeping
woman, and smile of scorn fitted
across his face.
madame de Victor" he said, 81 am
sorry that you love me-
In an instant her tears were dried,
her eyes glistened like those of the
cobra de capelIo when it is about to
strike and she exclaimed,--
Herbert, hear me; love you.
Your conduct at the court has filled
my soul with admiration, for you
have kept aloof from our giddy pleas
ures. Speak, Herbert, and say that
you love me"
MADAME, cease; ! cannot, dare not
love YOU" was the calm reply.
II shall die of a broken heart,
them" and she buried her face in
h"r hands, and sohbed aloud.
uerbert smiled as he looked upon
the hypocrite.
"Then you must die Of broken
heart, for can never love you, ma
dame" said he.
Herbert de We're, | viii teach YOU