The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1901-12-12
improving; she would bo able to 60 to

improving: she would DO able to 60 to
her own Eome soon. the doctor said,
and all anxiety about her was quite
| at an, end. The truth OF the story had
come to Hight; all the papers had It;
every one. knew that Lady Hamilton
had been shot by mistake and that it
was the young Countess OF Caraven
whom John Blantyre had intended TO
KILL
The earl confided the result OF his
mission to Sir Raoul, who was not
much surprised
"You have tried her beyond her
strength" he said; Il should advise
you without loss of time 10 return to
London again"
4 Lord Caragen did SO. but his journey
was Srpiuess. Hildred refused to see
him; to all entreaties from,her father
she answered simply:
Il have not one word to. add to what
have said, = and with that answer the
carl was obliged TO be content. "
In sheer despair he sent for Sir
RaoW, who, though almost unfit to
travel, FASTENED to him; he besought
bim to,lse his influence With the beau
tiful young wife who had no pity
fer him. Then he grew wildly jealous
at the idea that she would listen 70
Sir Raoul when she refused absolutely
to- lpsten to him.
why should you have more infiu-
ence over her than have?" he asked
half angrily.
Because" said Sir Raoul, 81 under
stand the higher better. nobler part
of her nature, as you, fear, will never
understand it. ! will try what l can
do
"Tell her, then. Raoul," went on the
earl, his tone and manner changing
suddenly, that / was blind to her
beauty. her goodness, her truth. but
hat I see all now; tell her that 1
did not love her when l first knew
her, but that, / love her now; tell her.
If she will but forgive me. will make
the devotion of my whole life atone
for my, past neglect
nSif Raoul promised. Lady Caraven
did not refuse to see him He was
shocked and startled at the terrible
change few, days had wrought in her.
He looked at the pale face.
How you have suffered, Hildred"
he said.
Yes, cacto to the end Of my pa
thence at last. can bear it no longer,
Raoul; it was a life of torture after
all, and | will never return to it. I
could not be brave any longer"
Poor child!" said the grave, plying
voice. Some words are running in my
mind, Hildred, about those who, hav-
ing put their hands to the pillow, turn
back. May Iask, are you one of those,
Hildred?"
What would you have me do?" she
asked.
Il would have you lay aside your
GOODNESS, your pride, your reserve" he
told her. do not become a revenge
full woman. Your husband has, it is
true, outraged and insulted you; but it
was a mistake. and he deplores it Bit
terly. Be generous; leave revenge to
small souls and narrow minds: rise
above it and forgive HIM"
She was quite silent for few min
utes, and then, as the mist rolls from
the hilltops before the light Of the
sun, all shadow passed from her face.
and she answered him:
II will. 1 will do all you advise,
Raoul. l will forgive my husband. You
say that he loves me now. I shall put
his love to the test. II it fails. well
and good will do my duty without
the sunshine of love to cheer me; If it
stands the test. will try to crown
mis- life with my love"
He looked long and lovingly at her.
you are brave girl, Hildred-you
are a good woman" he said, admir-
ingly 81 wish there were more like
you. will tell Uric that you are will
Ing to see him now"
IF you please" she responded; "but
Raoul. do not repeat what / have said.
I want to test his love myself"