Shiner gazette. [volume] (Shiner, Tex.) 1893-current, 1901-03-06

AdllNA III opllb VI utIStll-lb WAS QdIh
and almost lowering with suppressed
fury. Then she recovered her self-pos-
session with an effort, and went for
ward with pretty obeisance and out
stretched hand.
This is an unexpected pleasure,
Prince; and had you come little later
you would not have found me here.
My husband and start for Bombay to-
night"
Il fear you will not count it a pleas
ure when you hear on what errand
have COME" he answered grimly 81
only regret for your sake that have
come too late"
MAY l ask what you mean?" she
said, somewhat haughtily
81 mean, madam, | know you suffl-
GENTLY well to feel sure you would
have hesitated to ally yourself to one
whom you would feel it not worthy to
breathe the same air with you If you
knew what I know concerning him
Lille drew up her small person to
Its full height, and, in her indignation,
laid aside the air of difference which
usually marked her demeanor towards
her royal visitor. -. .,'
Nothing you can. say for;or against
Captain Gordon can have the slightest
weight with me-" she saidy with proud,
scorn. f.tt Tli'
g, She still istood,'. because the prince
,also, remained unseatga:f''AAd as she
spoke she batode hSf fittlf.itand to the
chdiT-back and 3taSed heairselS by it, for
she was trembling between ,snnoyance
and alarm. -. p $40! .%.'I '7"f
ut is unchivalrous' to Contradict a
lady" said Prince Clement, with
slow, cruel smile; yet find myself in
that unfortunate position-obliged to
repeat my statement, that have it in
my power to tell you what l know
would entirely alter your sentiments
towards the man you have unfortu-
nately married"
"Then tell me nothing!" she cried,
with little burst of passion. 81 de-
cline to listen to you!"
She made a movement as If to sweep
a proud curtsey and pass from the
room; but, with quick stride, the
Prince covered the distance between
them and laid a commanding hand on
her arm.
"You shall listen to mel l heard of
1t too late to prevent this unholy mar
riage; but at least will not be cheat
ed of my revenge. loved you-you
fouted me; and now can make you
suffer, and you shall suffer-"
"She shrank. beneath his iron touch,
for, despite her calm exterior, her heart
beat high with unknown terror in the
clutch of this fanatic, with whom re-
venge was virtue.
"Then ask your highness to say
what you intend to say quickly, and
allow me to retire" she said with
brave GOODNESS she was far from feel
Ing. 81 beg to remind you again that
we are leaving Pindi in two hours
time, and l expect my husband to join
me here every moment"
Let him COME" returned the Prince
and he laughed scathing little
laugh. Let him come and deny, if he
can, the reason why your fathers MUIR
derer has never been found"
Her hands chung convulsively to the
chair, and she staggered; but only for
an instant. She lifted her blue eyes to
his, full of imperious scorn.
will you kindly speak more plainly,
Prince? If you compel me to listen to
you, at least deny your right to speak
in riddles
1t was open warfare between them
now; but, in the tortured excitement,
she was growing reckless of conven-
tionalites If Don vera only by her
side to protect her, She felt she would
have given the world to summon her
kitmutgar-n footman-and drive
Prince Clement Sing from her presence
there and then.
81 will speak all too plainly" he an
swered, bowling low 1T was Captain
Gordon himself who shot Captain Der
ment"
You dare say this to me?'
The words came in painting breaths
through her parched lips, her bosom
heaved, and she stood like a lloness at
bay.
81 dare, because it is the truth" he
Kissed, ASK himself He is here to
answer"
For the portiere had been driven
aside, and within the threshold of the
door stood Don, in all the bravery of
full-dress uniform he had worn for his
wedding, and which he had not yet had
time to change.
In one hand he held by the silken
drapery. the other hand was clutching
the hllt Of his sword. and on his face
the smile of joyous welcome had frozen
and left it ghastiy pale
(To be continued.)
A Cbanga for the Ketter.