Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-08-22

southern cause, was In secret fast bal
ancing accounts with jefferson Davis
Friends of Raymond Holbin, for he
still had few. with the aid Of his
mother, secured him bomb-proof po-
sition with a rank of captain; and
there ne stuck, with ah the time for
plotting that might be demanded.
What seemed TO Holbin an oppor-
tunity for q sweeping revenge came
very unexpectedly. Up to then he had
been but an instrument IN the hands
of his mother and that large circle
Of invisibles known to him who
Slapped the strength Of the oonfeder-
acy. Their many interests preceded
his. The opportunity Game through
Louise. He did not dare to disregard
her card and responded instantly to
her implied command, armed wit h
his old secret and virtuous indig-
nation. He had almost forgotten her.
A year before, when she had suffi-
GENTLY recovered from her illness to
permit IT., he had sent her north, de-
ceived by sacred" pledges. 70 new
hiding-place. Tho immediate opening
of hostiities had seemed TO fix the
separation. 1t had never occurred TO
him that she would make an effort
to cross the lines
The new meeting between Louise a nd
Holbin was marked by a grea, display
of passion on his part; she was calm
and collected, a suggestion of reckless
ness, however, in her eyes and every
movement; her face relentless and
white with despair OF an abandoned
lille. For the first time Holbiu failed
to move her to anger or to tears.
81 came said she, when his rage d
spent itself and in answer to his de-
spairing offer OF money if she would
depart, mot because l need your as
sistance-that is, your money. for 90
not; am now well supplied" She
could not have touched him in a more
delicate spot. A swift iealousy. curl.
GUS indignation, filled him.
Whose money!" he asked, breath
lessly.
He is very rich, and gives with lib
eral hand when the woman is smart,
is able, is fearless, and willing to risk
her life al his bidding 1t was not the
speech, but the cautious glance which
nvoluntarily she gave to her surround
ings that awoke u suspicion in his
breast.
Louise, you are a"
Hush! ! an a mother robbed Of
her child; that is explanation enough;
Tor such woman is capable of any,
thlhg, even murder, as you know. Ray
mond, where is my daughter?" He
Looked at her uneasily, and the white
feather appeared in spite Of his forts
/ to conceal il.
"She is well, and well cared for"
Il asked you where and you have not
answered mel"
There is much TO be agreed upon be-
tween US before ! tell you that" he
said, after pause, during which he
narrowly watched her. He took
seat close beside her and continued
IN his old confidential, half-appealing
wayi Louise, I am ruined. a dis.
graced man, and ripe for anything
that will take me out of this city"
de paused, but she did not answer or
seem to hear him. and he added:
My downfall began when 7 was un-
true TO myself--to YOU have never
had a moments good luck since:
everything has gone wrong with me"
Still she did not answer him, but her
bosom heaved once or twice. and a
strange look came into the white face
she turned towards him. 1T have now
no chance on earth except a chance
TO play for even and quit the country.
Louise, If ] succeed will you go back
with me into the old sweet life?
Will be true 70 you; I will right all
OF your wrongs I will be a ia
Their indeed to your child. Let us go,
Louise, out of this wild, heartless
country back across the ocean to the
/ little English home, back to our flow
ers, back TO the old lfe." He took
her hand, and this time she did not
withdraw a..
my child" she said, almost In
audibiy, her face lowered and her
bosom rising and falling rapidly.
That will be all right-all rip-ht.
swear TO you she is well and has
not forgotten you. She never fails
to ask for you, and at night to say
her little prayer" A cry burst from
the wretched woman.
my babyl Ny baby!" She sank
her face in her hands. then sprsng
to her feet. you deceived me-" she
said. frantically, beginning to walk
the floor, II oannot-I cannot believe
you"
u have no cause to deceive YOU.
Louise-- none" He spoke very ten.
derry; and ! would not il I could
now. This Uniform, these shoulder
straps mean nothing in my case bu.
disgrace. ! am a stay-at-home, Tho
billiards of my class at West Point
are brigadier generals in the field;
| am uniformed clerk"
THE woman" Louise could not
conclude her question.
she will not assent" he said, saw
agely; and then quickly. lest nat.
ural inference should array her
against him again, II have purposeIy
made myself so obnoxious to her that
she would rather be a pauper than
share q fortune with me. She has
yet time to decide. for she is not
p; but ! know her decision in ad-
vance"
And then2"
Then life with Won Louise. orr