Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-03-06

herself by the table to keep from fall
ing. Her weakness lasted but a mo-
ment, and the soft expression Of her
eyes changed to one of naughty re-
sentiment. In an offended tone she
said:
"What has induced you to be watch
ing my movements? Who gave you
permission to follow me, to enter this
house?'
Prosper would have given worlds to
explain what had just happened, but
he was powerless and could only re-
main silent.
you promised me upon your honor"
continued Madeleine, that you would
never again seek my presence. Is this
the way you keep your wordT'
Il did promise, but
He stopped.
"Oh. speak,"
$50 many things have happened
since that terrible day that l think I
am excusable in forgetting for one
hour an oath torn from me in Il mo-
ment Of blind weakness. It is to
chance-at least to another will than
my own-that I am indebted for the
happiness of once more finding myself
near you. Alas, the instant | saw you
my heart bounded with joy. | did not
think-no, ! could not think-that you
would prove more pitilcss thar stran-
gers have been; that you would cast
me off when l am so miserable and
heartbroken."
Had not Prosper been so agitated he
could have read in the eyes of Made
leine-those beautiful eyes which had
SO long been the arbiters of his destiny
the signs Of a great inward struggle.
1t was, however, in a firm voice that
she replied:
'You know me we'll enough. Prosper.
to be sure that no blow can strike you
without reaching me at the same time.
You suffer. l suffer with you"
You drove me away" said Prosper,
land to obey you l told every one that
I had left you voluntarily. You told
me that an invincible obstacle had
arisen between us, and l believed you,
fool that | was! The obstacle was
your own heart"
AS white and motionless as a statue,
Madeleine stood with bowed head be
fore the storm of passionate reproach.
81 told you to forget me-"
"Forget" exclaimed Prosper excited
ly. "Forget! How can | forget? Is
It in my power to stop by an effort Of
will the circulation Of my blood? All,
you have never loved! To forget, as to
stop the beatings Of the heart, there is
but one means-death!
Good heavens, this suffering is be-
!ond endurance! Prosper, if You only
knew
Il know but one thing, Madeleine,
and that is that you 10 longer love me
md that love yOu.'
He was silent. He hoped for an an
swer. None came. But suddenly the
silence was broken by a repressed sob.
1t was Madeleine's maid, who, seated
In a corner, was weeping.
Prosper had been so moved at find
ing Madeleine that he had not noticed
her. He turned in surprise and look
ed at the weeping oma He was not
mistaken-this neatly dressed waiting
maid was Nina Gypsy.
Slowly and almost unconsciously
Madeleine had put on her wraps, which
were lying on the sofa. When she was
ready, she approached Prosper.
why did you come here?' she said.
1--WE both have need of all the courage
we can command. You are unhappy,
Prosper. | am more unhappy. You have
"A right to complain. | have not the right
to shed a tear. While my heart is
slowly breaking l must wear a smiling
face. You can seek consolation in the
bosom of a friend. l can have no con-
fidant but God"
Prosper tried to make a reply, but
his pale lips refused to %articulate. lie
was Stitling.
81 wish to tell you," continued Made
, leine, that ! have forgotten nothing.
But, oh, let not this knowledge give
you any hope. There is no hope fol
us. But if you love M you will live,
, You will not add to my already heavy
burden Of sorrow the agony of mourn
{ ing your death. The day may come
, when l can Justify myself in your
eyes. And now adieu, adieu!'
+ She kissed his forehead and rushed
from the room, followed by Nina Clip
sy.
Prosper was alone. Tie seemed to be
awaking from a troubled dream. HC
tried to think over what had just hap
> pened and asked himself II he were
losing his mind. When NJ. Verdure'
l entered the little parlor, he strobe to
3 ward him and in a harsh, threatening
voice said to him:
4 "Who are you?"
. The fat man did not show any sur
1 prise at this burst of anger, but quiet
ly answered:
9 "A friend Of your father. Did yo'
not know itT'
This is no answer, monsieur.
have surrendered my will to a stran
ger, and now
q do you want my biography-what
have been, what | nm and what ! ma,
q be? What difference does it make +
o you? I told you that l would saw
you. 1t Is essential that l save you"
r "Madeleine has ceased to love mt
and Of what Importance is anythin
q elseT"
+ His ~heartbroken tone aroused NJ
a Vcrduret's sympathy, and he said 1
a kind, soothing %yoice:a