Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1902-03-15

which was a large sign-"Drcssmak-
err" A handsome bcllrope hung on the
wall, but NJ. Vcrduret did not touch it.
lie tapped with the ends of his fingers
in q peculiaPway. and the door in
stantly opened as if some one had been
watching for his signal on the other
side-a woman of about forty. She
quietly ushercd NJ. Vcrduret and Pros
per into neat dining room with sever
al doors opening into it.
"Well?" he said by 4 look.
She bowed afiirmatively.
eyes"
"In therc?" asked NJ. Verduret in q
low tone, pointing to one Of the doors.
"No," said the woman in the same
tone; cover there in the little parlor."
NJ. yerdurct opened the door pointed
out and pushed Prosper into the little
parlor, Whispering as he did so:
"Go in and keep steady"
But this injunction was useless. The
instant he cast his eyes around the
'rom into which he had been pushed
without any warning Prosper exclaim-
ed:
"Madeleine!
1t was indeed NJ. Fauvels niece, look
ing more beautiful that ever. Stand
ing in the middle Of the room near
table covered with silks and satins,
she was arranging Il skirt Of red velvet
embroidered in god-the dress she was
to wear as maid Of honor to Cath
crime de- Mcdici. At sight Of Prosper
the blood rushed to her face. and her
beautiful eyes half closed, as if she
were about to faint. She supported
herself by the table to keep from fall
ing. Her weakness lasted but 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. Tut
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 wordF
81 did promise, but
He stopped.
ooh. speak"
$50 many things have happened
since that terrible day that think |
am excusable in forgetting for one
hour an oath torn from me in mo-
mcnt of blind weakness. 1t is to
chance-at least to another will than
my own-that | am indebted for the
happiness Of once more finding myself
near you. Alas. the instant saw you
my heart bounded with JOY. l did not
think-no, could not think-that you
would prove more pitilcss than stran-
gers have been; that you would cast
me off when am so miserable ana
heartbrOken."
Had not Prosper been so agitatcd 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 q great inward struggle.
1t was. however. In a firm voice that
she replied:
'You know me we'll enough. Prosper.
to lc sure that no blow can strike you
without reaching me ut the same time.
You suffer. suffer with you.'
You drove me away" said Prosper,
"aud to obey you | told every one that
| had left you voluntarily. You told
me that an invincible obstacle bad
arisen between us. and | believed you,
fool that was! The obstacle was
your own heart"
AS white and motionlcss as statue.
Madeleine stood with bowed head be
fore the storm Of passionate reproach.
IL told you TO forget me-"
"Forgct." exclaimed Prosper excited
ly. "Forget. How can forget? Is
it in my power to stop by an effort or
will the circulation of my blood? All,
you lave never loved! TO forget, as to
stop the beatings Of the heart. there is
but one mcanS-death.'
Good heavens. this suffering IS be-
yold endurance! Prosper, if you Oily
knew
~ know but one thing. Madeleine,
and that is that ynI no longer lpye lne
and that love yoI.'
He WAS silent. He honcl for m an
swcr. None cane. I:ul $E';draly the
silence was broken hy Il rpr, >S,d sob.
1t WAS Madclrinrs lmlid, who, seated
in Il corner, was weeping.
Prosper had been moved ut find
in" MHdrl"inr that lIr lIld not noticed
her He turned in surprise ANA i"k-
cd at the weeping woInan. lie w;iS not
MISTAKEN this neatly dressed waiting
maid w;S Nina GipSy.
Slowly and H!mnSt unrOnSciouSly
Madeleine had rTl on her wraps. which
were lying on tl!c sofa. When she wAS
ready. she approached Pr"Swr.
"Why did yuiI coiar hcrr:" she said.
I'VE both have need of :ll the courage
we can ,."lIllmamd. Iuu are unhappy.
Prosper. | am more un!%rpy. l"u HAY"
:: right To complain. l!HV" I"t the right
10 shed tear. Will" my heart is
slowly breaking" must wr:ir Il smiling
face. You can seek consultation iii the
bosom at Il friend. can have no CON
tidant l,ut Cod"
Prosper tried 10 make Il reply. hut
his pale lips refused To arlirulatr. He
WIS stiilin-.
81 wish tp tell Vol" uutinupl Malp-