The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-04-04

instant he cast his eyes around the
room into which he had been pushed
without any warning Prosper exclaim-
ed:
"Madeleinew
1t was indeed M. Fauvel's niece, look
ing more beautiful that ever. Stand
ing in the middle of the room near a
table covered with silks and satins,
she was arranging a skirt of red velvet
embroidered in gold-the dress she was
to wear as maid of honor to Cath
crime de- Medici. 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 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
housew
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 word?"
81 did promise, butt
He stopped.
ooh, speakw
$50 many things have happened
since that terrible day that think I
am excusable in forgetting for one
hour an oath torn from me in a mo-
ment of blind weakness. 1t 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. l did not
think-no, l could not think-that you
would prove more pitiless than stran-
gers have been; that you would cast
me off when I 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 great inward struggle.
1t was, however, in 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.
Won cy,,ffo- T c,1ffa, with
"You drove me away" said Prosper,
"and to obey you l told every one that
\ had left you voluntarily. You told
me that an invincible obstacle had
arisen between us, and believed you,
fool that l was! The obstacle was
your own heart"
AS white and motionless as a statue,
fore the storm of passionate reproach.
81 told you to forget me-"
"Forget" exclaimed Prosper excited
ly. "Forget! How can 1 forget? Is
1t 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-deathw
"Good heavens, this suffering is be-
yond endurance! Prosper, if you only
knew
81 know but one thing, Madeleine,
and that is that you no longer love me
and that love you!"
He was silent. He hoped for an an
swer. None came. But suddenly the
silence was broken by repressed sob.
1t was Madeleines maid, who, seated
in 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 woman. He was not
mistaken-this neatly dressed waiting
maid was Nina Gipsy.
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 hereT' she said.
"We both have need of all the courage
we can command. You are unhappy,
Prosper. am more unhappy. You have
II right to complain. have not the right
to shed tear. While my heart is
slowly breaking I must wear a smiling
face. You can seek consolation in the
bosom of a friend. 1 can have no con-
fidant but God"
Prosper tried to make a reply, but
his pale lips refused to articulate. He
was sitting.
81 wish to tell you," continued Made
leine, ''that I have forgotten nothing.
But, oh, let not this knowledge give
you any hope. There is no hope for
us. But if you love me 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 can justify myself in your
eyes. And now adieu, adieup'
She kissed his forehead and rushed
from the room, followed by Nina Clip
sy.
Prosper was alone. He seemed to be
awaking from a troubled dream. He
tried to think over what had just hap
pened and asked himself if he were
losing his mind. When NJ. Verduret
entered the little parlorl he strobe to-