The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1902-02-28
CHAPTER v.
Fedora.

the London mansion of Fedora's pa
ternal ancestors unannounced. He
watched his chance to slip in with a
party alighting from a carriage, and,
strange to relate, was successful in
accomplishing his end.
A little survey showed him the con-
servatory, where the perfume of many
exotics filled the air. Here was a
place in which he might linger until
such time as Fedora proved accessible.
While he watched and waited, alter
nately laughing in a reckless way at
the audacity of his expectations, and
presently sullenly grinding his teeth
at seeing Livermore bending over Fe-
dora, with a look of ownership in his
manner, Overton found his opportun-
ity.
The girl, in playing hostess in her
grandfather's house, had occasion to
pass into the conservatory in order to
pluck handful of flowers for some
purpose. Fearful lest this one chance
be snatched from his grasp by the APP
pearance perhaps of the hated Afri-
can hero, who haunted Fedora's foot
steps, Jack summoned his resolution
to the fore, and determined to put his
fate to the test.
When he uttered her name, coupled
with a little Italian term of endear-
ment which he had been wont to use
so tenderly during those happy days
in the paradise of Bohemia, Fedora
startled and almost cried out.
He was instantly at her side, his
eyes fixed upon hers with an eager
glow.
Fedora knew how to master her own
feelings all too well, and in the past
had been accustomed to controlling
Jack as the electrical engineer with
his finger on the button manipulates
the massive machinery.
"My poor Jack, how did you come
here? l hoped to see you quietly to-
morrow, but never dreamed of to-
night when-the house is so full and
we are in danger of Interruptions.
Tomorrow would have been too
late. l have positive engagement for
the morning that may call me out of
England suddenly, and it was abso-
lutely necessary that l see you to-
night, else you may be certain I should
never have gone to the trouble to seek
an interview in this absurd manner.
"Well?" she said, impatiently, tap
ping the toe of her dainty boot on the
floor
Overton still remained master of
himself.
Are you happy, Fedora?' he asked
coldly.
although there are a few things
that give me cause for grief, still can
truthfully answer, yes
Her eyes were lowered-the sense
of shame and guilt was so heavy upon
this radiant creature that she could
not meet the stern, accusing glance of
the orbs that had wearied themselves
many time in her service.
81 am to understand, then, that it is
your desire to break your solemn en-
gagement with me-that from this
time | pass out of your life forever
for Gods sake at least be frank with
me, Fedora-have you seriously con-
sidered this step in all that it means
how often l have called you my own
wife, and that our VOWS were ratified
in the sight of heaven?"
81 have considered every point"
slowly.
And your decision?"
She looked up at him-defiance
struggled with the old love that could
never be entirely crushed in her heart.
"Oh, Jackl be merciful-I could not
give up all these beautiful things that
a woman's heart holds dear, and go
back to that life again, even for you!'
Tell me, have you ceased to love
me, Fedora?" he demanded in an i'm
perious way she had never known him
to show before.
Sometimes / think so, and then |
discover it is not true, and that 1
shall always love you, Jack; but l
shrink from poverty-my devotion is
pitiful and weak compared with yours
i could never endure that again"
But you need not-all | ask is that
you remain faithful and wait-by the
power with which my love endows me
l swear to wrest honor and wealth
from the world, aye, to even your
hearts content. Can you not enjoy
your present position and still bid me
hope?"
II was his last appeal-the yearning
cry of a soul that stands on the brink.
She shook her head sadly.
Il have considered all that. my
poor Jack. but 1t would not be dealing
honestly with grandpa. who is SO very