Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-27
CHAPTER ".
Fedora.

Fedora.
Overton made up his mind to enter
the London mension of Fedoras pa
ternal ancestors unannounced. He
watched his chance to slip in with a
party alighting from 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 reckless way at
the audGclty OF his expectations. and
presently sullenly grinding his teeth
at seeing Livermore bending over Fe-
dora. with 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 ap-
pearGnce perhaps Of the hated Afri-
can hero, who haunted Fedora's foot
steps. Jack summoned his resolution
20 the fore. and determined to put his
| fate to the test.
When he uttered her name, coupled
with 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? 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-
| iutely necessary that | see you to-
| night. else you may be certain 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.
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.
Il am to understand. then, that 1t Ia
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."
Il have considered every point"
slowly.
And your dectsioc?"
| She looked up at him-deiance
struggled with the old love that could
never be entirely crushed In her heart.
"Oh. jack 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 I think so, and then
discover II Is not true, and that l
shall always love you. Jack; but
shrink from poverty-my devotion Is
pitiful and weak compared with yours
Il 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
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?"
It 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
proud. and who loves me So. 1t would
be better for you to forget me. am
not worthy OF such love as you have
given me. being. after all. only a weak
girl. Forgive me. Jack. oh. forgive
me. II I have wounded your noble
heart. You are angry with me. know,
Jack. Alas! what else can | do-you
must forgive mel"
He shook her hand from his arm
the flash OF diamonds dazzled him.
Il shall never do that-all my life
was at your feet-you trampled on the
hottest emotions a man can feel--you
have made me bitter and cynical to-
ward your sex. feel as though
stood upon new made grave. wherein
had laid all my bright hopes and
my heart. Go back to your guests-to
him. shall quietly leave this house.
and you will never again see the Jack
Overton you knew. Another will
some day take his place and avenge
his bitter wrongs. And so. goodbye"
Her eyes followed his every step.
He was going. and forever. He had
spoken Of q fresh made grave as