The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1902-11-12

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 IL she
were about to faint. She supported
herself by the table to keep from fall
ing. Her weakness lasted but q mo-
ment, and the soft expression of her
eyes changed to IL 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
lever again seek my presence. Is this
the way you keep your wordp
81 did promise, butt
He stopped.
ooh, speakp
$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 n mo-
ment of blind weakness. 1t is to
chance--at least to another Will than
my own-that 1 am indebted for the
happiness OF one more finding myself
near you. Alas, the instant 1 saw you
my heart bounded with joy. I did not
think-no, I could not think-that you
would prove more pitiless than stran-
gers have been; that you would cast
me off when 1 an 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 Il great inward struggle.
1t was, however, In n firm voice that
she replied:
"You know me we'll enough, Prosper,
without reaching me at the same time.
You suffer, 1 suffer with you"
"You drove me away" said Prosper,
"and to obey you I told every one that
1 had left you voluntarily. You told
me that an invincible obstacle had
arisen between us, and l believed you,
fool that L was! The obstacle was
your own heart"
AS white and motionless rs n 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 1 forget2 Is
1t In my power to stop by an effort of
will the circulation of my blood? All,
you have never lovedl To forget, as to
stop the beatings OF the heart, there ts
but II means-death!'
Good heavens, this suffering Is be-
yond cndurance! Prosper, if you only
knew
81 know but one thing, Madeleine,
and that is that you no longer love me
and that 1 love your
HI was silent. He hoped for an an
swcr. None anne. But suddenly the
silence was broken by a rcpressed sob.
1t was Madelcinc's maid, who, seated
in n corner, was weeping.
Prosper had been 50 moved at find
Ing Madeleine that he had not noticed
her. He turned in surprise md look
ed ut the weeping lie was not
m~istaken-this neatly dressed waiting
maid was Nina Gypsy.
Slowly and almost unconsciousIy
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.
I'VE both have need OF all the courage
we can command. You are unhappy,
Prosper. am more unhappy. You have
II right to complain. l have not the right
to shed a tear. While my heart is
slowly breaking I must wear n smiling
face. You can seek consolation in the
bosom of n friend. 1 can have no con-
fidant but God"
Prosper tried to make n reply, but
his pale lips refused to a%rticulate. He
was sitting.
II wish to tell you" continued Made
leinc, 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 1 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. He seemed to be
nwaking from n troubled dream. He
tried to think over what had Just hap
pcned and asked himself If he were
losing his mind. When M. Yerduret
entered the little parlor, he strobe to-
ward him and In a harsh, threatening
voice said to him:
"Who are your"
The fat man did not show any sur.
prise at this burst of anger, but quiet
ly answered:
"a friend Of your father. Did O
not know jtp"
This Is no answer, monsieur. I
have surrendered my will to a stran-
ger, and now''- g.
ID you want my biography-what I
have been, what / am and what I nav
bef What difference docs it make to
you? L old you that I would save
you. 1t is essential that 1 save you"
Madeleine has ceased to love me.
and of what Importance Is anything
elseT"
His heartbrokcn one aroused NJ.
N~erdurets sympathy, and he said in
II kind, soothing voice:
linen you suspect nothing? You did
not fathom II meaning of what She
said?"
You were listening" cried Prosper
fercely.
hI NUno IL