The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1903-01-02

eoN "a PooocoSSS
full properties. The leaf l hold in my
hand, if bruised and dissolved in water
and drank, will cause a trance-a
death-like stupor-lasting for hours.
An old negress of Mrs. Journeys told
me Of it, and I myself have, to a slight
extent, experienced its marvellous pow
er. Is it not Interestingly"
Hubert Adare listened in speeches.
establishment. Taking the leaf from
her he examined it curiously. still si-
lent.
Irene" said he, almost in 8 whis-
per. ARE you convinced of the truth Of
what you say"
Quite"
''Then it is destined to help us out of
a difficulty"
She gazed at him wondcringly.
Il allude to my approaching mar
rage"
""Oh, please don't let us discuss that
subject" said she, growing pale.
"Why?"
Because it's fixed. Because Flora
will have become your wife ere this
time tomorrow. Because it is treason
to her to speak of it as you would"
'lrene." said he, so passionately that
she shrank back in positive terror
Irene, it remains for you to say
whether or not that marriage shall
take place."
Irene Rivers still grew paler; she
trembled violently and grasped the
nearest tree for support.
Why should l?" she gasped.
Because l love you.n
IT,, ,1;,,oJ IL, ~, .,1 L.. -
as he spoke and drew her to him; he
would have kissed her, but her head
sank upon his shoulder and she burst
into tears. But, listening to his com
forting words. she soon grew calm.
She said: Hubert, why do you speak
thus? You know as well as I that it
is worse than folly to do so. You
know that your wife I can never be-
that the grim phantom, poverty. will
keep us apart forever on earth. No,
no! You are pledged to Flora and you
must fulfill your promise by making
her your wife. The benefits derived
from the marriage will enable you to-,
realize your grandest dreams-achi1eve
a reputation honored among men.
have marked cut my 5isstiny. Ipro'
pose to enter St. GATHERINGS convent
at New Orleans. Within its peaceful
walls I hope to- find that happiness
earth can neveSf give"
Irene, yoYf shall be my wife. Lis.
ten!m And IN a few hurried words hi
unfolded AZ plan which, as its full i'm.
port dawrhed upon her perceptions al
ternat<ely alarmed and surprised the
gentle being by his side.
will you perform the part assigned
! you?" he added, when all was explain
ed.
Eyes, yes! But, oh, Hubert, I trem,
BILE for you! Think5o o. the danger!!'
Il have thought Of it-have weighed
everything in the balance Of my mind
and decided. The words you spok,
the re velation you made-Was to MT
the ELIXIR of life. Nothing a pre-
vent me from carrying the plan int
effect How pale you are. Irene! ant
how you tremble! Think of the future
darling, and be brave!'
Very few words will suffice to 5ex
plain the relation our different char
ac:ters sustain to each other. Huber
Adare, apoor artist, was Mrs Flour
iney's nephew. Flora. his aunt
3 daughter and his cousin, had been be
, trothed to him when a child. Hi
uncle had died years before leavin;
in his will two very important condi
tions. One was that Hubert mus
marry Flora on her twenty-first birth
day. at which time he was to come in
: to possession of $4,000, inclusive 0
her fortune; the second was that. il
case he died ere the first was consunl
mated, the money was to descend t
Irene Rivers, a child of d distant rela
tive. an orphan whose home had bee
under Mrs. Journeys roof as far a
. her memory extended. Adare yisite
| the old house yearly. He had com
now. it wa supposed, to make Flor
his bride.
|, They walked hastily homeward, no
e word passing between them. bot
being too much occupied with thei
thoughts. As they parted inside til
wide hall, he said: The instrumen
that will accomplish our purpose
now&in my hand. Be prepared. there
fore, to play youar part bravely an
well at any time
Ere she could reply he had passsee
into the adjoining room. In it. near
! large bayWindow, sat Flora FlourneJ
his betrothed wife. She flashed a keer
peculiar glance at him as he approach
ed her.
Hubert. where were youp''
4 TN the garden with Irene
.And I've been alone the whole Q
the a~fternoon.n
: Am sorry, ma chere,n he sale
coolly. s.but why didnst you join usp
was not invited; and so Of cours
Y preferred to remain indoors with I'll
lu.n
.Then you were not alonePn
might as we'll have been.ss' she an
severed, an ugly frown distorting he
face. Lulu, rs yon know, ii but:
paid companion. Wealth buys ever,