Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1903-11-27

Then, full OF anticipation for her
lover. she ran down to the hall. To
her great disappointment the room was
empty; he had not yet come. She
waited a moment; her eyes fell upon
the frame from which the remnants
of the tattered painting had been re-
moved, which was leaning on a dais In
front Of an alcove against the wall,
Just beneath the spot where the pic
ture had hung. A new thought oc-
CURED to her. Why not? She eagerly
pushed the old chair behind the frame,
1t as it had been in the pic
ture, and sat down in exactly the same
position her mother had assumed when
the portrait had been painted. She
had often practiced it before the mir
ror, and had acquired the pose per-
fectly.
The rich, dark old tapestry Of arras
formed an appropriate background,
and life and love and expectation
threw light in her eyes and painted
upon her cheeks hues that no skill,
however cunning, could have duplicat-
ed, no palette save that of Nature in
her rarest mood supplied. The girl
had forgotten for the moment her en-
gagement to another: she had forgotten
the impending fate which hung over
the man she truly loved. She was only
woman, loving, beloved, waiting.
The thought of his surprise, the con-
seriousness of her own beauty, deepened
the color on her cheeks and the palpi-
tation Of her bosom told of the beating
Of her heart
She looked hastily about her. and as
the door opened settled herself in the
position Of sweet repose Of the picture.
Never had earth borne a fairer woman.
The first sound that struck her ear was
the somewhat harsh voice of her
guardian. A wave Of disappointment
swept across her. She half rose rs II
to discover herself, and then as she
heard her lovers voice she sank back
and waited, motionless and expectant.
Lieutenant Barry O'Neill. marquis
de Richemont, bid you good evening""
said the admiral genially.
"Sir, good evening to you," replied
O'Neill, something warning him Of IN
impending struggle.
"Allow me-" said the admiral, pass
ing his snuffbox. from which both gen.
tlemen helped themselves deliberately.
II have here" continued the old man.
drawing a piece Of paper from the
desk as they walked toward the center
Of the room, neither OF them noticing
the picture at the moment, as 1t was
behind them, some account Of the life
and adventures of one Gerald O'Neill,
some time gentleman Of the County
Glare, in Ireland, who rebelled against
his gracious majesty King George H.,
Of blessed memory, in the year 1745.
His lands were escheated to the crown,
his life forfeited. Unfortunately for
Us, and fortunately for him. he escaped
to the continent, entered the service of
Louis XIV. and became
you may spare me any further de-
tails, my lord. know them too well.
He became q marshal Of France, and
my father"
1.-TWO great honors, surely" said the
admiral, smiling pleasantly.
II thank your lordship for the compli-
ment Pray proceed"
II have here. also, a brief account Of
the history Of another gentleman In
whom l doubt not you are deeply in
terested."
zone Barry O'Neill, marquis de
Richemont"
"Your very humble servant, SIR"
"Your determination does you honor,
marquis" said the admiral piayfully.
Faith, sir, you read me an easy rid
de-"
II find that you have been concerned
In every reasonable plot against his
majesty which has been Matched on the
continent since you were out Of lead
Ing strings"
Rather hard, but true. sir. An Irish
man. you know, is naturally rebel and
q conspirator."
"Quite 30, and those who are not
drowned may expect to be hanged"
said the admiral sternly.
As am a sailor might reasonably
have hoped for the former end, but I
have forfeited my rights BY coming on
shore, suppose" He paused, and as
the admiral nodded gravely he contin-
ued with well simulated indifference:
"'Tis not a pleasant mode Of death,
my lord, nor one that I would have
chosen, nor one that is becoming a gen.
tleman, but trust shall meet it with
eQuanimity at least" O'Neill was q
little paler than before, but still daunt-
lessly smiling.
II am glad to see that you are man
Of such resolution, sir" said the ad-
miral. IF your discretion equal your
courage. the matter may be arranged"
1T Is useless to try it." was the re-
ply. ITO have known your ward, to
have seen her and to know that she Is
destined for the arms Of another makes
Life hell and death a pleasure"
Els it soT said the admiral, pausing.
Think Of the days of your own
youth. sir. and one that you loved, and
you will understand me-"
The admiral reflected. The stake he
was playing for was 80 high, his desire
was SO great, that, like the woman who
hesitated. he fell. There would be
some way out Of it. surely. As he drew
near to the moment and to the goal
his overwhelming desire took posses
sion Of him and blinded him. Desire
blinds as well as love.
Even that" finally he said slowly.