The Grit-advocate., 1903-12-04


loot VI lne gallows.
Accustomed as she was to such
things, even she was startled by the
fierce eloquence of the impassioned
words that fell from his lips.
Il cannot give you what l do not pos.
sess,' she said, coldly, withdrawing
her hand from his too ardent CLASH.
Il have no heart. Don't mistake me-"
she added, as she noted the fierce
jealousy aroused by these words. 1T
is not that l have bestowed it on any
one. l have no heart to give. l don't
think ever had any. Men have come
to me, asking of me what you ask.
and telling me the same story. They
spoke, as you have spoken, of feelings
and emotions which are utterly in
comprehensive to me, and in which
could not share if l would"
Young Howard turned his eyes stead
lily upon the face of the speaker; so
rarely beautiful in outline and color
ing, but as calm and passiOnless as
summer lake He raised his hand
to heaven, as if invoking upon her
head. voiceless curse
1OuE tliue VIII come.
The door closed upon the speaker
but there was something in that hag-
gard face. in those desparing eyes,
that haunted Isabel for some months
LATTER.
: Il wonder if I shall ever lOve?" she
omurmured, as, drawing down the sofa
cushion under her head. she settled
herself for the afternoon nap with
which she usually refreshed herself
for the evening. Il hope not. if it is
going to affect me as it does most
people" .,.i...
f. ,-6''IIHH,t.
s.@1Iow very shockingr'
The sun had disappeared behind the
Western hills. and refreshed by the
quiet sleep she had, Isabel stepped
out upon the veranda when this eX-
clamation fell upon her ear. uttered
by one of the excited group that had
gathered in one corner of it.
what is it?'
"YOung Howard has shot himself,'
Fortunately. the gathering shades of
twilight concealed the face that sud-
denly blanched at these words, and
those present We're too much absorbed
IN their own feelingR of astonlshment
and horror to notice tine uns;eadiness
in 1sabels voice, as she said.
What could have induced him to do
that?"
"He was, without question insane"
said grave, pompOus looking man
among the group. Insanity is hered-
itary in his family; his mother died
insane"
Isabel drew a long sigh of relief.
"Oh. that accounts for it, them
"Who is he:"
Again Isabel's eyes wandered across
the room to where a plainly dressed
man was standing. rather distinguished
looking. and yet not sufficiently so to
warrant the attention and interest he
seemed to excite.
There was an unmiStakablo air of
triumph in Mrs. Fane's manner, as she
replied:
la! my dear. don't you know? It's
Maurice Dudley. the new arrival So
charming, and yet such an oddity!
Half the women are crazy after him.
though it's easily seen that he doesn't
care for them And he doesn't mind
their knowing it. either. What do yon
think he said to Mrs. Kinds, the other
evening. when she offered to intro
duce him to you-'the reigning belle
as she called yOu?'
Isabel saw and felt the malice that
al, l,,1.
words.
How should I know" she said,
with an air of Indifference that was
feigned, as Mrs Fame well knew.
"I've no especial liking for reigning
bellies he said. as grand as the Grand
Mogul himself. Wasn't that an odd
speech, my dear?"
II suppose he meant it to be odd"
retorted Isabel, unable wholly to con.
ceal the wound her vanity had received
from the malicious eyes that were
watching her. Its the height of
some peoples ambition to be odd. l
don't see anything very alarming about
him. I can point you to half dozen
men in our own set better looking
than he"
"Ah! but you should hear him talk!
He's been everywhere. l should say.
And then he has such a musical voice,
and such expressive eyes. Take him
altogether. he is the most fascinating
man ever met. though YOU might find
score that are handSOmer.'
With these words Mrs. Fame walked
away, taking with her the pleasant
assurance that she had left hcr dear
friend" as uncomfortable as she could
desire. Not that she had any cspe-
cial cause for i'll will. except Isabefs
superior personal attractions. though
perhaps our feminine readers Will con-
slider that to be cause enough.
After this. Isabel met Mr.. Dudley
often-Or rather. saw him: for. much