The Caldwell tribune., 1903-05-02

flatE' +'~ o. 3'.sS
"If-if-I thought you could mean 1t,
Simon, should begin to be alarmed"
said the maiden, in tone that would
seem to indicate that she did not really
credit the statement she had heard.
II do mean itr' he replied, slowly and
meaningly.
"Simon Lobois, look me in the eye, and
assure me soIemnly that you mean what
you have said" Louise spoke this in an
earnest, eager tone, with her hands clasp
ed and half raised towards her dark
cousin, and her lips firmly compressed.
1t was some moments before Lobols
replied. There was something in the
deep blue eye that was fixed so earnestly
upon him, and in the calm, earnest fea-
lures that met his gaze, that moved him
more than he had counted upon. But then
he was not the man to break down now,
He was not the man to give up the frul-
ton of hope that he had cherished with
his very life for years. He was playing
for golden stake Of immense value, and
now that he held the leading hand, he
meant to use it promptly, and without
compromise of any kind.
"Louise st. Julien" he at length re-
piled, Il mean just what / have said.
You go not from this house until you are
my wife! From this purpose l will not
swevve."
A quick flush passed over the girls
face, and her lip quivered. 4 moment
the thought of spurning the wretch was
| present with her, but the thought, most
| probably, Of her defenseless position kept
her tongue under guard.
"Simon," she murmured, after a while
Of silence, ''you will not be so cruel?
"And is it cruel to want beautiful
| girl, whom one loves, for a wifeW
But what can you want with a wife
who can never love you in returnT'
"Ill teach you to love me-"
"As we'll might you teach me to love
the great crocodile saw the soldiers
playing with in the street this morning.
"Then I'll teach you to fear me"
you've done that already, monsieur"
$50 much the better then; you'll mind
me the quicker"
But why-why should you do this
thingY
! "Tll tell you," spoke Simon, turning
with sudden emphasis upon the girl.
"There is no need that should pretend
to deceive you, nor could l, probably, If
1 tried. For many years l have had
the charge Of your fathers books and
business. You know he is wealthy-more
wealthy than any other ten men in the
colony. When he came here into this joy
forsaken wilderness, l came with him to
help him. The thought came to me, as |
beheld your mind expanding under. my
care, that at some future day l might
possess your heart and hand, and thus
the half Of your fathers fortune would
be mine. So l strove to make you all /
could, and the property l multiplied as
fast as possible. The wealth has grown
in bulk under my care, and now am not
ready to give all up. l am not willing to
see the hopes of a lifetime blasted just
from the mere whim Of capricious girl"
But do you think my father will allow
his property to fall into your hands when
he knows that married you from abso-
lutte compulsion?" asked the fair girl,
earnestly.
HE cannot we'll help it. He cannot
cut me off without cutting you off, too
But he will demand dissolution Of
the union between u.s."
"Ha! he cannot gain it If he does.
am prepared there. and I know the
ground on which l stand. The king has
empowered the company to fra e domes
tic regulations to meet the wants of The
colony, and they have already passed
resolution that every sane, sound girl, O.
seventeen years or upwards, shall marry
il proposal is made from q respectable
source"
"Ay-but the payment of o hundred
1 AIo II
$50 it can. But no power can annu
the marriage tie"
"Then mark me, Simon Lobois! l will
bid my father that he let me live in pen
ury and want, for, as your wife, my sor
row will have reached it's climax; so yo,
shall not thus gain the gold you covet.
"And mark me. Louise ST. Julien
While your father withholds the half O
his fortune from you, | will reduce 20
to such suffering as shall force me to bin
you to prevent you from taking your ow
life to end your torturesw
A few moments Of silence ensued an
then Simon said. in a softer tone:
, But let us drop this profitless tall
, You will consider of this, and know 70
, will calmly settle down into state {
! reasonable acquiescence. Now give n
q u direct answer. Will you become NJ
r wife without any further act of compu
sion?'
R Il should judge you had heard enoug
8 to know my mind"
b but would know If l must comp
you. Mind, now! My resolution is fixe
e l have counted the cost, and am resolve
t upon the throw. When We return, yc
Y may tell your father, if you please, th
b | compelled you to become my wife. b,
IL / shall not care. He cannot take sc
d from me after the church has bound "
to me, and if he seeks otherwise to har
o me, he will only heap suffering upon Il
T. head Of his own child. Your father ga
y me permission to seek your hand"
# II do not believe it, Simon"
81 care not for your belief. That
II told me so is true, and now have soug
you. Will you be my wife?"
"Neverr
It 1--WE shall see."
y And with this, the wretch strode fro
', the apartment.
ID CHAPTER XIV.
W 1t was nearly dark when Simon Lobe
left his captive, and the poor girl wait
in vain for the coming of her supp'
~ Soma tiupa ba Sho ",