The Indianapolis journal., 1903-11-15

thought of other ambitions-of her hus-
bands career of John Henley and his
greater fame.
Yet in her light dress lowering upon the
steps to which the little boat was moored.
she looked like a river nymph waiting to
sport with the moonbeams as soon as they
should rise to play. Often late at night
Mrs. Landale, who loved the water, would
plunge in for a swim, and always before
breakfast she might be seen diving off her
punt In the smartest of French bathing
gowns.
Suddenly the sound of wheels made her
look up from her silent meditations. She
was glad of the dusk to hide her features,
fearing her quivering lips might tell tale.
She had caught glimpse of her eyes In a
mirror as she passed out of the house. She
trembled at the thought that they be-
trayed her dark plot, bespoke the evil In her
soul.
"Ah, my friend" cried the false voice,
and the siren held out a white hand
81 fear 1 am late. I don't know how to
apologize" answered the mans voice.
There was a certain strength in the per-
sonality of John Henley, vitality which,
hard az she was almost made her shudder
at the knowledge of his approaching fate.
Eyes, you are very late. But ii doesn't
matter" she replied, now you are really
here. / am going 10 row you across to the
foot of that island opposite to a delightful
nook near the weir. The willows just there
make quite an arbor; our little boat will
fit in beautifully
'It is indeed a little boat" he said. do
you know. 1 am quite afraid of its upset.
ting, but we can both swim"
Like fish," replied Mrs. Landale 'T am
as much at home in the water as on land"
She sprang in motionng him to follow.
The soft splash of sculls and the light craft
glided away phantom-like towards the
rushes.
Mrs. Landale talked cheerfully as she
unpacked the supper, refusing help and
laughing at his praise of her prowess In
managing boats and picnic baskets.
Il am going to wait on you, for change"
she said. lis it not delightful of me? I
hope you are hungry
Together they commenced their meal, the
romantic surroundings and dim light adding
to its charm. She poured him out glass
of wine, declaring she drank nothing. AS he
raised it to his lips she turned her head
quickly away, and slight-a very slight
vibration shook her frame.
Later on she repenished his glass, and
again she looked away.
Don't you find the river makes you
feel sleepy?" she queried when the meal
was over. "Are you not conscious of a de-
licously drowsy sensation? Shut your eyes
a moment and listen to the music Of the
al ic full alrv,ip louo
busy day..
leaning back on the cushions with little Of
his past vitality left. He seemed glad to
obey her, and closed his eyes with a deep
drawn sigh. She watched him breathlessy
for several minutes, not speaking a word.
Then she touched his arm. whispering:
John, John, are you awake?"
No answer.
A little sound Of relief and pleasure es-
capped her lips. She felt his pulse: it was
beating in what seemed to her just usual
way. She touched his forehead; it was
damp and somewhat cold.
Truly the hosts of the enemy had been de-
livered into her hands. A terrible laugh of
triumph broke on the still night air. She
thought of his political party. of the great
men he led, and how weak woman could
make the greatest.
Snatching up the sculls she flung them on
the water with singing sound. Then with
long, sure strokes she drew the fragile bark
on-on-to the white foaming weir.
The crash of its cool waters made madness
in her burning brain. She bit her lips till
| they bled. keeping her green eyes fixed upon
the motionless figure in the bows, eyes so
lynx-like they bore no longer any resem-
blance to the eyes of a human soul.
Swiftly she reached the fast running cur
rent; soon she and her victim were at the