Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1903-12-21
CHAPTER XII.
GENTLEMEN ALL.

l-DDks Duu lUbls SdlN lhC dulllltI
roughly. furious with rage at being
baked in this way. though in spite OF
himself. his heart exultel IN the no.
bilty Of the man. Look, you bCggar-
~ lrishmnn," he exclaimed turning
the surprised young man about before
he could recover himself. Look on
the picture of her whom you reject
Gaze upon It. II you love her, say
whether or no your high flown sent-
ments OF honor can stand against that
prospect" 1t was his final appeal, win
or lose. lie had staked all upon tho
throw.
There in the great frame stood the
most beautiful picture that the eyes of
either man had ever seen. Elizabeth
was standing. One tiny hand clrtched
tightly her heaving bosom; the other
arm was stretched out with appraised
palm like a goddess in command. The
light Of the fickering candles cast sub
tie shadows upon her face. The dusk
Of the room intensified the illusion and
spiritualizcd her beauty. O'Neill look
Cd at her with all his life in his gaze
SO glorious, so splendid, SO perfect a
creature would shake the very soul VI
honor itself
The admiral had played his last card,
This was the end of his resource, and
he watched the Irishman with all the
intensity of tiger about to spring on
its prey. The moments fled. lie knew
that he had lost. Elizabeth had risen
IN the stress of her anxiety. The strain
had been too much for her. She had
been about to intervene between them
when the glanCes OF the two men ar
rested her step. She waited, one little
foot Outstretched, her body leaning
forward slightly. picture Of triumph,
her eyes as two lambert flames play
ing upon her lover He watched her
IN awestruck silence, sank on his
knees, stretched out his arms, murmur-
ing softly:
Thou knowest that love thee!
have dreamed sometimes that in hap
pier days thOu highest nave given me
thy heart. but could not take II with
u bar sinister Of shame between us.
No Was she moving? Was that
some trick of the wavering light?
Good heavens!" cried o'Neill fear
fully, rising. SEES It . spirit? She
Stakes her head! Look you, my lord
she is alive. The picture fell last
night, you remember 'Tis herself.
Elizabeth, Elizabeth. you have heart
and seen-have not decided well?"
How dare you, my lord." exclaimed
the girl. coming down from the daiS
and stepping swiftly toward the aston,
ishod admiral. who shrank back from
her. How dare you make my hand
the reward OF treachery. my person the
bait for dishonOr? And by what right
do you dispose Of me without consult,
ing me? Am ! a slave, that you force
me upon this gentleman? My word Is
! given to your son; you yourself insist
81 upon il. You would play the traitor
double and would fain make him DC
the same. And for what? To compass
the death of one poor man to whom
/ owe life and honor, who Is only fight
ing for what he calls his frcedOmi
Shame upon your gray hairs, sir! Oh
tie insult to my modesty, to be thus
landed about between two men AND
yOu, sir!" she cried in tempestouuS
passion, turning TO O'Neill. You dc
me the honor TO refuse me-to reject
Observation-Disclosures Howard-lool
at me-yOu would have none Of me-
MY honor cried O'Neill, amazed
at her sudden change and inconsisten.
cy
Your honor. Have any honor, sir
Would you have left me shadow oi
| II between you. Stand back, sir! Ny
lord, is It thus you discharge the trust
committed to you by my mother-tC
6iye this gentleman opportunity 10 re.
! turn 10 France and say that he has re,
fused my hand?
| He shall not go back to France
! Lady Elizabeth" said the admiral
sternly.
why not, pray" asked Elizabeth
fultering her passionate anger check.
ed by the admirals word and look.
Because he shall he tried and hang
ed tomorrow as an American spy or a
captured traitor, whichever he may
elect"
She stood as if perrifed at these
Cuel words.
1T is right, sir" said O'Neil. Il
submit, and IL you would make me die
happy say that the hideous proposition
have had from you was but the test
d my honor"
"Oh. sir" cried Elizabeth In agonY-