Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1904-02-06


the duke and Mrs. Beringer standing to-
gether in the embrasIre of one of the
windows in the hall. But, unfortunately,
that was not all. The duchess say En-
erald take a letter from her pocket and
put 1t, In a manner which certainly i'm
piled secrecy, into the hand of the duke.
The duchess disdained to play the spy.
She went back to her own room and tried
to fight down the fierce tide of jealousy
which was rising in her soul. She could
find no comfort now in dwelling upon
what had seemed his gracious conduct Of
the morning. On the contrary, it in
creased her doubts, for jealousy extracts
poison out of wholesome food. To herself
she said: Perhaps he only sought a
reconciliation with me 90 make things
smooth for her"
In her own room sat Emerald Beringer,
sadly musing. On this day she was to
leave Cromartie castle. The term of her
visit had expired, and it was but little
likely she would be asked TO extend her
stay. That the duchess was completely
changed towards her she was quick to
feel; but she attributed this entirely to
her refusal of Darnley.
1T was simply to get my money for
her cousin she had me here" Emerald
said to herself, with proud disdain. Il
had thought better of her than that. But
they are all alike Not one of them but
would rejoice to see me with my head in
the dust. The duchess viii drop me, and
all her set win follow her example. Oh.
it is cruel world! ] could triumph over
them all if chose. There is wayl"
She leaned forward, and, looking at her
own reflection in the mirror, whispered
almost as if she were telling it secret.
All, yes, there is a way, if | were only
base enough to take it. He loves me,
and love him, but far too well to bring
him to dishonor. The oak supports the
ivy, but sometimes the very clinging Of
the ivy destroys the oak That proud,
grand head of his has never bowed in
shame before his fellow-men, and shall
it be humbled now by me? All, no, my
love, ah, no."
A few minutes later she went down
stairs, calm and tranquil, with no trace
of agitation on her lovely face She knew
quite we'll that that day was to see the
supreme moment of her life Dundonald
would offer her his love; lie would ask
her to be the future Duchess of Doom.
Last night he had hurriedly whispered in
her ear that he intended driving her to
the railway station. 1t lay with her to
choose her lotto enter primrose paths,
and find there an unimaginable bliss, or
to climb with bleeding feet the chill, gray,
Jagged heights of q great remuneration.
She was calm because she had already
made her choice.
She was dressed for her departure. The
duke and duchess stood in the hall ready
to say farewell. Dindonald was there
also when she entered, and she could see
by the flush on the duchess cheek that
there had been some alteration. She
guessed, rightly, that it had sprung out
of his resolve to drive her to the station.
Il will go and see the horse put inn
he said. in clear, firm voice, and left the
hall. There was an awkward silence.
Emerald did not even attempt to break
it. She was completely absorbed by the
strength of her own emotions.
She loved Douglas Dundonald Her
heart cried out for him with every pulse
and fiber. Nay, in its passionate yearn-
ing, it even said that, if only she might
once lay her head upon his bosom, and
feel his dear arms about her, his dear
lips on hers, she would be content to bid
him farewell for evermore.
She glanced at the long line of dukes
and duchesses whose portraits hung over
the staircase leading from the hall 81
have only to say the word and nv por.
trait would hang there with the best of
them. But l viii never say it. No, my
love! All, mol"
The duchess here spoke some frosty
word.
"How cold she is to met" thought EN-
erald. Il wonder if she would be a little
kinder to me il she knew | mean to re-
fuse Dondonald. l suppose she would not
be able to believe it. She would deem it
impossible that any woman should have
such a prize within her reach and put it
from her for loves sake. Yes, my dear
one! my hearts dearesti 1t is because
love you | shall refuse to be your wife"
At this moment Darnley rushed into
the hall.
Something has happned." he cried.
breathlessly. THE grooms are CARRYING
Drmdonald. That brute of a mare must
have kicked him. believe he's dead."
Nonsense, sir" said the duke, angrily.
Don't you see there are ladies present?
Keep back, Barbara! l command you
keep back!"
The command came too late. The
duchess had rushed to the window; hut.
swiftly as she had crossed the room. En-
erald was before her. The sight which
met their gaze was terrible A mournful
procession of grooms and stable keepers.
every man looking as if struck dumb
with horror. Stretched on door was the
seemingly lifeless form of Dundonald.
The duchess gave piercing shrek, and
Emerald stood rigid as if turned to stone.
then suddenly swayed and fell. The duke
stepped forward and caught her in his
arms.