Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1904-01-05
CHAPTER XXI,

the very portals of death, the deepest still
ness reigned. Softly burned the shaded
lamps, casting a subdued glow about the
apartment, yet so disposed as to leave IN
shadow the curtained couch and its slum-
bering occupant. For Rose was sleeping
calmly, so calmly, so quietly, that you
might almost have thought her dead. The
breath that foated from those pale lips
was scarcely perceptible, though regular,
SO much had illness reduced her strength.
She slept, nor dreamed of danger.
For the first time to-day the invalid
was left alone. But suddenly the door
near the head of the couch was opened
noiselessly, and with slow and stealthy
caution, from without. A tall, light
robed, ghost-like form glided in without
a sound-ghost-like, except for the large
brilliant dark eyes that cleaned more
wildly than ever tonight, and the GRIM
son spot of excitement burning on either
cheek, while all the rest of that face was
ashy white. 1t was Helen Montauban!
What more fitting time was there for her
work of evil to be accomplished! None
could witness her now; none were near
this place. And the tiny flask cleaned
In the softened light, as she drew 1t from
her bosom.
One hand, holding the vial, was stretch
ed forth to the silver cup set upon the
stand by the bedside. Courage, and the
work is done. Yet that guilty hand shook
with fear, as, drop by drop, the poison
was poured into the cup. And deien
Montauban glanced fearfully towards the
door by which she had entered; for 1t al
most seemed, to her miserable, horror
struck fancy, that some one must De
watching her.
A shadow had startled her. With
ghastly smile at her own nervousness, sne
silently mingled the poison with the night
drink of Rose; then. as noiselessly as she
had entered, returned to her own room
across the gallery. 1t was done! What
had she to fear now? Who would ever
dream, when the hour of death came,
that such agency as this had been en-
ployed? Closing the door. she paced her
chamber restlessly, with both hands
clasped tightly against her heart, whose
violent throbbings seemed to fill with
clamorous sound this awful midnight 81
lence. Listening in almost intolerable
suspense, and pacing her apartment, she
waited for some signal from the opposite
chamber.
A whole hour passed. Then there was
a sound-a light step-in the gallery. lt
was the Countess de Clairville, return
ing to the bedside of Rose. Helen Mon
tauban could endure this suspense no
longer. She must see, with her own eyes,
the conclusion of this tragedy. Emers-
ing from her apartment, therefore, she
Joined the countess, as she entered the
opposite door.
"Ah, my dear, is that you? Then you
have been asleep also?" said the countess,
smiling. But it is rather chilly tonight
do you not think SOP
"Yes-it is cold,' uttered Helen Mon
tauban, hoarsely-"it is cold!' and she
shivered.
She drew near the fire and crouched
shudderingly over the broad blaze. The
Countess de Clairville went to the couch
Of Rose and bent over it for an instant.
1.-The dear child is asleep, l think, she
said, presently, returning to the hearth.
''How refreshing-how delightful it is for
one to see her once more enjoying so gem
tie slumber! Poor little Rose. she must
be we'll nigh worn out with this fatlgu-
ing Illness | wonder" the lady contin-
ued, seating herself by the hearth, oppo-
site Mademoisele Montauban-"1 Won
der how her father is down at the vii
lage? They thought he was dying this
morning when the marquis went down.
What sad thing it would have been if
the father and daughter had both died!
She spoke in subdued whispers.
Mademoiselle Montauban bent lower
over the blaze, warming her hands.
"And peculiar, too," she returned, in
a low tone But we cannot be too care
full of her. even now; for Nj. Merry says
that. in her present feeble state, the least
excitement or alarm might be fatal to
her. l dread that. l think, suppose any
thing should happen, after all our re-
joicing? We must be SO cautious! The
least thing, you know-the least thing
might kill her!'
She shook as she uttered these words;
her eyes were wild and strange. Those
delicate, slender hands touched the
flames, as she held them out. but she
never knew it.; A species of insanity was
upon her. The protracted contemplation
of this terrible deed, strong as were her
nerves, had begun almost to tell upon
her reason.
81 wonder if Hugh Lamonte is still liv
ing?" continued the countess. 1T is
pity that he could not be brought here;
but Jean Morel said they had declared
1t impossible to move him with safety.
Besides, it would be dangerous to Rose,
Perhaps, if he were in her vicinity, for
she would be more likely to gain some
knowledge of his situation. Yet what a
sorrowful thing it is that they cannot bid
each other adieu"
At that moment the door near the head
of the couch was opened. Both the coun-
tess and Helen turned to see who en-
tered. 1t was the physician, NJ. Merry.
He paused by the bedside an instant. bent
over Rose and listened. Her respiration
was calm and regular, though almost inn
perceptible. After regarding her a mo-
ment, he advanced silently towards the
hearth. A chill struck through the guilty
Helen. She had not expected him so
soon, and the deed was yet unaccomplish-
ed!
"Ah, NJ. Merry, is that you?" said the
countess; and she bent eagerly forward.
"How is"
The physician placed a warning finger
upon his lip.
Not too loud. my dear madame" he
whispered. lit is all over"
"Ah, how sadr' The tears came into
her eyes.