Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-03-04
CHAPTER XVIII.


That same afternoon Gen. Raymond
and Victor entered, in company with
Beatrice, closed carriage which speed
lily carried them to Easton. The unpre
tentious dwellings became more and
more familiar. Attentively she scanned
the cnvirons as they passed through the
streets, and finally stopped before her
step-father's stately mansion.
The banker lay in the same bed her
mother had occupied. At her entrance
the dying mans look rested upon her de-
ceased mothers portrait; then he turned
to Beatrice, who approached softly, pre-
ccding Victor.
"Have you really come, Beatrice" he
asked, in feeble voice, Ito hear a dying
mans confession? l have inflicted a
terrible wrong upon you. intended to
force you into a marriage and violently
separated you from Victor. l accused
him of theft in order to eXtinguish your
love; violated the duties Of a guardian
by tyrannical force; committed you into
the hands Of scoundrel. l would not
be surprised if my pleadings for mercy
were in vain"
A cOnvulsive tremor overcame him,
and outstanding his strength once more,
he continued:
Eyes, | may be pleading in vain for
mercy; but, Beatrice, you will forgive
me, and / will implore heavens blessing
on your innocent head! You have lived
in misery, but | did not know it! I
thought you safe by the side of the man
to whom l gave you as his wife. l have
been punished for it-punished most Sc
verely Could l have lived longer, /
would have demanded satisfaction. But
remember my words, Beatrice-he will
meet an untimely end-a premature
death. He will be punished as l have
been To you, Mr. Raymond, l would
extend my hand; please do not reject it.
And you, Beatrice, kiss me in remem
brance Of your dead kind mother. With
all my faults, loved her a hundred fold
more than my own life. Farewell, my
dear children; heaven will grant you
peace and blessing. Now l feel reliev-
ed, the eternal sleep falls slowly over
my eyes. Attend to the notary. As
as long as my mind is active you must
see that l am sincere
mo, no, you must not die" said Bea-
trice. bending over the dying man like
a friendly angel and impressing a long,
lids. Il feel so happy and l wish to see
you so also"
"Do--do you forgive me, my child?'
Yes. father; all is forgiven and for
gotten"
Thank heaven" he said, fervently
and humbly; then he closed his eyes and
remained quiet as if sleeping. Beatrice
was deeply affected as Victor conducted
her from the room.
The lawyer drew up the last will and
testament, and then Marsden smiled in a
satisfied way. Suddenly a thought came
to his mind and he inquired. anxiously:
Where is Julia? l have not seen her
since she went away with my step-daugh-
ter"
AS Beatrice had informed the SER
wants of kenneth's and Julia's marriage.
they enlightened their masters mind on
that point ut once.
All rose from his released heart.
Not dead-not buried in the forest?
Thank heaven"
They believed him delirious. Calmly
he sank back upon the pillows, and for
the last time gazed upon the portrait
gasp, and Herbert Marsden was dead.
Emily stood before the door of her
fathers home, holding the golden-haired
child i'll her arms She lifted her hand
to ring the bell, but her courage failed,
and she embraced the child more tightly.