The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1905-03-16
81 Bound by a Spell $|
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I more where | lay. My eyes were blui
+ rcd with tears. and | could not see dis
tinctly: but | was sensible that Won
/, an dressed in black was kneeling benin
me- She started back. half fearfQlly
; as | moved; but something in my fac
I seemed 80 reassure her for the next mo
, ment she again advanced | brushe,
away my tears, rose to my feet and look
; ed AT her.
She seemed about twenty; her ieur
very slight; sweet. pale. melanehol,
face; and light. golden hair. that fell il
natural ringlets down upon her shoul
ders. While | looked. a thrill rar
through me. Was dreaming had my
troubles affected my brain? No. il was
she. My eager looks again frightened
her.
Il heard you sobbing. and | thought
you were ill.," she said. timidly. us
there anything l can do for you? II
not. pray pardon my intrusion
L She drew further away from me as
she spoke. No; could doubt no more.
That soft. musical voice. that had haunt
ed me in my sleep-whose tones had new
er ceased reverberating in my soul. from
the hour in which had first heard them
was still the same. although the face
aud form had grown older.
do You not remember me?' l cried,
in trembling. eager voice.
She thought l was mad. and a look OF
fear crept over her. but no sign Of rec
ignition.
DO you not remember Bury st. Ed
mund's-the night | met you under the
old gateway-hve years next month";"
At the mention of Bury St. EdmuDd's
could see her face CULVER. She paused
for moment after had finished speak
ing; then she came close TO me and look
ed steadfastly into my face
Yes; it is the same" she said. in a
low voice. How strange that we should
meet again. l have often thought of
you"
Il have never ceased thinking OF your
answered. And l could not help my
tone being passionate one.
She did not appear to remark my
manner, but seemed half lost in reverie.
We were now walking away from that
dismal spot; the keepers were clearing
the park.
do you know" she said, speaking
suddenly, that | thought you were go
ing to throw yourself into the canal. and
that was why | spoke to you? Your
eyes were fixed with such strange look
upon the water, and you were moaning
so sadly"
l shuddered. Already, the thought OF
my meditated crime terrified me- The
despair was lifted off my heart in the
last few moments, and life seemed worth
preserving, after all.
She seemed to read my guilt in my
tell-tale looks
But for You. l should now be lying |
at the bottom Of that canal.' / answer |
ed. in low tone. and my tears fell fast. |
They relieved my sudden revulsion OF |
feeling
"And I have saved you from such
wicked deed. 1t makes me so happy TO
think so," she murmured. But why did |
you wish to drown yourself?' she asked.
Because my life was so wretched.. so
endurable-because | have no friends.
no employment, no hoper' | answered,
Il have no friends she answered. in
a sad voice; but | have never wished
to destroy myself; it would be SO wick
cd
'.Oh, will never think of it again.
said. eagerly.
But il you have no friends and no
employment. you must want money.
an spare it; indeed / can. l give away
good deal. 1t will please me so much
you take it."
This was said in such a simple plead
ng tone, so unconscious Of offense, that
t could not have mortified the most SEN
tive delicacy. But I could not accept.
Please not to ask me; / cannot take
IT, l said.
We walked on until we came to a
treet Of small, pretty houses.
II live there she said. pointing to ,
ne which appeared to have been re- ,
emily built Il am late tonight; Mrs.
wilson will wonder where I am" ,
''Is she your sister," l asked, haz-
riding guess
.'Oh, no-my landlady. As told you, :,
have no friends
How very remarkable the coincidence O
as beenr' l said, after an awkward
iuse. do you remember when first 4,
e metz
''You must not talk Of that, please"
le interrupted. hastily, with a shud- g
r; nor set me thinking Of that time. II
1 shall see them all night in my sleep.
ut | must wish you good night" Il
And shall | not see you again:" / o
id, mOurDfully. :,
You shall come and see me, il you /,
,e," she said. innocently; but added. '"
xt moment, in a doubtful tone, II do
t know what Mrs. Wilson will say Il
out it. Perhaps it is wrong. She c.
ows all these things so much better OF
an / do" nj
Ny countenance fell. and she observ- -
it, for she went on in compassion 80
= tone: "But it is so hard to have no ia
end-no one to speak to, and no EN-
,ymenti / am 50 much better off than
u, | have a good, kind friend to talk
and to be good to me, in Mrs. VIII m
!; and then | have plenty Of work ar
u shall come and see me, and I'll coax
: to be good to you" I'm
Il was now quite dark. / could have
gered there all night listening to her
ce. gazing upon her face. But she ca
d out her hand. pressed it, and
parted.
But ! could not quit the street. lin
ed about a long time, until lights be tei
to appear in the bedrooms OF the wi
ises. | arrived at Rackstraw's build AT
. little before eleven. Martha was
re uneasy, for / had never before 20
Il