Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-11-08
Venus Over the
Monks Tower
BY EMMA GARRISON JONES.

1t was Just sunset, and Sir Guy
Thurston came whistling across the
grounds with brace of pheasants in
his hand.
The shooting was fine down in the
south coppice, and half dozen Lon
don friends were at The Larches to
enjoy 1t. Since noon of the golden
September day the crack of their rifles
had not ceased. The keeper had gone
in laden with the trophies Of their
skill; the guests had followed, tired
out and anxious to dress for dinner;
but Sir Guy had fingered to bring
down that last brace of birds.
The sun went down as he reached
the park, and sudden wind came up
from the sea, bringing down the yell
low leaves in showers. Something
else fluttered and fell at Sir Guys very
feet-a folded strip of cream-colored
paper. He stopped and picked it up,
moved by vague impulse of idle
curiosity. 1t contained the date of the
month, and single line, written in a
firm, round hand:
Come, when Venus shines over the
Monks Tower"
Sir Guy read it thrice over.
What the deuce does 1t mean?" he
muttered, glancing through the larches
at the Monks Tower, rising black
and grim against the glowing sky.
There's some deviltry on foot, I'll
warrant. Some of the kitchen girls,
or perhaps my lady's maid, Fanchette.
I've caught her making eyes at Ire
lawny. There goes the first bell; I'm
late" and he crumpled the paper into
his pocket and forgot it.
At dinner my lady wore rose-pink
silk, and white lace, and pearls, and
half-blown buds in her raven braids;
and the London friends, though they
were as hungry as wolves, forgot
their appetites and the dainty dishes
in their admiration.
Dinner over, there were music and
dancing. My lady sang, and the night
ingales without grew silent that they
might hear. My lady danced, and ner
partners fancied themselves in Ely
SUM.
Sir Guy looked on, and for the first
time in his life grew jealous, without
shadow of a cause save his wife's
exceeding beauty and the admiration
1t excited.
He remembered the note he had
picked up, and his heart gave a great
thump. What if it were intended for
her?
He walked straight across the wax
lit drawing room to her side.
you are not engaged, Hildegard?"
She smiled up at him, with eyes like
stars.
There begins the waltz, and here
comes Mr.. Trelawny," she said.
Sir Guy scowled savagely.
"Mr Trelawny can wait, Come with
me, my lady"
She followed him in utter amaze
ment out to the southern terrace.
What is 1t, Guy?" she asked, her
white hand on his arm.
Nothing, only l want your com
pany. I've right to it, haven't I?
/ want to show you the stars See how
they glitter! Venus will shine over
the Monks Tower about midnight"
My lady gave quick start, and a
flush that was brighter than her roses
dyed her cheek.
Twill it?" she answered, quietly.
"I'm sure never took notice."
II fancied you knew" replied Sir
Guy, dryly. Shall we return to the
drawing room?"
The night passed heavily. Lady
Hildegard's charming bloom and
spirits had both deserted her. She
made her excuses and retired to her
own apartments at an early hour. AS
for Sir Guy, he paced the terrace,
which fronted the Monks Tower the
livelong night, possessed of a very
demon of jealousy. Every minute he
looked to see his wife steal forth to
keep her guilty appointment, but she
did not appear.
At breakfast the next morning hel
cheeks were pale and her eyes heavy
and she had little to say. The day
was stormy. and Sir Guy and his
guests were forced to remain indoors
Just before lunch he missed his wife
and turning to the window he caugh
sight of her in the grounds below, ant
in the act of extracting slip of papel
from crevice in the stone arch above
the gateway.
All his passionate blood went throb
bling to his heart. He loved TIL,
woman as he loved his own soul, ant
sworn 1t there and then.
'I'll have her life for IT," he hisset
through his clinched teeth, his fac
growing black with rage.
He determined, However, to bide hi
time. The stormy day seemed end
less. Dinner, with its necessary for
malities, was LYING torture; but the,
got through 1t, and night came, will
with wind and rain.
'I'm going to Corbet Hall. Don't 81
up for me, Hildegard; I may not re
turn tonight"
His lips grew white and quivered a
he spoke, and his eyes shone with
dull, lurid fire. She drew near hin
and put her arm about his shoulder.
Must you go, Guy? The night bid
fair to be stormy, and you don't seen
to be well. Can't you defer the ride?
mo"