The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-06-22

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n by MARY GRACE HALPINE. K
TIIuLTIT1IITu7IITIIInnnnnr
IIfI TIL SCAR HOWARD stood be-
- I'll fore Isabel Lorne, pleading
with her for a word of
t-O- hope, as the condemned
tI9l IslII might plead for life at the
foot OF the gallows.
Accustomed as she was to such
things, even she was startled by the
fierce eloquence of the impassioned
words tnat fell from his lips.
Il cannot give you what do not pos
sess," she said, coldly, withdrawing
her hand from bis too ardent clasp.
II have no heart. Don't mistake me-"
she added, as she noted the fierce
Jealousy aroused by these words. 1T
is not that | have bestowed it on any
one. ] have no heart to give. don't
think / ever had any. Men have come
to me, asking OF me what you ask,
and telling me the same story. They
spoke, as you have spoken, Of feelings
and emotions which are utterly in
comprehensive TO me, and in which
/ could not share IL | would"
Young Howard turned his eyes stead
fly upon the face Of the speaker. so
rarely beautiful in outline and color
ing. but as calm end passlonless as
summer lake. He raised his hand
to heaven, as if invoking upon her
head a yoiceless curse.
"Your time Will Gomez
The door closed upon the speaker,
but there was something in that hag-
gard face. in those despairing eyes,
that haunted Isabel for some months
after.
Il wonder II | shall ever love?" she
murmured, as, drawing down the sofa
cushion under her hesd she settled
herself for the afternoon nap with
which she usually refreshed herself
for the evening. II hope not, If 1t is
going to affect me as 1t does most
people" .....a,., a,
"How very shocking
The sun had disappeared behind the
Western hills. and refreshed by the
quiet sleep she had. Isabel stepped
out upon the veranda when this ex-
clamation fell upon her ear. uttered
by enc of the excited group that had
gathered in one corner OF it.
''What is it,"
"Young Howard has shot hlmselfr'
Fortunately. the gathering shades OF
twilight concealed the face that sud
denly blanched at these words. and
those present were too much absorbed
In their own feelings OF astonishment
and horror to notice the uns;eadiness
in Isabei's voice, as she said
"What could have induced him TO dc
thatY
"He was. without question. insane,
said a grave. pompous hooking mar
among the group Insanity is hered
itary in his family; his mother died
insane"
Isabel drew a long sigh Of relief
"oh. that accounts for it. them
"Who is hep
Again Isabers eyes wandered across
the room to where plainly dressed
man was standing. rather distinguished
looking. and yet not sufficiently so I,
warrant the attention and interest h'
seemed to excite
There was an unmistakable air o
triumph in Mrs. Fane's manner. as sh'
replied:
''Ial my dear, don't you know? It'i
Maurice Dudley. the new arrival 81
charming, and yet such an oddity
Half the women are crazy after him
though it's easily seen that he doesn'
care for them. And he doesn't min6
their knowing it. either. What do yoI
think he said to Mrs. Kinds, the othe
evening. when she offered to intro
duce him to you-'the reigning belle,
as she called youY
Isabel saw and felt the malice tina
lurked beneath those smooth. dulce
words.
How should l know she said
with an air OF indifference that wa
feigned. as Mrs Fame well knew.
"T've no especial liking for reignin
bellies she said. as grand as the Gran'
Mogul himself. Wasn't that an od
speech. my dearw
Il suppose he meant It to be odd,
retorted Isabel. unable wholly to cor
ceal the wound her vanity had receive
from the malicious eyes that wer
watching her. ITS the height o
some peoples ambition to be odd.
don't see anything very alarming abou
him. can point you to half doze
men in our own set better iookin
than he"
"Ahi but you should hear him tall
He's been everywhere / should say
And then he has such musical voice
and such expressive eyes! Take hir
altogether he is the most fascinatin
man ever met. though you might fin
score that are handsomer"
with these words Mrs. Fame Wake
away, taking with her the pleasar
assurance that she had left her "dee
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