Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1905-11-10


tons! Know now for once and for all
that much mislike thee, that I loathe
and hate thee, and that hope our
paths will never cross again!"
"An' thou hast no gratitude, woman,
for my service on thine estate, for
its present value on account OF mine
endeavors"
"Thou hast had the yearly stipend
that thou did agree was sufficient"
she replied "Now an for the last
time, let me pass"
Seeing the expression Of strength and
resolution on her face and her manner
10 disdainful Of him, Josiah sickened
as a realization Of his absolute inabili-
ty to control this woman came over
him. Almost crazed with despair, he
spoke furiously, hardly knowing what
he said.
"Hear me once more, an then thou
canst 60 the downward path thou hast
chosen unmolested. The honest pur-
pose of an upright man is as stencil
in thy nostrils because, wanton, thou
lowest the wicked ways Of thy French
lOverv'
Her blue eyes grew black, then fair
~ blazed. 'Take carer she said.
Josiah. unheeding, went on sneering-
~, all the pent up hatred and jealousy
in his heart coming out Of his white
lips in haunting phrases.
"Thy French lover, whose sweet en-
ticing ways and gallant bearing thou
doth so much admire-he that was to-
fellow thee anon, to press his suit,
wed thee an live restfully en- thine
estate, spending thy gold for his pleas
ufe until ne died-why cometh he not?
Whose arms intwine about him, keep
ing him away?"
81 warn thee to take carer Margaret
cried in deep anger.
"Where Is thy truant lover? Soft
hearted fool! DOst think he e'er Jared
forth from Lunnon up these hills to see
thee once his eyes fell on the beauty O
the maids of that gay city? 1t angers
me to see thee, my cousin, standing
there a deceived woman, defending to
an honest man the name of q poltroon,
a BLACKBOARD and a libertine"
With a quick motion she raised her
hand and gave him a singing slap
across the face. He looked at her for
an instant, not cOmprehending what
had happened, with open mouth and
staring eyes, Then as realization Of
what she had done swept over him
blood so angry few to his head that it
maddened him. Springing toward her,
he caught her in his arms in close en-
brace.
"Thou'lt kiss me where thou struck
me-" he cried with wild passion, "or
else I'll kill theep'
She rocked and swayed in his en-
brace.
Josiah, loathe thee! Let me go!'
'Then," he said, with gloating in his
voice, "ff e'er thy gallant courtier low
er happen doth give thee thought
enough to ride this way I'll make my
boasts on thee! So kiss me, wanton,
If not for love then for thy life"
She felt his hot breath on her cheek,
saw relentless determination In the
steely eyes above her, and, desperately
trying to free an arm, felt herself in
closed as in wise Of iron.
Godfrey she called, now greatly
frightened.
"Aye, call him! He'll come anon
when he doth grow a-weary Of the
maids in Lunnon," he painted sheer
ngly.
Both young and strong, they strug-
yled desperately, Margaret trying to
reach his face with her clutching fin
gers, but he held down her hands and
aughed at her tauntingly.
Godfrey, Godfrey
Her voice rang out strong and clear |
through the forest.
Doth some one CALF"
Footsteps were heard running. Jo-
'iah loosed his hold slightly, listening.
"'Tis /, Margaret Maylandw
A man burst through the thicket and, (
With a sharp exclamation, caught
raunston by the shoulders, swung him
ound with the strength Of giant and
With a well directed blow felled him to
he ground, where he lay apparently
ifeless.
Godfrey !
Margaret, white faced and fainting,
vas clasped in the embrace Of her
over, who, holding her to his heart,
ooked at the PROSTATE figure with
|erce glances Of anger.
1.-THE scoundrel doth move" La Fa-
'ienne drew his sword. "Ill kill him
where he laysw
"Nay, dear Godfrey, have not murder
n thy SOUL" she said tremblingly,
With soft compelling. otis my cousin,
osiah Taunston, who was but angered
hat would not consent to wed with
im."
La Fabienne's brow grew dark.
Goods pity! 'Twere not murder to
nish that white livered hound! Rather
would be a deed Of kindness to the
yorld," he answered sternly, sheathing
is sword with reluctance. "But to
lease thee, sweet, an because would
OF add further to thine horrors, shall
OF modest him further"
He kissed her face and wound his
RIM about her in a manner affection
te and protecting.
"C0me with me, Margaret"
She advanced a step or two, then
aused, looking back hesitatingly.
'Is he dead, Godfrey? 1 think but OF
s mother and poor Hetty."
La Fabienne laughed scornfully.