The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-07-13

choose silence and an ignominious
death in prefe: encc to an honorable
and happy life as the wife of an up
right man.
"MonSicur what do you mean"
Il mean that my friend loves YOU.
and he is trying in every way to save
you in spite Of yourself, While he is
half mad 1T the thought of the horrible
fate that may be awaiting YOU
Her eyes Gilateu Then she said,
very slowly: Il lave 10 alternative.
But . erhapS it is better as it is"
At the trial she pleaded Not guilty."
but after that she did not speak again,
and although the evidence was purely
circumstantial, and the missing papers
lad not been traced. it was decided
that she had committed the murder to
get possession of the old mans for
tune, which she had intrusted to some
Earty unknown. of whom they Lad
been unable to fud trace.
Garveau pleaded e.o;iUei!tly for her,
but lie had no counter evidence to
bring. and inaSmUch as the murder
lad been done in cold blood. and the
prisoner had refused to reveal her ac-
complice. the verdict was returned:
"Guilty, and death by the guiilotine."
Then. and not till then. could gain
admission to her. had sent her MANY
messages through Garveau, but now,
for the first ard only time. was per-
mitted to see her face to face. She
rose to receive me. and if her. prison
cell had been Il palace, and she had
been queen, she could not nave CON-
manded more respect than she did
then.
bent low before her, and overcome
by a great rush Of emotion. I sank
upon ry knees and covered her white
hand with kisses. She recalled me to
myself with quiet dignity, but my grief
and passion would break forth, and 1
told her of my belief in her innocence,
and that she could even then be saved
if she would only speak, and / told her
of my unchanging love.
|
a strange light in her large. dark eyes.
"Yon can still believe in me:" she said.
Il thank you from my heart. but''-her
voice was very low-''it is all, perhaps,
better as it is-better for US both! You
do not understand, but the thread Of
my life has been so strangely tangled
that now, when the end is near. can
be almost glad. If death were not COM
| ing to me I should be Gesoiate, for you
ere the only one in all the world who
loves me, and could never have been
yours, for-I am married woman.
monsieur"
"Married-to whom" I cried,
amazed.
His name was Paul de Lussac,' she
returned. with visible effort.
But De Lussac is dead. and his
death has set you free! Stephanie!
Stephanier' 1 cried, what wild, mis-
taken idea is this? 1t is not yet too
late. Speak I implore you-for my
sake-for your own! You will be
cleared from all suspicion-you will be
pardoned-and then you will be my
Wife. l will take you far away. and
under the southern skies you will be
happy, and you will forget all this as
a hideous dream that has passed
away"
1T could never be- she answered,
firmly. ~ shall be faithful-to the
deathw Her beautiful lips trembled
rs she added: Believe only that it is
better so-far better for us both. Be-
lieve that I thank you truly, and-for
| get me-"
| never saw her again.
| The dreadful sentence was executed,
and left Paris, carrying with me the
miniature. and the bitter memory OF
the lovely, unfortunate Stephan;e.
Years passed. and the bitterness had
become softened By time, when at last
the mystery Of the murder was solved.
! to me alone of all the world.
It was in st. Petersburg. and one day
as l was passing tie Alexander Col
unln came face to face with i man
whose features l knew we'll, for I
never forget face.
Paul de Lussac, alive!' I exclaimed
involuntarily.
If a glance would kill should Lave
been instantly annjhilated, but lie only
shrugged his shoulders and SAID:
Pardon, monsieur, I know not OF
whom you speak,
He was passing on when I caught
him by the arm. Il speak Of the man
who stole a wonan's jewels and dis
appeared: who murdered an old man
for his money. and left IN innocent
woman to suffer for his crime. Thief,
and murderer of them both! Now do
YOU Know Of whom l speak"
He turned on me like tiger.
"Fooi..' he saiG. rapidly between his
teeth; you have no proofs! Dare to
make such an accusation and you will
perish miserably in the dungeons Of
st. Peter and st. Paul, o. in the mines
of Siberia.'
! 1Jo cbool- mn crf MI no sce1 ont Of