Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1906-09-13
CHAPTER XIV.

and picked his way safely through the
underground, for It's master rode like
a man who has suddenly lost his
sense Of sight and hearing. I'm
guided the animal bore him 10 the
gate, and then aradeane, with an
effort, raised his head and threw off
the kind of lethargy which had held
him.
He threw the bride to his man and
entered the cottage. AS ne did 80,
Berthe sprang out OF a chair TO meet
him, with an eager, anxious express
sion. then he stopped short and ut
tered an exclamation of dismay.
Great heavens! are you ill?'
Faradcane closed the door careful
ly and dropped his hat on the table.
"No-that is, yes; It's Of no con.
sequence" He went to the sideboard
and drank some wine. II beg your
pardon; help yourself. You'll wan
it." he added, not unfeelingly, but
with a sad decisive air.
"Then--then you've seen herr" fall
tered BERTHE. II thought you would
20 TO her this morning. You have
seen her"
Eyes, | have seen her" Rssented
Faradeane, drily.
"And-but there Is no need to ask
you the result" breathed BERTHE like
man resolved not to show the agony
that Is dovourIng him.
my face is that of an unsuccess.
full ambassador, is II? Yes. my mis-.
sion has failed, Cherub | am sor,
ry."
Berte turned his back to him and
was silent for moment; then he
said hoarsely:
What did she say? Toll me-"
What did she say?" repeated Fara-
deano, dropping into a chair and pass
ing his hand over his brow with a
weary gesture as smile of bitter
self-mockery shone for moment in
his eyes. II don't know. What does
II matterY
"You don't know" echoed Berthe,
turning To him. For Heavens sake
try and remembers II can bear II,
whatever It was Did she laugh?" and
his lips duiverod,
Laugh! No. she didn't laugh
much" replied Faradeano, grlmly, as
the vision of the slim, graceful form
iyins full length in It's abandon of mis-
cry rose before him.
"Thon she took it seriously? What
did you say to her, FAradeaue?"
u said all | could | did my best.
Believe that, BERTHE. can't tell you
what said, but | pleaded as if'--ho
paused, and his lips came together
tightly-"as If were pleading for my
self | could do no more. Would to
Heaven had not done so muchl" bit
terly
And what did she reply? Did she
say No straight out?"
mo, she didn't"
Then there ls-there may be some
hope. You took her by surprise; she
was frightened, perhaps She'll think
1t over" said BERTHE, oxcItedly.
Faradcnne rose and laid his hand
on his shoulder firmly yet pltylngly,
"Cherub there Is no hope" he said
in low, grave voice, Il should he
your hittorest enemy instead of your
best friend, II | allowed YOU to think
that there was There is none. Ac,
copt It, BERTHE, once and for al BE Il
man; there is no hope-there never
has been. If you had pleaded for your.
self, II an angel had pleaded for YOU
instead Of me- It wouldhavo been the
same"
'She-she never cared for me?"
Yes she cares for you rs sister
cares for brother, BE content with
that"
Content! BERTHE burst out. "Con
tent! You are mad, Farndoanel"
Il dare say" was the calm, sad as
sent. 1--WE are all more or less mad
Cherub; but would rather be loved
as u brother by Olivia--Mlss Vanley--
than as husband by any other
woman"
He stopped abruptly, and BERTHE
stared at him
'You can't know what love-such
love as mlne--isl" he said
Faradeane smiled
Perhaps not" he said, grimly.
81 tell you--but what's the use OF
talking? Faradeane, my life Is
ruined. | don't care what becomes of
me. | staked everything upon her;
loved her as no man ever loved n
woman before I--oh. old fellow, tell
me the truth! Is there no hope for
,me?"
Faradeane shook his head.
Not fragment" he said, solemnly.
"If went to her myself"
AS you should have done at first
said Faradeane, g,imly, would TO
Heaven you had No, BERTHE, none.
Don't so to her. Accept my report.
Nv oh tNtl