Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1907-08-29
Continued

vexation when her light dress caughl
on some wildrose thorns and had 10
be released with patience and steady
hand. She reached the pavilion al
most GREATNESS. Both doors were
open and the room within was still
vacant. On the table stood variety
of refreshments and one corner OF the
sofa had been most comfortably ar
ranged for Helena.
Much relieved, Elizabeth entered
and was standing by one of the win
dows, in front of which the thick
shrubbery grew, when she heard a
slight sound behind her. Hollfeld had
been standing behind one Of the
doors and now approached her She
wished to leave the room without 4
glance at the hated person; but he
placed himself before her, though not
IN an insulting way. There was rather
something Submissive and respectful
IN his bearing, and he assured her
that the ladies would arrive in a mo-
ment. Elizabeth looked up in amaze.
ment; there was not the slightest
trace Of the innocent tone which had
recently incensed every fibre of her
being.
81 assure you, upon my word, that
FTaulein Won Wade must come at any
moment" he insisted, as she repeated
her attempt to leave the room. els
my presence here so dreadful to your"
he added, with a tinge of regret.
1T is, indeed" responded Eliza
beth, coldIy. eff you will recall your
recent behavior to me you will know
that it must be insufferable to be
alone with you for an instant"
How hard and unf0rgiving that
sounds, Must 1 really do such severe
penance for the little illconsidered
iest?"
Il advise you to be more cautious
in the future in the choice Of persons
with whom to jest"
Good heavens! I see that it was a
mistake. am ashamed of my haste;
but how could l dream"
THAT any one owed me respect"
finished Elizabeth, her eyes flashing.
mo, no; that l never doubted.
Good heavens; how violent you can
be! But I could not know that you
had the right to demand far, far
more"
Elizabeth looked at him inquiringIy
She evidently failed to understand
him.
Can l do more than beg your par.
don upon my Bonded knees?" he con.
tinued.
You shall have it upon condition
that you leave me at once"
obstinate creature that you are,
were a fool to let this precious mo-
ment pass Elizabeth, l have told you
already that love you ardently, love
you to the point of DEATH"
And l am distinctly conscious OF
having plainly told you that that is a
matter of perfect Indifference to me.
She began to tremble; but her face
remained calm and steady.
Elizabeth, do not drive me to ex
tremes!" he shouted, excitedly.
First of all, l must request you ia
observe the simplest rule of propriety
which prohibits the calling of strang
ers by their Christian names"
You are a very devil of GOODNESS
and malice!" he shouted, trembling
with rage. Now, | admit that YOU
have some appearance of iustifica
ton Of torturing me-" he continued
controlling himself with difficulty. 81
have offended you, but l will make
good all that. Listen to me calmly one
moment, and you will surely repent
of your hardness. l herewith offer
you my hand. You know am in a DO
sttion to offer my future wife a bril-.
liant position and fortune"
He locked down at her with a tri
umphant smile. 1t was so natural that
his pretty opponent had not expected
this turn; she was naturally dumb
with joyful surprise. But strange Uo
say this was not the case. On the
contrary, Elizabeth stood proudly
erect and had reiterated a step.
regret, Herr Won Hollfeld," she
said, with quiet dignity, that you
have not spared yourself a disagree
able moment. After all that I have
hitherto said to you can scarcely
conceive of your caring to utter those
words. Since, however, you actually
oblige me, I herewith declare to you
that our paths henceforth lead fan
apart"
''What?' he interrupted.
And that could never bring my
self to pass my life at yourside,' she
continued.
He stared at her a moment, a.
though he had lost his senses, OF
were utterly incapable of graspine
the meaning of her words. His face
turned pale green and his white teetf
rent his lower lip.
And you actually carry the comedy
so far as to give me such an ans
swer?' he inquired, at last, with ar
uncertain, husky voice.
Elizabeth smiled contemptuously
and turned away. The movement
reused him almost to fury.
I must Know your reasons, your
motives" he stammered, placine
himself again between Elizabeth anc
the door toward which she was di
ba- II