Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1907-04-17
MARK STILES SECRET.
Confirmed fvom Page ,.

| thought Of you here-the thought Of Ferdi-
nand at Southam and myself at the end
Sy sanr m The 70 10
House. How could I ever tell this awful.
shameful treachery would ever come to
light? And Fedore, my dearest and best.
how has II Jared with you? All. the hours
I have spent walking up and down outside
this house, content IL only I could see the
Light In your room and the shadow on your
He folded her again and again in his
arms. and their lips met in their first long.
lingering kiss.
Julian! All. how little ! thought this
shy Joy. when you brought me those
hateful flowers of yesterday, you little know
the persecution I endured because of them.
cousin. All" And shudder went
through her frame. .'She little knows how
loathe him-how I have always done so.
Though could never yer bring II home to him.
in this matter. But although I have SUI
fered bitterly, what about you? No pun
ishment can be too severe for him--no
retribution too bitter"
Hush. my darling!"
And he laid gentle hand upon her soft
lips
that wayi Yes. he has robbed me. he has
tricked me, cruelty used and served me.
But. dearest, he has left me you-you and
your faithful heart He could not touch
why. let him have the rest. His retribution
will be sure. But I will not hasten It, All,
my love. my love! To know you deem me
whole esn world now 0c can lift up p'i my head
as an honest, innocent man. Why,
there is no joy that can compare with II,
except it is the Joy of sharing it all with
YOU"
Mrs. Molyneux had returned from her
drive, and asking no questions. gathered
her rich furs about her and sailed across
the hall.
She noticed Mr. Ferdinand Horley's coat
and hat, she heard voices In the drawing
room. and she fastened to assure herself
that her fondest wishes had been realized.
few words she caught OF the impas-
stoned speech in which Fedore was i'm
plored to share all her lover could offer.
MY dearest child" she exclaimed, throw
have my consent and fondest blessing"
The light was SO dim, and the two so
close together, she was not aware of the
error she had made.
Ferdinand, my dear boy, / have always
looked upon you as o son."
"But 1t is not Ferdinand. mother" said
quiet, sweet voice. 1T is Julian. and I
Mrs. Molyneux did not faint or lose her
presence of mind. She came forward and
took Fedore by the arm.
stern voice. you would marry Julian Hor-
ley. the man who all but murdered his
Stayt Let me speak
Never had Mrs. Molyneux heard so stern
q tone from the lips of the courteous Ju-
II said Just now that I should seek no
sent me. homeless vagabond. to seek my
bread as best I could and I keep to my
word. But justice I will havei And that
Justice demands that he shall stand face to
that Of Fedore also, shall confess the trick
cry shamelessly practiced. Give me but q
few moments-half an hour at the most.
will 80 straight to Southam and insist
upon his appearance here"
He was so stern and eager. Mrs. Molly
neux was silent; but Fedore. as II to show
her consent: placed her hand in his, and
looked him In the face.
go, Julian, don't lose moment! JUS
tice is all ask. too! We will leave ven
seance alone. it would not add to our hap
So the young man started of, full of
hope, though with sadness In his heart upon
his cousins account. He sped light of foot
piercingly cold. the ground under foot was
slushy and damp. He chose the short cut,
skirting the high road by the side of the
Wilton House plantation.
There was a gurgling brook to cross. by
rustic bridge. and the water. swollen by
the late heavy falls of snow. was rushing
and roaring. where In the summertime II
in frantic haste. and he took the bridge al
most at a stride; then was about to jump
the damp morass leading to the other side,
when something dark doomed In his path
something stretched out prone and notion
less. STOPPING over it with a thrill Of hor-
ror, his heart beating like sledge-hammer,
he saw the white face of Ferdinand Hor-
ley. CHASTITY he laid there, the scar upon
his temple had re-opened. and blood was
pouring freely from it. There was no "act-
ing now; this was grim business Par
alyzed with horror. Julian raised the head,
placed his hand upon the heart.
Here was no stage DEATH" But ven-
geance and retribution had Joined hands
over the dead body Of Ferdinand Horley.
And at last he had met with-not ven-
geance. but Justice!
A third birthday for Fedore. Once again
snow was everywhere. but not singing,
cruel. pitiless snow. but d soft. warm car
pet for the green graves In the Dedham
Churchyard.
The bells were pealing merrily from the
grand old tower--merry peals for the happy
event they were early ceiebrating--for
the wedding that was to take place that
very day within the sacred walls Of the hal
lowed old church.
That was Fedores- fancy--to be mar
ried on her birthday. to have complete and
entire happiness on the one day in the year