The Montgomery advertiser. [volume] (Montgomery, Ala.) 1885-1982, 1908-02-10

She knew all that, yet she did not
hesitate. Her love for Wessex had
filled all her life. first as a child. then
as an ignorant girl worshipping an
IDEAL. When she saw him and in him
saw the embodiment of all her most
romantic beliefs she loved lin with ell
the passionate ardor of her newly
awakened woman's heart From the
moment that his touch had thrilled her,
that his voice had set her temples
throbbing. that her pure lips had met
his own, she had given him her whole
love, given herself to him body and
soul for his happiness and her own.
So great was her love that jealousy
had not killed it. 1t had changed her
joy into sorrow, her happiness into bit-
terness; but the heart which she gave
to him she was powerless to take away.
He had fooled her, led her to believe in
his love for herl but his life was as
precious to her now as 1t had been that
first afternoon--which seemed long
ago, when she FIRST raised her eyes to
his and met his ardent gaze.
She was face to face with the most
cruel problem ever set before q human
heart. for she firmly believed that K,
through her self-sacrlfice, she saved
him from death and dishonor, he would
nevertheless Inevitably turn to the
other woman, for whose sake he was
suffering now; yet she was ready with
the sacrifice. because Of the selfishness
of her love.
How well the Cardinal had managed
the tragedy which had parted two mo-
BILE heartsl Each believed the other
treachercus and guilty. yet each was
prepared to lay down life, honor, happi-
ness for the sake of the loved one.
Your Eminence." said Urs1la very
quietly, after q little while, .you said
just now that I could save His Grace
of Wessex from unmerited disgrace ana
death. Tell me now, what must do?''
ut 10 simple enough, my daughter .
he replied. still avoiding her clear,
steadfast gaze, "you have but to speak
the truth"
1.-THE truth. they say oft lies hidden
in we'll, my lord" she reJoined. 81
pray your Eminence to guide me to its
Il can but guide your memory, my
daughter to the events of the fateful
night. when Don Miguel was MUIR
dered."
Eyes"
you were there. in the Audience
Chamber, were you not7"
Il was there" she repeated mechan-
ically
with Don Miguel de Suarez, who,
taking advantage of the late hour and
the loneliness of this part of the Pal
ace insulted you or :"
let us say that he insulted me. -
His Grace then came upon the
scene?'
"Just as your Eminenee describes
"And twas to defend your honor that
the Duke of Wessex killed Don Miguel"
ITO defend mine honor. the Duke of
Wessex killed Don Miguel"
This you will swear to be true?"
Without hope of absolution."
And you will make this tardy con-
fession. my daughter, to His Grace's
judges freely"
Whenever it is deemed necessary.
will make the confession to His Graces
judges freely"
She swayed as If her senses were
leaving her. Instinctively the Cardinal
put out his arm to support her, but
with a mighty effort she drew herself
together, and looked down upon him
with all the regal majesty of her own
sublime self-sacrlfce.
But flushed with victory, His Emil
nence cared nothing for the contempt
OF the vanquished. 1t had been a hard
fought battle. His Grace was saved
from death and Queen Mary Tudor
could not help but keep her word. 1t
was a triumph, indeed.
He touched a handbell. a servant APP
peared. A few whispered instructions.
and the end was accomplished at last.
But God in Heaven. at what terrible
cost!