Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1909-09-16

mental agony as intense as had been
the JOY that thrilled his soul when
first from Lucille's own lips he had
heard the words: Harry! Oh, my
Harry love youi"
How restless was his sleep.
Could it be that thought wrapped in
slumber, he was again living over the
incidents of the past hour?
A haIf-stifed moan escaped his
tightly-drawn lips.
Was he still struggling with him
self, endeavoring to control the burn
ing, passionate love that he bore to-
ward her, whose slightest wish was
law to him?
Perhaps.
But after tossing about restlessly
| for some time he at last became more
composed and quiet.
Little did Harry Herne realize how
much he would need the strength
those few hours Of rest would give
him; for the plottings and further
revelations to be given by Marie Yer
| ner were far from a realization Of
the hopes that had dwelt in the breast
Of the sleeping invalid.
Where had Marie gone, after she
Withdrew from the bedside of the
sick man, leaving unanswered the
question he had ventured?
She had gone away to think. The
critical time had come.
The card that must win for her was
still in he1 hand.
How should she play it, and when
Now?
Would it be discreet to make the
venture now?
Would Harry listen to her
Marie trembled as she thought of
the risks, the chances to lose. But
she did not dwell long on the .thous
and and one possibilities attending
her course-she must win!
And now to victory. Victory! What
did it mean to her? It meant a hus-
band, perhaps a lover; it meant that
she would be mistress of DarracOurt!
Whatever the power is that Nor
pheus employs in fixing purposes in
the minds of men, even though in
sleep, it matters not; but when Harry
Herne was to awake that subtle infiu-
ence had thoroughly implanted in his
mind the resolve that he had endured
all he would for her who had never
loved him, and who had married al
most before his back was turned
that it was unmanIy and womanish to
lie there, and that he would not do so
a day longer.
When he awOke the burIy figure of
Mr.. Doyle stood beside the bed.
Harry held out his hand, and the
big Yorkshireman grasped it in his
great paw.
"Brovo, old chap!" he said, you're
looking better already. Gracious,
what fright you've given us all! You
do feel better, don't your"
Yes said Harry; much better.
shall be up and about again directly.
I'm afraid I've made a terrible nuis-
ancH Of myself living here. And the
horses ?-teI me all about them
No, no; not now" said Mr.. Doyle,
nn7cny; 4 only got permission to
come in by promising Miss Werner
that I wouldn't excite you. Pnew-
what a creature that is, now! Never
saw such a thing in my life. Look
here, Harry; if it hadn't been for her,
you would have been under the turf,
lad!'' and his eyes grew moist as he
shook his head solemnIy "Regularlv
laid herself out to save you, nv boy.
Day and night, never tired-sleepy!
Why, even the blessed doctor said
she was a marvel. But I say can
guess all about it, old chapr' and he
winked, knowingly.
Harry stared at him.
You can guess"
Rather! Come, you needn't blush.
After all you're the sort of man that
wins their hearts, bless them! Why.
darn it, you won mine, and I'm only
a mani"
Harry's face crimsoned, then went
pale again.
you think" he said slowly,
heavily.
Think MANI know! Why, I've
crept in and seen her sitting here.
with her eyes full of tears as she
wotched you. / knew it the first dav
she came. I said to myself, eff ever a
girl was clean, out and out gone upon
q man, this poor girl is: and if things
so wrong with Master Harry. !. guess
We'll have her following him pretty
sharp. But. there, now! I've put my
foot IN it, 7 expect: said too much
haven't I?''
Harry shook his head and turned
away, and Mr.. Doyle, pressing his
hand again, stole out.
This, then, was the secret of her
devotion and self-sacrif1ce. 1t was be-
cause she loved him that she had sat
beside his bed through the weary
days Of his illness and prostration!
He sighed, and smiled bitterly. This
girl he had m1strusted and suspected
had proved ministering angel, while
Lucille had forgotten him while his
kisses were still warm upon her lips,
and married the Marquis of Merle!
He lay and pondered on this for an
hour or two. At the end of that time
the door opened softly, and Marie
stole gently to his side.
He turned, and saw that she had
her outdoor things on, and that she
was very pale and downcast-the
hSEt Vas not good enough for him to
observe how much violet powder had
10 DO with hnr ,nn1lnr