The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-14


 curiosity, and she went. When she stood before Noodle in the dim lit and miserable room which he now called home the old man gazed at her long and fixedly, saying only at first: Put up your purse. I do not require your charity" She was agi- tated and a little scared at the mans close scrutiny as we'll as puzzled by the situation. But she was regal and splendid as ever, seeming to be the more so from contrast with her mean surroundings.
 Tt is well. Keep your wealth." said old Noodle at length. You are right worthy of 1t. But keep it on this condi- ton. that you are kind to my Priscilla kind as sister should be. Now go." He had laid an emphasis upon the word sister" and Zenobia hurried away, fear ing and suspecting at least half the truth This was the story which CoverdaIs and his wine extracted from old Noodle
 For many months Coverdale wandered about like a perturbed spirit in his own and in other countries, and now he sought Blithedale again. Why7 Because he had come to the realization that he was in love with Priscilla Priscilla had for time resumed her ''seances" as the Yelled Lady, but in the midst of one of the performances Hollingsworth had ap- peared and with the words "Priscila, come," had awakened her from the trance into which Westervelt had thrown her, and carried her off to Blithedale, where Zenobia was now returned. Gov erdale journeyed thither, and wandering to Eliots Pulpit saw Hollingsworth seat ed at the foot of the rock with Priscilla at his feet Zenobia stood before them. her face deadly pale, save that upon either cheek was burning a spot of crim- son. her eyes flashing. Her manner was still that of queen. but a queen de- throned and on trial.
 The poet would have retired, but Hol- lingsworth told him sternly to come for ward. Zenobia turned upon the intruder and said MT. Coverdale, you have been for a long time groping for human emo tions in the dark corners of the heart Had you been here little sooner you would have seen them dragged into the light. Do you know I am on trial for my life?' Grim, impassive, Hollings- worth gazed steadily at the excited wom- an and said You forced me to this do not assume to be your judge except in order to settle my own line of conduct toward those with whom my life brings me in contact, neither do l pretend to pass sentence" What had 1t been that they had been discussing? Probably those things of which Coverdale had had hints or of which he had made discoveries Zenobia's connection with Westervelt. her object in allowing him to take possession a second time of Priscilla, her later pur- poses toward Hollingsworth and his to- ward her. tt
 Hollingsworth arose to leave the place. "Ah, do we then partT' cried Zenobia. "Why not?" said he, there is nothing further between us." And do you love this girl?" demanded the agitated wom- an, pointing toward the shrinking Pris- cilla q do love her." replied Hollings- worth The words cut nKe a knife into the hearts of both Coverdale and zeno- bia. Priscilla threw herself on her knees before Zenobia, saying; "Oh, Zenobia, we are sisters" The proud woman bent over and kissed the kneeling girl. What will
 
 ella went on. "Die," answered Zenobia i'Come. Priscilla called Hollingsworth and the girl arose and followed him. Ze- nobia sank down with her forehead on the rock and sobbed convulsively. Then recovering herself. she said to Coverdale, "You will see Hollingsworth again; tell him he has killed me. And give Priscilla this and bid her wear 1t for Zenobia's sake" She took jewelled flower from her hair and handed 1t to him. Then turning, she departed among the trees Coverdale threw himself on the ground and after awhile must have fallen asleep It was midnight when he awoke and went to the house. Zenobia had not re- turned. They found her later that day drowned in neighboring stream-and Coverdale. as he saw her body brought ashore, could not keep out of his head the fancy that could Zenobia have fore seen the ugly circumstances of death. how lily it would become her, she would not have drowned herself. She had seen fanciful pictures of drowned village maid ems, he thought, and in taking her own life had not been wholly natural.
 Some years afterward Coverdale paid a visit to Hollinsworth and Priscilla, mar ried and living quietly in a country vil- lage How many criminals have you re- formed so far?" asked Coverdale. Not one," replied Hollingsworth. since we last met l have been busy with single murderer" He was much broken and submitted quietly to Priscilla, who. grown strong and womanly, seemed to be a low ing guardian to him.
 Next Sundays One-Page Classic will be "Guy Mannering, by Sir Walter Scott.