Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1910-10-20

1
that told me-that warned me against
you. l had hoped that it would never
be necessary to tell you; but 1t gives
me keener happiness than dare try
to express to tell you now"
Yes, yes; some liar-an infamous
liar" he muttered. and he looked at
her with sudden hope In his face.
When he should learn who had come
between him and this girl he would
exhaust the possibilities of revenge.
Zelda read the meaning of his look
and she smiled a little, and stepped to
the table and turned up the lamp, and
put his glasses within reach Of hi,
hand.
Il shall not trust myself to tell you
l shall let you read for yourself a few
words, written by one who was not a
liar"
He watched her as she drew out the
little red book, her talisman and her
guide. He turned 1t over curiously and
then read. at the place where she had
opened:
They have told me to-day that am
going to die; but have known 1t for
long time. Do for her what
let him kill the sweetness and gentle
ness in her. Keep her away from him
If you can; but do not let her know
what | have suffered from him. have
arranged for him to care for the prop
erty have to leave her, so that she
may never feel that did not trust
him. He will surely guard what be-
longs to her safely Perhaps
| was unjust to him; 1t may have been
my fault; but If she can respect or love
him / wish it to be So"
You see there Is no question Of ly-
ing here. / found this-in a trunk of
mothers, in the garret-quite acciden-
tally. few days after 1 came home.
1t was intended for Uncle Rodney or
Aunt Julia and not for me-"
He was silent for moment, staring
at the page before him and refusing TO
meet her eyes. She sat down and
watched him across the table. Sud-
denly he laughed shrilly, and slapped
his hands together in glee.
Il might have known 1t; might
have known 1t! This is delightful;
this is rich beyond anything!" His
mirth increased, and he rocked back
knees with his hands.
Zee, Zee, my child" he began.
Il am glad this has happened. |
am glod that there is an opportunity |
or me to right myself In your eyes. l
,ould not have asked anything bet
ef."
He began to nod his head as was
lis way when pleased by the thought
# something he was about to say.
Zee, the animus of this is clear.
FOUR mother hated me-"
You needn't tell me that! Her own
estimony is enough. pitiful enough"
But the reason, the reason!
hould never have told you. l have
loped to keep it In my own, bosom
ny lifelong shame and grief. But your
mother, your mother played me a base
rick, the basest woman can play.
The married me, loving another man.
md | suffered, how / suffered for it,"
He lifted his head and raised his
ands to heaven. sob leaped In her
hroat and tears spring in her eyes as
he rose and bent toward him over the
able.
IF you mention her again I shall
uniSh you, Ezra cameron"
He did not heed her, but began
peaking with a haste his tongue had
arely known. The smile that forever ]
aunted his lips vanished.
She loved another man when she
larried me. knew it we'll enough; ,
ut / was glad to marry her on any /,
,rms. She was a beautiful woman
very beautiful woman" and the an
er died suddenly from his eyes and
oice. Zelda wondered whether he
as really touched by the thought of I
er mother or whether the little flame '
passion had merely burned out AS
e continued speaking she listened, rs +
lough he had been an actor imperson-
ting a part, and doing It Ill, so that
, presented no Illusion to her eyes.
he was thinking, too, of her own fu- 9
ire; of the morrow In which she must I
an her life anew She thought of
orris Leighton now, and with an In "
nseness that made her start when her Y
.ther spoke his name.
You have been a better daughter to
e than could have asked An in
rutable Providence has ordered
Iings strangely, but" and he Il
/
Try wisely and satisfactorily. l SUD- L
use your Uncle Rodney thought a Il
arriage between you and his young
eind Leighton would be an admIra-
e arrangement; but you have done
I would have you do in rejecting v
m All. understood-I was watch o
g you-I knew that you were lead :,
g him on to destroy him."
Il should like to know what right
u have to speak to me Of such a Il
after in such a tone. He is a gen. D
eman." b
He is; he is. indeed" and Damer- Ct
laughed harshdly. He is a gentle m
an beyond any doubt; but you re- II
sed him, Just as l knew you would. te
le force Of heredity Is very strong. A,
~ are a dutiful daughter; you even -
ticipated my wishes. Your conduct -
exemplary. I am delighted" VI
Il think you are mad" said Zelda y
'king at him wonderingiy. She had 81
gun to feel the strain Of events Of OF
g few hours since she had gone to "
r uncle's house; she was utterly
ary and her fathers strange manner
d awakened a fear In her. Perhaps
was really mad. She walked to-
-rd the door; but he was timing his
max with a shrewd cunning OF
When your mother was engaged to a
'rris Leighton. the elder--and he A,
used. knowing that she had turned
ickly and was staring at him with
nder and dread IN her eyes-~when fif
n mother was engaged to this ch
ing mans father he repaated | o.,