mg ;7?.;'S, smnamp 12 THE PITTSBtFKG DISPATCH, THUESDAY, T DECEMBER 8. 1892. . C' It ii strange what an instinctive dread of old age there is in a woman's nature. It is partly the men's fault, however, for there is no reason in the world why the middle aged woman should be pushed aside. True, some wine sours instead of becoming mel low, and oftentimes it is not the fault of the wine itself but of the atmosphere to which it is exposed. The exquisite gar ment portrayed by the illustration is a house robe of crepet de dhine, and it can almost be said of it tbat it takes off five Crept de Chine Howe Robe. years from the appearance of the wearer. At a glance it appeals strongly to your love of graceful drapery. Tbe material is of a hvdranger tone, made up with an embroidered front of old white watered silk, bavin? a Tew folds at the side hidden by the sash belt of blue Velvet This ribbon passes through the opening and is fastened at the back under the collarette. The Watteau pleat is gath ered at the neck, and hides the opening of the gown. The sash is tied at the front, its long ends falling as indicated. The broad collar is of cream lace and runt into the crepe de chiue jabot garnituring the front The neck is rut out as shown, and trim ned with a ruffle of white silk muslin scal loped. The sleeves are of crepe de chine having three folds on inner side, and are et oS with a deep lace ruffle, which falls in jabot style when the arm is lowered. Floeette. .An Ancient Bridal Costume. There was a certain old custom which, unluckily for the brides of to-day, has fallen Into disuse. In those times it was incum bent on the bridegroom to place quite a turn of money in a purse on the wedding night and present it to the bride. After wards this was done the following morning, and the gift was called the Sow purse. Another phase of the same thing existed in Cumberland where the bridegroom pro ided himself with gold and crown piece At the words, "With all my worldly goods I thee endow," he gave the clergyman his fee and poured the rest of the money into a liandcerchief which the bride held out In other places it was the custom on the day following the marriace for the bride to ask of her husband a gift of money or property, and he was bound in honor to' grant her re quest home Pretty Fin Cuslilons. A lady talkie; about pin cushions she had seen said: A certain pleasing yellow one was square in form and made of satin. Over this satin was laid a square of bolting cloth, on which was painted a group of idancing nymphs. Around the edge of the cushion was festooned in full jabot schiffon of the same delicate tone as the satin, and it the corners tour very pert and stylish bows stood full and erect This trifle was marked 515, but it could be copied for less than one-half by anyone who is skillfnl with the brush. For the bolting cloth could be substituted a little square of rinflon, with field daisies embroidered thereon. A charming cushion which combined a glove box as well was formed by padding the top ot a cigar box or a receptacle abont that size. The aide were covered in rose pink satin over which black net run with three rows of tiny rose-colored ribbon was let in a full ruffle. The top, which was stuffed up full with bran and cotton batting, was covered with plush in the prevailing tone and a little thick ruche ot the net edged it all around. Four black: satin bows were placed at the corners. Cushions in bag shape are pretty, though not new, but when made from a piece of rare brocade and tied at the neck with a bow of ribbon make attractive gifts, which look well on a bureau or dressing table. Among the ready-made trifles the silver hearts, with stuffed tops in tinted plush, are as dainty and yet as serviceable as could possibly be imagined. , Comme 11 rant Buck satin tea gowns trimmed with lace are a new fancy. Nzw skirts are narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. Doubli-slexvx capes of velvet are seen on cloth and rich silk dresses. Bead trimmings in Persian colors are among tbe most elegant importations. SLirriRSOf black undressed kid have gilt toes and are tied with yellow silk rlbDons. The old-fashioned moss trimming is re vived, and is shown in mixed colors and all popular shades. Whits felt hats are trimmed with large bows of bright red velvet and aigrettes and dagger of fine Jet Large plaids are fashionable, and dresses are made either entirely or plaid or in com bination with velvet Them Is a very strong rivalry as to who will produce the best and most approved dress for ear on the wheel. A black vol vet bat is trimmed with ma genta velvet and a cluster of magenta and yellow roses with black lace. Marie Stuart bonnets are again in fashion, and, as tliey are extremely becoming to many faces, will no doubt be popular. LATE PUBLICATIONS. Some of the New Books IThlch Are Sea sonable. ' Any one looking for Christmas gifts could not fail to find something suitable among the new and attractive books. Many of those laid upon the desk of The Dispatch are artistically bound and beautifully il lustrated. A book of poems from Dobson, Locker & Praed, is specially worthy of notice. The following also have been re ceived: "Broken Chords," by Mrs. George McClel lan: published by J. It. Lippincott, Philadel phia. J. It Weldin, Pittsburg. "The Lady of the Lake," by Sir Walter Scott; published by Frederick A. 'Stokes Company, Sew York. J. K. Weldin, Pltts burtr. "What to no First in Emergencies." by Charles W. Dulles, M. D.: published by P. Blakiston, Son & Co., Philadelphia. J. B. Weldin. Poems, Dy Dobson, Locker and Praed; published by Frederick A. Stokes Company, New York. J. E. Weldin. "The Woman Who stood Between." by Minnie Gilmure; published by Lovell, Coryell & Co., New Tort. J. E. Weldin. "Woman Through a Man's Eyeglass," by Malcolm C Salaman, with Illustrations bv Dudley Hardy: published by Lovell, Coryell & Co , New York. J. B. Weldin. "Uleams and Echoes," by A. It. G., poems: Jubli-hed by J, B. Lippincott, Philadelphia. R. Weldin. "The Story of John G. Paton," by tho Bev. James Paton, B. A.: published by A. C. Arm strong & Son, New Yoik. J. B. Weldin. "Stories From the Greek Comedians," by tbe Bev. Alfred J Church, M. A; published by McMillan & Co., Aew York. J. B. Wel din. "Don Orsino," by F. Marion Crawford; Eublished by McMillan & Co., New York. J. . Weldin. "Barbara Dering," a sequel to the "Quick or the Dead," by Amelia Blves; published by J. B. Lippincott, Philadelphia. J. B. Weldin. "1 Married a Soldier," by Lydla Spencer Lane; published bv J. B. Lippincott, Phila delphia. J. B. Weldin. "The Death of Aenone and Akbar's Dream," by Lord Alfred Tennyson: nub llhed by McMillan & Co, New York. J. it Weldin. "The Hoosler Schoolmaster," by Edward Ezgleston; published y Orange Judd Com pany, New York. J. B, Weldin. "iy Flirtation." by Margaret Wynroan; published bv J. B. Llnnlncott. Philadelphia J. B. Weldin . "selections,- uy isauc rennington: pub lished by Boberts Bros., Boston. J. B. Wel din. "A Sister's Sin' by Mrs. Lovett Cameron: Snblislied by J. B. Lippincott, Philadelphia. . B. Weldin. Boys' books "On the Trail of tho Moose," by Edward T. Ellis; published by Porter & Coates, Philadelphia. J. B. Weldon. "Digging for Gold," bv Horatio Alger, Jr.; published by Porter & Coates, Philadelphia. J. B. Weldin. "Marcy the Befugee,"byHarrvCastlemon; published by Porter 4 Coates, Philadelphia. J. XV. IT C1UIII. Children's Books Red Bird's Christmas Story, by Marv J. Holmes; published by G W. Dllllneha-n, New York. J. E. Weldin. Paper Back Books Kenan's "Life of Jesus;" "Wedded Unwooed,"by Julia Howard Gate wood: "Virginia Eandall," by Richard Kim ball; "The Burglar's Fate," by Allan Pinker ton; published by G. W. Dillingham, New York. J. E. Weldin. "Worthington's Annual." published by Wortlilngton Company, New York. For sale by J. B. Weldin. "Little Ways and Great Plays," bv Eliza beth S. Tucker: published by Worthincton Compiny, New York. For sale by J. B. Weldin. ' "A Cup or Tea," by Elizabeth S. Tucker published bv Worthington Company, New York. J. B. Weldin. "Bits of Prominent People," published by Worthincton Comoanv. Naw Ynrir. .t t? Weldin. "Intellectual Pursuits," by Bobert Waters;" published by Worthington Company, New York. J. B. Wrldin. "Maaical Experiments of Science in Play " by Arthur Tood: nublished by Worthington Company. New York. J. B. Weldin. "Kelendar of Beautie," for 1893, by Mand Humphrey. For conehs and throattrouWej use Brown's Bronchial Troches-'They stop an attack of my "thma cough very promptly. ,r-C. Falch. Miami' ville, Ohio, NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. JOS. HORNE & CO. The Christmas SILK SALE . Goes right on Everybody who sees the goods is delighted., 50 -AXD S5 CENTS "buys more and better finer Silks than ever before. See the plain color Faille Silks at 75 cents wonderful. Don't miss this Silk Sale. Wool Dress Goods Pat terns, in Boxes. A partial tist of prices of full Dress patterns: Plain Cashmere (colors and Black) J5i 50 Plain Cashmere, better ones... 2 00 Striped Cheviots 2 50 Scotch Mixtures 2 50 Plain Color Cheviots 2 00 Armure Suitings 3 00 French Cords 3 50 50-inch Fancy Suitings 2 50 Plaids, best styles 4 00 Broadcloths 5 00 The 25 and 30 French Robes at 1250 each. NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. JOS. HORNE & CO., PENN AVENUE. deS63 HOT A 80UX ESCAPES From a Norwegian Vessel Which Sinks in the Sight of Lite Savers. Liverpool, Dec. 7. A very heavy gale prevails in this vicinity, and a tremendous sea is running at the month of the Mersey river, making it extremely dangerous for vessels to enter or dear the river. This morning a bark, supposed to he a Norwegian vessel, ran aground on Burko bank. As soon as her headway was stopped the sea made a clean breach over her. Fifteen minutes after she struck her main mast and znizzen masts tell. Shortly after ward she iell over on her side and was completely submerged. Life boats put out for the bark as soon as the vessel's position was seen, but their progress against the sea and gale was slow. The bark went down before they reached her. It is supposed that everybody on board was lost. An open letter to women. No. 1. Laurel Ave., San Francisco, May 18, 1892. " Dear friend of women : "When my baby was born, five years ago, I got up in six days. Far too soon. Result: falling of the womb. Ever since I've been miserable. "I tried everything : doctors, medicines, apparatus ; but grew worse. "I could hardly vstand ; and walking without support was impossible. "At last I saw an advertise ment of Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, and de cided to try it The effect was astonishing. Since I took the first bottle my womb has not troubled me, and, thanks only to you, I am now well. Every suuering woman should know how reliable your compound is. It is a sure cure." Mrs.ADetwiler. AlldrurrliU till It, or wit dj mail, la form of PIlli or Loenrel,oirectlptofSl. Carrttn.ndn Wul .... t wired Adaraii la cent!- &-s. 4& . dence.l.TDia E. Fni. "V" SC MAM 1..UIOM. CO, I.TJCK, sSSjSlL SUSS. Lire Ml, IH. J"'. yi fmm Pft . T"wPs WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY Of this week during our Clearance Sale will.be MOST IMPORTANT DAYS FOR THE LADIES, as on these days we shall offer some wonderful surprises in Jackets and Furs. Of course, we do.not limit the sale of these garments at the prices named to these two days, but such goods at such prices will not go begging for customers. The early bird story will apply here with great force. w CTA-dHETS. wwLww IF 11 Our entire stock of Jackets, over 10,000, both Ladies' and Misses', will be on sale at the following enormous reduction from regular prices. The stock has been divided into six lots. LOT 1: '" All $5 and $6 Jackets now goat $3.98 LOT 2: All $9, $10 and $11 Jackets are now $6.75 LOT 3: All $12, $13, $14 and $15 Jackets now go at $9.50 LOT 4: All $16, $18 and $20 Jackets now go at.. .$12.75 LOT 5: All $23, $25 and $30 Jackets now go at $18 LOT 6: AH' $35. $40, $45 and $50 Jackets go at $23 WIR, .AJP PEKS Here's a Wrapper chance. Match it if you can. 3,000 Ladies' Wrappers, exactly like illustration, with double Watteau back, full Bishop's sleeve, lined waists of best indigo blue calico or elegant flannelette at 79c, Sells elsewhere at pje AND $1.25, NEWMARKETS. 500 Ladies' Newmarkets, also Misses', of the latest style, with deep Military Cape or Watteau Back, Fur-trimmed. Sold for $15, $18 and $20. We Will CJose Them Out at - ill i 1 Ma i I j 1 1 1I11U I I u!; $9.50 k FUBS. 12.50 Children's Fur Sets are in great demand. There is no nicer Christmas gift than an elegant Muff and Colfar.We offer remarkable bargains in these at 69c, 89c, $1.25, $1.40 up to $12; all full size Muff and Collar. i.ooo $2 Muffs at 98c. 300 Ladies' London Seal skin Capes, 19 inches long, lined with best satin, sold elsewhere for $10 and $11. Our sale price is only S7.50. Make a note of it m Genuine Alaska Seal Jackets in latest style,' wjth 4-inch Reefer, large blocked collar, at S150. These are worth $200. We have but 10 of them. LJ ( I I r A f( r An immense line of Holiday Goods suitable for Christmas presents is now on I I Lmb I t I I V mr J u exhibition. Don't wait till the last moment; make your selection now. 300 TO 400 MARKET ST. 300 TO 400 MARKET ST. ..HOLIDAY.. ..SUITS.. .and. ..OYERGOATS.. None finer made than our fine Merchant Tailor-Made Garments at ONE-HALF the original made-to-order prices. SUITABLE HOLIDAY GIFTS. Genuine Diamond Eardrops, $7 50 up. Genuine Diamond Rings, $5 and up. Genuine Diamond Studs, ?5 and up. Genuine Diamond Scarf Fins, $ 5 and up. Genuine Diamond Pendants, 10 and up. The above are not chips, but genuine Cat Stones, and onr own importation. Ladies' Solid 14-ltt Gold American Watches, $30. IT 18 A DUTY yon owe yonrieifand fam ily to get the best value for your money. Economize in your footwear by purchasing W. 12. Douglas shoe., which represent ths bet Talue tor prices asked, as thousands WlI,tTAiue NO SUBSTITUTE. .! SMIT'S, 932 and 934 Liberty St anl-703,705 and 707 Smithfield St deS-TTSsa YOUGHIOGHENY COAL CO., LTD., Greenougli Street and Gas Alley. OFFICE. 10G GEANT ST. T. S. KNAP, MANAGER lelephone 1070. Youghiogheny Gas and Steam Coal. White and. River Sand. -OS-Prompt service to manufacturers and consumers generally. Mills supplied with river sand. Jh7.74.Tra LIQUORS Opposite City Hall, tde6 FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES. PURE OLD RYE WHISKIES From $1 to (1 CO per quart. - CALIFORNIA PORTS, SHERRIES, Etc At 50c a quart. The Only Licensed Drugstore in the City. G. EISENBEJS, Successor to H. P. Sohwartz & Co., Wbolfsale asd Retail Druggist, 113 FEDERAL UT., ALLEGHENY. PA. Tel. 3016. Established 1836. OC13-31-TT8U WALL PAPER, Our 5c paper is the best Our 7c paper is the finest Our ioc paper fs good enough for the best of parlors. Send for samples of these papers, sent free to any address. G. G. 0'BRM'S PIT AND WALL PAPER STORE. ' 315 Fifth Avenue, Four Squares From Court House. no30-28-D W. L. DOUGLAS $3 SHOE cenEiImen, THE BEST SHOE IN THE WORLD FOR THE H0NET. A genuine sewed shoe, (hat trfll not rip. On calf, seamless, smooth inside, flexible, more com fortable, ityllsh and durable tban any other shoe ever sold at the price. Equals custom made shoes costing from $i to J5. JL and 95 Hand-sewed, flnecalf shoes. The JJ"T most stylish, easy and durable iboes CTeriold at the price. They equal fln imported shoes anting from$3to12. E7A11 other trades of the same high standard of excellence. .CAUTION. Beware of dealers substituting shoes without W. L. Douglas name and the pries tamped on bottom. Such substitutions are fraudu lent and subject to prosecution by law for obtaining money nnder falae pretences. W. L. DOUGLAS, Brockton, Mass. Sold by . Carter. 71 Fifth arcane: J. K. Frohring. 33 Jlfth avenue: 11. J. X O. M. Lanar. 4501 Butler strseu I'Utsburg: Henry Koiser, 1(H federal itreet; X. ii. II oilman. Mo. 72Bebcca street, Allegheny; Hutchinson Bros.. No. 230 Bearer arenas. Alls gheny; James Shilllday.No.50S Finn avenue; v olf llroa.. Ha. 233) larsou street, Jflttsburi TT IN HIS STEAD. Morton Holt's name was synonymous with success. He was a man of boundless resource and commanding intellect. In his early years he had .worked with unwearied perseverance, giving himself no rest until, lhronsh his law practice, he had amassed a fortune the very mention of which com manded men's respect He was never hampered or retarded by haste; each move he made was sure and ad vantageous; and if he had gained the repu tation of possessing a heart that was in a constant state of repose, in the face of his success men thought none the less of him. They knew that worthier men had failed, while he had gone triumphantly on to the alluring goal. A half hour of his company was as bene ficial as a cold shower bath. The most loquacious curtailed his words and made thtm to the point nnder Holt's coldly criti cal eyes. His office was considered the best law school in London. His clerks disliked him thoroughly, but accorded him a meed of respect they gave no other man. He was1 impervious to their want of good will; he did npt care for their esteem, he exacted only the unconditional obedience he ob tained. 'So man came to the office late more than once. Holt's urbane hope that the late comer's health was improving, and that he would soon be entirely recovered, did not pass current as genuine solicitude. But, again, he never demanded a moment of their time after office hours; he was essen tially a just man. There was no one ready 'or adroit enongh to retort to his stinging satire, but the men were willing to bear it, lor in his monetary dealings he was ex tremely liberal. It was only after Holt's marriage, when he was nearing 40, that men drew nearer to him. They were glad to discover that he nas not so invulnerable as they had sup posed. The world knew nothing of her until she came to them as Holt'i wife, but soon after J reports originated that her parentage had been enveloped in mysterv, and that Holt had rescued her from the temptations that come to bitter poverty and educated her at his own expense. Her faultless face and manner seemed to give the lie direct to the rumor that had gained ground, and she took her place with unquestioned supremacy. Holt lavished upon her a fnnd of love that most men would have found sufficient for a lar?e familv. Tt u nTmnit .;!fv.i A watch him while with her. For her sake ne lorcea nimseu to eo into society, which, hitherto, he had considered unrelieved martyrdom. He threw open his house to his acquaintances becanse she was a voung woman, and he was determined not to weary her, but be deemed it his home only on those evenings when they were alone. He chafed under the voke he put round his neck, but he was nevir allowed to become aware of his feelings. She was, perhaps, the only person who u.u ui icu o-uii. j.nose wno thought she had married him from a feeling of gratitude were compelled to change their belief on seeing her sweet graciousness to him. She bewildered the world, as well as Holt, by her smile. She insisted upon his taking care of his health, and walked to the office with him nearly every morning, saying that If left to himself he would drive, and so have no exercise. She would call for him in her victoria at 5, and sometimes alight and admonish King, the junior partner, for not relieving Holt of more of the routine work. Holt gave himself over to the luxury of being taken care of without complaint Holt was seated alone in his private office, having ended the last audience he intended to grant that afternoon. It had had been a most trying and fatiguing day, but hit face showed no sign of weariness. A knock came at the door, and Holt, recognizing his wife's form outlined against the glass, arose and opened the door for her. At that moment his face was almost reduced from plainness by his smile. "I am about to disappoint you," he ob served, motioning her to be seated. "I am called out of town on important business. ana shall not be able to take yoa to the the- J atsr as arranged. You know how much I regret this, but it is imperative tbat I go." "Why cannot Mr. King go in your stead?" she demanded, with evident dis pleasure at his default "I am sure you could save yourself many a task by using him in your place. You are too unsparing of your own time and self." - Holt looked at her in amusement "Do you not know you are the onlv one who thinks me thoughtful of others? "They would tell you, and truthfully, that I am going because I know that I can provide against accidents and defeat more surely than can "King. Perhaps, in time, I may lose through your influence some of my hardness. Besides, King has work that will keep him here close on to midnight If it were not so, I should appoint him my substitute, but you need not stay at home." "Will he stay here all alone?'' she asked, feigning an Interest in tbe affairs of .the firm. "All alone. Perhaps the only one in the building. There is no need to shiver for King; there is no danger." "But there must be danger, all alone in this immense building. I am glad yoa are not to stay," she laughed, looking at him tenderly. "I think I shall tell'Mr. King he had better bring some one along for eompany." "He is out at present I must send yoa home now, for I have some few instructions to leave. You well know how much I dis- liKe to disappoint you. "I am disappointed," she murmured, "for I thought we should enjoy the evening to gether, but I am going to bear it bravely. Shall you be late?" "It is possible I may be home by 12, certainly not belore." Holt saw her to the carriage, and watched her drive away. On Te-entering the build ing, he turned his ankle, and found it diffi cult to mount the stairs. He made no mention of it in the outer office, but directed them to tell Mr. King he wished to see him at once. It was some ten minutes later that King entered. Holt was an Intelligent giant, King a vhyslcal giant Beside Holt, who was gaunt and yellow, his health and good looks were so evident as to seem al most an impertinence. "You will have to eo to Mr. Eodner'n. King; I have again turned my ankle. Make haste, and you will be able to catch the 6 o'clock train. I shall take your place and complete those documents this evening." "Let them go until "morning," urged King; "I will manage to get down early enough before they are needed. I can see the pain you are suffering." "We have no time for condolences just at present," interrupted Holt, wincing under King's compassionate looks; :'I shall finish, the papers to-night" "I met Mrs. Holt as I came back to .the office, and she told me of her disappoint ment. Are yon going home?" "I shall go home to dine, and come down later. You might join me here on return ing from Rodney's, when we can go into Again impressing on him the wisdom ot foing home to dinner. King left the gffice urriedly, scarcely hoping to catch the train. Holt rose preparatory -to going home. He repressed an exclamation ot acute pain as his weight came down on his ankle. If he went home he donbted his being able to come down again. As his wife did not ei; pect him, he decided to stay at the office and commence on King's work. He walked to the door, telling the chief clerk, who was then the only Sue left in the office, that he would stay a while longer, but made no mention of his intention to spend tbe evening at the office. He waited in his own office until he heard the man leave. Then he locked the 'outer doors and went to" King's office, which was a small room, seldom used because it did not connect with the others; to enter, it was necessary to go out into the passage way. Holt lit tbe gas and began his work. rri.. li .. t j Tr.ti .- .luc uucik Bfcruca. six, anu noit rvuiem- i bered.he had been too busy that morning to interrupt nis laDors lor luncheon, lie won dered what his wife would say if she knew he was still at work, without thought of eating. It is not altogether unpleasant to have somebody interested in one's welfare. At ,half-past seven he neatly folded the last document and pushed them to one side. He knew that what he had accomplished in .two hours would have taken King double Ibe time. Thin tine of the three hours that still remainded before King's possible re turn, he almost regretted having directed him to meet him at the office that night He took from his pocket a jeweler's box containing a strfng of rubles; it had caught his eye that morning, and be had found time to purchase it, t though not for lun- heon. He turned the cax low. and leaned back in bis chair, holding the rubies against ' his face. No sound broke tbe stillness, ex cept now and then the gnawing of some rat in the wainscoting. . Suddenly he leaned forward in his chair, intently listening. He detected a soft foot fall in the corridor it was the step of one who was moving carefully, so as to conceal all noise. He heard a key inserted in the lock of tbe door leading to the office, then it was withdrawn. He turned the gas so low it emitted only a mere spark, and, pull ing open the drawer ot the table, drew out a revolver, which he knew King always kept there. The person in tbe hall came with but one object, and it is fair to suppose tbat the man who purposes committing burglary is desperate enough to shoot to save himself or his plunder. Holt was prepared for his entrance, and determined to act at once without parley, for his accident, to some degree, crippled him, and he did not pro pose to let go his hold on life of his own free will. . He had npt -long to wait The steps paused at his door; then the key turned in the lock, and the door swung open. Holt saw the face .was masked by some dark stuff, and milled, the trigger. The intruder fell forwaVd, and Holt turned up the lieht And then he saw it was his wife! The black lace scarf had fallen away, exposing her perfect face. She had grown nervous because he had not come home to dinner, and had come down for him, and he had shot berl He carried her over to the couch that stood in one corner of the room. As her head touched the pillor she raised her hand to his face, murmuring: "Rob. Bob. whv did vou hurt me?" Holt stepped back in paralysed fear she was calling him bv King's name. She was here in Kiugfc office, and, because of the, sudden cnange oi plans, ne aau uncovered her. He staggered blindly to a chair. The last few months unrolled themselves before him. and he reviled his own lack of. pene tration. He brought his hand down on tbe table with such force that the rubies danced madly on their slender thread of gold, throwing off their dazzling lights. He wished dully they were diamonds; their red hurt his eyes. He took tbera up fiercely, as if to crush them, and they cut his band. He looked np at her. She was leaning forward, watching him with dilated eyes. "Why are yon here?" sho cried; "you must not kill him. You must be satisfied .with my death. Promise me you will not kill him." "No, I shall not kill him," ho responded coldly. "You frighten me," she whispered. 'If you only would not sit there smiling to yourself. , You have no right to complain I made vou happy for a year." "So you did,'f agreed Holt, "It was very good of you. I would have laid down my life for you. AVould King, do you think? ' She did not know what course to pur she. Finally she said, "Yes." Still he sat, holding tbe rubies, calmly smiling. "Take me home," she said. "Your home- is with King; and, as you know, this is his office." "You cannot mean to leave me here?" she exclaimed. "Why not? You are nothing to me, and King will be here in the course of two or three hours. He was very urgent in press ing me to go home to dine; I see the reason now. Hnfortunatelv, however, I had turned my ankle, and, as it was rather pain ful, determined to stay here." "You regret it now?" she breathed. "You are sorry the veil is torn from your eyes?" He caught his Hd in his teeth. What she said was true he regretted being tamed out of his fool's paradise. He caught up his gloves and top coat "What are you doing?" she questioned. ".Yoa are not going to leave me here alone?" "It you are afraid I can stay with you for a time longer I have no very pressing en gagement I can stay with you until the end, If yon prefer it, and shortly alter King will probably be here." "Are you going to let him find me here?" she asked, waiting for his answer with sus pended breath. "Ut course, xou said he would be willing to die for you he shall have, the chance. The bullet lodged in your breast is from King's revolver, and you are in King's office. He will come in and fall down be side you,pnd try to warm you to life by bis caresses, and perhaps his clothes will not be quite spotless when he arises. Knowing the extent of his guilt, he will not be as collect ed and rational as I, and will stay with you, fntilely searching for some plausible excuse to give tbe world for yourpresence. No one is aware I am here, and it will be a very clear case against him." She drew a shuddering sigh. "I will not I die yet I shall call call for help." "No one heard the shot," he reminded her. "Don't move, you will only hasten the endt" he cautioned, as she attempted to reach him. "You must not come nearer me. My apparel must not be disordered when 1 reach tbe club. Looking at him, she foresaw her defeat, but did not desist from begging him to take her awav. Once he laughed low, showing her the rubies, saying she deserved great credit lor the cleverness with which she had deceived him, but otherwise he made no response. She cried for help once, but was answered only by the echo of her own voice as it rang through the lofty building. An hour passed; then she ceased to plead for King or for a drink of water. When Holt looked np at last, she lay back on the couch dead. Carefully picking his steps, he walked over to the table, took up the papers which he intended to put in his own desk, and de stroyed all trace of his uresence. He looked searchingly at himself, but he could find no sign of the struggle through which he had passed. He drew out 'his watch. It was shortly after 9. It was time he reached the club. He turned the light low, and as he did so glanced over at her. She seemed to be watchinsr him. How lie hated herl He had shown it by tbe torment he had made her endure. Bat she had made his happiness the only happiness he had ever known. Now he would go home to the lonely house, bereft of even the memories of tbat time. Surelv she moved. He walked toward her. and grasped her by the arm, crying: "You are to come with me." He waited for a second in sickening fear, then, thrusting the rubies before her, added: , "Don't make believe you don't hear me, I forgive you- 8ee, they are for you." He released his hold. He saw she was dead. Someone was coming up the steps, whistling. It was King, the man she had loved. He clutched the revolver, lev eling it toward bis own forehead. No, he would not dis figure himself there had al ways been too much contrast between them. The cheery whistle sounded louder, clearer. Holt aimed at his heart and fired. Of him it had been jestingly said, he had no heart The whistle died away. . iVarson' rfifcty- .Jsfc
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