Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 8.djvu/276

250 most certainlv. I have only done my duty." What could I do? What I did was to stamp and rave, and go into hysterics, but all the time I clutched that wretched piece of paper, which separated me from Earl forever, unless this marriage could be set aside, and I vowed it should be set aside. Nita tried to calm me; uselessly. Then I saw Raphalio approaching me; he held a handkerchief in his hand. I pushed him away, but what was my puny strength compared with his? He pressed the handkerchief to my face, and I was not so ignorant but that I recognized the fumes of chloroform. I felt my strength desert me. I felt his arms around me; his hot kisses upon my lips, and then I lost consciousness.

I awoke at midnight. I was alone with him, and his arms were around me. I realized it was useless for me to struggle against my fate, which was stronger than I.

But, ah! his was but a paltry triumph, for he really loved me to madness, and I,—I hated him to the death! I never smiled at him. I thwarted him every way in my power. I made his life a very hell.

I did love my little girl when she came, but not enough to prevent me leaving her the first chance I got. When she was about there months old I had an opportunity to purchase a passport made out in another woman's name, for America, but she repented, luckily for me. I bought me a travelling suit, and smuggled a quantity of my clothes by piecemeal to her house. They would think I had given them away if they were missed. I also bought her trunk and paid her a handsome sum for her silence, and to place my ordinary bonnet and cloak upon the edge of the Arno. Then with a passionate kiss upon my baby's sweet mouth, I left Italy's shores forever. I would not have left my little Carina, but I dared not bring her home; for she was my living image, young as she was; and I dreaded a scandal.

I was glad when I knew you had removed to Boston; and you remember I made you move again, telling you I did not like the house. It was to cover our trail. I so feared the man who claimed me would find me again in spite of my supposed death, and the bitter letter I left him.

You have often wondered I never would have a picture taken, that I would seldom go out. Father, for nineteen years my life has been a living death! And, ah! my Jove, my love! Tell him, father, the whole story, and tell him that I loved him better than I loved my life.

I mean to put this where you will be sure to find it, for I feel that my days are numbered, I am dying of a breaking heart. I suffer so intensely at times that I have to resort to artificial means of rest. I also am compelled to increase the dose often, and at any of these times, I am liable to die from its effects. But I know God will pardon me, and Oh! my father, I pray humbly that you may. God bless you forever. Your loving, dying daughter,

."

The paper dropped from my hands. I started up, and rang the bell.

"The coward! The devil! "I cried. "His life shall pay the forfeit yet. Now I know what force it was that brought me to Florence."

The waiter rapped before entering.

"I would see the landlord."

"Si Signor." Soon the man of the house stood obsequiously before me. I bade him to be seated, as I wished to ask a few questions.

"Where is the son of this, this Russino?" I asked.

"The son? Raphalio? Does not the American Milord know that he is dead?"

"Dead!" I cried, sinking into my seat. Carina's father dead?"

"Yes, Milord, when the bonnet of the beautiful young wife was found floating upon the Arno, and her garment upon the bank, Raphalio went mad.