"1 see you are frightened,” she said; |
"but you needn’t be. 1 shall never kill
another woman; I shall never want to.” i
She sank weariij down at my l'*et as |
she took one of my hands in her own, and :
1 felt as if an electric shock had passed
through my body.
"There’s little left to tell,” she continued,
in a weary voice. "1 bribed my attendants,
drugged her nurses, and killed her without
a sound. Then through the gates of the
palace .1 fled into the night, carrying with
me a fortune in precious stones, 1 reach
ed England safely, and set sail for Amer
ica. 1 learned the language and opened
this studio. I was a born artist and a.
beautiful woman. i’eople of high degree
patronized me. I gained love and fame,
and the world caled the fair bohemian an
enviable creature.”
Her last words were pronounced with a
sarcasm and anguish indescribable.
My heart went out in pity to her. I
stooped and kissed her hot cheek.
"I don't think happiness can ever come
to you in this life,” I said; “but you may
find peace in eternity by repentance.
"I have nothing to repent,” the said, :
turning her great eyes proudly upon me.
