The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

528 The Hto^hland Monthly
merely suggest a plan—a safe and sure one, dear sir—for
your consideration.
us, remember— you.
It is you who forced this matter upon
We were happy here, my daughter
and I, until you introduced this subject, and it is one I
would rather you did not press. Permit me to show you
this little packet here—very tiny, is it not? and more valu-
able than rubies—than rubies. Gems frequently cause
sin and misery, sir, this little white powder, which dissolves
instantly and becomes invisible and tasteless in wine or
water, removes misery and avoids sin."
" I scarcely see anything in the paper."
" Two grains, that is all ; white in colour, so powdery
that if you breathe so hard
—
so hard— it will vanish in the
air. Easily administered—easily administered,"
" By the doctor."
" No ; a virtue lies in its being administered by the person
who is loved and who desires to quench that love, and
so preserve the happiness of the jilted one."
" I could not do it—what if it killed her ?"
Professor Somerton started visibly at the remark.
you are nervous," he said, laughing drily.
" Ha !
" How does it work. Professor ?— I may at least satisfy
my curiosity."
" Quite right, sir—but remember, on your soul and con-
science, that what I tell you is a secret, and—one—which
you—must—never divulge."
" I promise."
" A dreamless sleep— your absence for a few days
Miss Flora zvoiild never love you again''
and
And as we broke in upon their conversation, so must
they as suddenly be left— Richard gazing silently into the
fire, now a mere flicker, and the Professor contemplating
him from behind with a look that was almost triumphant
and unmistakably fiendish.
ITO BE CONTINUED.]
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