The Tragic Pact of a Seattle Love Triangle

In the spring, Paul, who had been busy on the survey of a railway, said to his friend Emile: 'As business has presented itself for me to show what I can do, I shall be absent at least a few months. I want Hortense with you, and the thought of leaving her makes me sad. You will watch over her as though she were a sister, and when I return, and find her pure and worthy of me, she will be my wife.' Emile agreed, and for a time, they remained tranquil. However, forced to speak of love to Hortense, Emile found his own feelings were changing. He grew to adore her, and Hortense, feeling the same, was consumed by the agony of their deceit. When Paul ceased to reply to letters, the silence weighed heavily. Finally, on the turning of the year, Emile gave Hortense a locket containing Paul’s portrait, but it was found to contain Emile’s own image instead. A confrontation followed, leading to a confession of their mutual, forbidden love. Overwhelmed by the fear of betraying their absent friend, they discussed suicide, finally resolving that death was their only path. They were found together, both dead, in a scene of tragic finality.