Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-11-24

time; but crimson velvet robe, palpitating
opals, shimmering diamonds, and laces
queen might have coveted.
Rich and mellow was Colonel Elton's
voice when he spoke again.
1--WE are just from Germany, Lazy
Creighton he said.
Lady Creighton paled under the eye
with which he transiixed her.
1--WE left the singing Rhine for the
borders of a grand old torest-the very
forest your feet once skirted."
/ noted the same look of fear that swept
the face under the frescoed walls. 1t was
rs swift as awful and she answered in
silvery tones:
That was not remarkable, Colonel FL
ton. resided in Germany a good many
months. My late husbands daughter was
a great Invalid, and we carried her thith-
err when other means failed to reward our
hopes. 1t was sad time. for. Sir Robert
being too feeble to leave England, all the
responsibility fell on me-
.'You must have found it wearing" my
friend returned, with the same trtnslXing
gaze.
Lady Creighton had recovered herself
somewhat, and her face betrayed nothing
as she answered:
II did But must entreat you to ex-
cuse me-other guests | see are waiting
my leisure
Mamma - n sweet voice murmurel
at her elbow.
"Ah, Here is my daughter, Beatrice
Ninci | suppose you have forgotten her,
Col. Elton? She was but sprite when
you saw her. And her dark, passionate
eyes burned lovingly as she presented the
beautiful innocent girl.
Lady Creighton moved away, doubtless
hoping to avoid further conversation with
the man she had just escaped.
She might as well have Stunned the
outstretched hand of death. Colonel FL
ton was her shadow. At last the rooms
began to thin, but he still fingered, and
ened perceptibly. AT last we were the
only remaining guests. Self-posscssed
and innexible, he spoke.
Again presuming on old time privilege
es. Lady Creighton. have remained Tor
quiet chat about that Germany in which
we both have occasion to feel deep in
terest."
was prepared for hauteur at this point
but remorse had done its work and she
bowed shiteringly.
who was lowering near her mother. 'Oh,
mother can't hear it mentioned with
out shudder. That terrible--terrible
Old"
beatrice, gor' interrupted Lady
Creighton, almost sharply. at grows
late. These gentlemen will not detan
Inc long. and | will join you
And again the mother-love filmed in
her magnificent eyes as she watched the
girls reireating form. The last floating
thread of white gossamer lost to her view,
she dropped into fauteuil. motioning us
to take seats near her. The quiet even
voice took me by surprise, and also the
courage with which she dashed into an ev-
idently-dreaded subject.
doubtless You have heard some of the
sad details Of our residence in Germany,
though not the saddest. Nna's madness
was family secret, kept from all save Il
few faithful servants, and we naturally
preferred the seclusion of foreign coun-
try for our darling to the publicity and
horrors of mad-house. In Germany we
could guard her with secret and loving
care"
''Elt0n's broad chest heaved at that
startling mention of madness. which ac-
counted for certain grated windows and
iron-bound doors. lie replied noneha-
lantly:
IL heard many things. Lady Creighton,
some of which | will tell you. When /
was first ordered to India, bore with me
the hope OF winning sweet girls love
and left one in London who had both
the will and the power to keep me inform
ed OF all concerning the lovely Nina-Sr
Robert Creighton's one precious darling.
Consequently, l learned in due time that
old Sir Roberts heart and hand had been
won by a peerless Italian widow-that
Nina had been gifted with a mother.
''Trampling all obstacles under foot |
returned to find that my wild idolatry had
gained the coveted ward-Nina's love
was mine. Besides that found that she
was far from happy-that her fathers
beautiful wife was a terror and dread to
her. Though sharing her fears, | laughed
at them. and with the glad hope of claim
ing at some future day Sir Roberts con-
ditional PROMISE departed for the post
of duty.
Then Lady Creighton, | learned,
through the same friend, that Sir Robert
had made new willard one which was
very generally esteemed the work of his
peerless wife. Since am detailing much
that you already know, may state that
this will contained clause startling in
that vast Creighton estates were entailed
to Lady Creighton's little child, Beatrice
Vinci, through his own daughter, Nina,
in case the latter should die unwedded. |
was disturbed at this item of English in
telligence, for l said to myself, Lady
Creighton may
He paused and leaned toward the su-
peru creature whose eyes were riyetted on
his by species of fascination.
You look so white and Mortified, Lady
Creighton, that fear you do not quite
understand" he sneered, with a co Id
deadly smile. Then he resumed, with the
Same smile, the same icy tones: 81 said
to myself. Lady Creighton may be--nay
be-tempted! Don't, pray don't!n he
laughed ruthlessly, as a low cry parted
her white lips; "you mar the thread of
my story, which is still unfinished.
After a few months heard that my NJ
ma was in delicate health, and that the
peerless Lady Creighton, who was mod
el step dame in the WORTH eyes, had car