Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1880-01-16


sure Of his position now, he hurried
home to write two anonymous letters,
which would, he fondly hoped, diSin-
herit and utterly coniound his long sue.
cessful rival.
One of these venomous missives
found Maud Chester in her pretty bou-
doir, tritiing with some embroidery, and
dreaming sweet dreams of her love and
Fred Hollis devotion. She was hand
some, dignifed girl of IL, full of all wo-
manly sweetness, unspoilel by her
great wealth. She loved Fred Holt
with the whole strength of her young
heart, and she was sure that her love
was returned.
Wondering who her knowing cores
pendent could be, she opened the pa
per. The same struggling hand met
her eyes. Only these few lines were
written:
"lf you would have proof OF the false,
hood of one YOU believe true, so at 5
o'clock this evening to the second floor
OF No. - Ralph street, and you will find
Mr.. Fred Holt and his wife"
"Anonymous!n the proud girl said.
III Is Il ld'SenOOu.
She threw the note on the Goals rs
she spoke, and watched the DANES curl
and blacken. the paper till it flashed out
of sight up the chimney. Then, with
all the color stricken from her face, she
took up her embroidery.
Had Harvey watched her then, he
would have thought that poisoned ar
row had missed its aim. But il was not
so. The work was thrown aside, the
piano rang out under her restless fin
gers, novel was opened, room was
put in order; but while the calm face
betrayed no secret suffering, the girlwas
tortured all day by the words of the
anonymous letter.
Erred Holt and his wife "
And while she was striving to hide
from any eyes the tortures she endured.
James Rutherford was storming up ana
down his library, holding the second Of
Harvey Fosters communications III
his hand. In the same awkward hand.
writing the same facts were stated, the
same hour and place to verify the writ
er's words.
But the pepperry old bachelor made
no secret of his wrath. To have listened
to him, one would have supposed that
making mince-meat of his disobedient
nephew was the least ne intended.
1t was with chuckle of satisfaction
that Harvey Foster, secretly hidden in
a narrow courtway, watched tall, state
ly figure leave a carriage at the head of
Ralph street, and walk to the door of
No. %.
In the quiet of the street he heard a
clear voice ask the servant who opened
the door:
"Does Mrs. Holt live here?'
Eyes, ma'am; second floor"
as her husband at homer
ooh, yes, ma'am; you will find them
both there"
Then Maud Chester entered the house,
just as short, painting man dashed up
the steps, and, not pausing to make any
inquiry, also entered.
In the passage, Maud Chester turn.
ing, as rapid steps followed her, faced
James Rutherford.
You herem he said. You have
heard too, then, of the trick this un,,
grateful hound has played upon both OF
us ?"
Il have heard" che answered, in y
cold voice THAT your nephew's wife
lives in this house. wish to ascertain
if it is true"
1--WE will soon see! we will soon see
Second floor. Here we are. Now, them"
And the old gentleman's raps proved
the excitement under which he was la
boring.
A very pale, sweet woman opened the
door, her eyes showing that she had
been weeping very recently.
"Does Mrs. Holt live here p the old
gentleman asked.
That is my name, sir.
"Can see your husband? p
The soft eyes, full of deep trouble,
were lifted inquiringly to his face.
lis it on business, sir"
Very important business" was the
rather dry response.
because the doctor said to-day he
must not have any mental excitement,
He is so very much worse to-day; II
am afraid he is DYING And sobs broke
out again.
"Dyingw
| Dying! An accluenl
No, sir; il is fever from oyer-work."
FevCr-over-work."
Josie-Josie"
II ever Fred Holt spoke, he spoke
then from an inner room, and the little
wife seeming to forget her strange Wis
itors, answered, quickly
"Tm coming, Fred"
She went at once to the room from
which the voice came, and again the
two, listening intently, heard Fred's
husky voice.
Bring the last cordial, Josie. Ten
drops am sure he knew me; but he
is faint"
A moment later the same CHEEKY
voice spoke again.
Drink this, old fellow. See!-seel
here is Josie! Don't you know Josie?'
Then another voice-oh! SO very faint!
said
"Josie--lttle wife,
A moment Of utter silence followed,
and then Josie said
aThere il a gentleman and lady i'm the