The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1880-08-05

aIClullv WicaCncu III movers, avail Jne
inexperienced feet of their darlings,
they would devote less time to fashion
and friv olity, and think only Of fighting
these monster evils, which, licensed
and encouraged by this good (?) gov
eminent, every year drag thousands of
innocent ones down to infamy and
shame.
CHAPTER II.
How Belle got through her lessons
the next day is only known to herself
and the long suffering and patient
teacher. For was she not soon to see
the magnificent mansion where she
would some time reign queen? What
were Latin Roots and French verbs to
young lady of her grand expectations?
At last the clock chimed the hour of 8,
and our young lady was free to go to
the house of the friend with whom she
had obtained permission to pass the
evening. But instead Of going there
as she left the school building she en-
tered a street car going in the opposite
direction, toward the very heart Of the
great city. The streets which they
presently enter are unfamiliar to Belle,
but what schoolgirl Of lG is not equal
to such an occasion? So she leaned
calmly back in the seat and watched
the changing panorama in the street.
It was a long ride, a very long one, but
ut length her eyes frightened, and she
sprang to her feet; a benevo-
lent-lo king old gentleman stopped the
car and assisted her to alight. She
thanked him with a graceful little bow
and smile, then walked slowly down Il
side street, scanning every house close
ly. Though near the center of the city,
the street seemed quiet and retired. 1t
was lined ON both sides by grand and
gloomy looking brown stone fronts. Be-
fore one Of these Belle paused, then
with beating heart ascending the mar
bic steps and rang the belle; the door
was opened by q girl who looked at
her curiously as she timidly inquired
if Mrs. Hunt was within-this was the
name of the aged aunt, for whom AL
phonso had directed her to ask The
girl hesitated a moment and then with
a peculiar smile OH her unpleasant
countenance, threw open the door Of
magnificent reception room and invited
Belle to enter. She did 50, and, after
seeing her seated, the girl left the
room, closing the door after her. The
room was rather dark, but gradually,
as Bellies eyes became used to the dim
light, she was assured that Al phonso
had not exaggerated when he described
his magnificent surroundings. A car
pet thick and soft as moss covered the
floor; rich curtains were draped SO rs
to conceal the plate-glass windows, and
here and there, from out the darkness,
cleaned beautiful statuary. She had
ample leisure to observe all this, then
as no one came, she began to grow in
dignant. "Why was not Alphonso here
to receive her? Why did they keep
her waiting SO long?' Suddenly voice
so near that it made her start, exclaim-
ed:
"Hello, sis"
She looked around with a startled
cry; she had thought herself alone; but
near by, partly hidden by the window
draping, sat a man, who was gazing at
her with an impudent stare. He was
adorned by a red necktie and profu-
sion of flashy jewelry; he sat astride
chair with his arms folded over the
back, and look in the bold, black eyes
which made Bellies cheeks blaze with
Indignation. She did not deign to re-
ply. Her silence seemed to amuse
him. He caressed his mustache with a
smile of intense enjoyment, then in
quired affably:
"You came to call on me, sup
pose?'
This was probably an impudent serv-
ant; would Alphonse never come? She
replied coldly:
II wish to see Mr.. Sartoris.''
"Any relation to the Grant family ?"
II wish to see Mr.. Alphonse Sar-
toris!''
"Ah" with a gesture Of mock sur
prise; II thought you were inquiring
for Al gernon!' he rose, and bringing his
chair to her side, peered into her face
insultingly; "but as Algy is not in at
present, and the other gentleman is ell
tirely unknown to me-won't / do ?"
Belle ,sprang % her feet, the blood
surging over cheek and brow; a dim
forboding of, she knew not what, filled
her with one idea-she must get away
from this house, out of the presence of
this terrible man; as she reached the
door, it was opened from without, but
the glad exclamation, "AlphonseW was
checked by the appearance of the wo-
man who entered. Richly, but flashily
dressed, crime was stamped on every