Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1885-12-25

SSSA dAASS - Ivy 49, - ShO Aoa
anticipated. Her mind would turn
back to her lonely parents in that de-
serted home, and her heart began to
throb painfully as she pictured to
herself the grief, displeasure and dis
may that would follow the receipt of
the letter she had mailed just before
leaving the city.
In fact, it required the most persist
ent and affectionate attentions, both
on the part of her lover and Mrs. Dag
gett, to keep her from acting upon the
impulse that prompted ner to return
home.
But for the present, the influence
of her lover was potent and effective,
ond she was very much Ill love with
him-or thought (Which served the
purpose quite as we'll.
When his attentions had been dis
couraged, and even forbidden by her
parents, despite the feeling of resent
full pique which that exercise o. their
authority had aroused in the breast of
their petted and slightly willful child
she would have been disposed 10 yield
to their decision, had it not been for
the skillful exerted influence of Mrs
Daggett, who, from mere-almo>t a
chance acquaintance, had suddenly,
in some way best know to herself.
develoded into Cora's chief friend and
counselor. Under her tutelage. Cora
had been made 10 view herself as the
victim of parental tyranny and I'M
reasonable prejudice against one who
only lived in her smile, and to whom
existence would be worthless without
her.
AT Mrs. Daggett's residence, or I'M
der her management, the lovers had
obtained clandestine meetings, where
those sentiments had been fostered
and strengthened, until Cora was
ready, or at least disposed TO take the
only step which, as they both assured
her, was left, in order TO assert her in
dependence and secure the man of her
choice.
And now, although at the remem.
brance of that cruel, anflial letter
written from Mrs. Daggett's dictation
tive tears would crowd into her eyes,
and remorseful sobs risein her throat,
the pressure of her lovers arm around
her, his soft yoice-modulated to the
most endearing cadence, and breath,
ing words of the most undying de
votion-made her persuade herself
that she was happy, and that he was,
after all, as she herself had stated, her
dearest friend.
While stopping for refreshments,
abeut nine O'Clock in the evening,
the prospective bridegroom and bond
holder called Mrs. Daggett aside, and
spoke few words privately and then
sauntered carelessly away, while the
lady returned to her pr0tegee and
pupil.
DEAREST she said in the soft, pur-
ring tone that was somewhat begin
ming 10 lose its charm for Cora,
Cousin Jack tells me that he has
learned that we are being followed,
with view of getting you away from
him-eithcr by kidnapping you, or in
some desperate way-before he can
make you all his own and he thinks
that when we return to the cars, that
we had better sit apart from each
other, as you will be less likely to be
noticed by parties who may be direct
ed 10 look in aud see if you are aboard,
and if Mr.. BHvens is in company with
you. Cousin Jack proposes to take q
seat in another car, only looking in
onca IN awhile to be sure we are all
right; and, for still greater security,
he suggests that we change our hats,
wells and wraps, and let me carry
your sachel; then, if they detect US,
they will have to be smarter than we
are, you see"
Up TO this time, Cora had submitted
passively to the suggestions and ar
engagements of her friends, but at the
last few words spirit of mingled dis
trust and resentment stirred in her
heart.
81 have no objections to sit by my
self for awhile, she answered quietly,
and with a tirmness quite new to her
self. but | do not think that any
other changes are necessary; besides,
it would be scarcely possible for us to
make them IN few moments before
the tram starts, or without attracting
attention to ourselves in rather un-
pleasant way, especially as you say
MIR. Blivens suspects that persons are
on tho watch for us
''Well, never mind, dear! !" said Mrs.
Daggett, hiding a decidedly dis com
fitted expression under cover of con-
venient cough. Everything shall be
done exactly as you desire. To you
it belongs to give orders-to me to
obey them! But it is time for us to
get on board again"
If Cora grasped the sachel contain
ing her jewels and bonds little more
closely and firmly as she rose to fol-
low her friend, it was rather from an
instructive impulse, than from any
feeling that she was prepared to an
alyza just then.
There nowl you are safe enough
here!' said Mrs. Daggett, as she as
sisted her portegee to a seat near the
rear door of the car. This thick veil
of yours makes it impossible for any
one to catch even glimpse of your
face. Now lean back against the side
of the car-so! and try t. get little
nap. or course we would have taken
a sleeping car, had not Cousin Jack
who has had great deal more expert
ence than either of us, you know-be-
lieved that was the very place where
they would be most likely to look for
us. Jack is forward in the smoking
car, but will be likely TO look in pref
ty soon, just to see how we are getting
along. When he does so, /. being in
the front end OF the car, will have the
first chance to speak with him, and
will tell him why we have rot.made
the change he proposed"
The devil himself, as bad as he is.
would be a great deal more likely to
keep out Of trouble, il il were not fol-
the small bluuders he is continually
making, and by strange coincidence.
Mr.. Bliyens had on several occasions
suffered in a similar way. This time.
he stepped Off the train at the first
stop it made, aud passing around.
came in at the rear door of TIE car il.
which the ladies were seated, and
came straight to the seat occupied by
Cora.
Smooth sailing so far, Mattw were
the first words that greeted her ears.
You've done the business up prime.
and no mistake. 1 see you've csioled
the precious little idiot to resign sachel
and all TO your stewardship with
the bonds in it, of coursel"
For a moment the heart of the girl
beside him seemed to cease its beating.